I'm going to make this quick and painless, because the only way to move on from yesterday's gut wrenching loss to the New York Jets is to turn the page and look to this weeks' matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
Lets get to it.
1. Protect Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins offensive line gave up zero sacks yesterday, so in that respect they did a good job of protecting the rookie QB. Was he under a lot of pressure at times in the pocket? Absolutely, but give credit to Tannehill for getting rid of the ball. That being said, when you don't give up a sack to a Rex Ryan led defense, it should always be considered a success. Grade: B
2. Win the turnover battle. Up and down day in this department for the Miami Dolphins. Defensively, they intercepted Mark Sanchez twice, once in the endzone and once on the first drive of the game that led to an eventual Miami touchdown. However, LaRon Landry picked off Ryan Tannehill at the beginning of the third quarter and returned it for a TD to tie the game at 10. The very next drive, Daniel Thomas fumbled the football and gave it right back to the Jets. The Fins must break this troubling trend of back to back turnovers, or it's going to grow into a huge problem. Grade: C
3. Pressure Mark Sanchez. Simply not good enough. The only sack of the game for the Miami Dolphins came in the 2nd quarter when Jared Odrick took down Mark Sanchez on a crucial third down from inside Miami territory, but other than that Sanchez had way to much time to throw the football yesterday. Cameron Wake had a chance a couple of times but failed to record a sack, same goes for Randy Starks, but when it comes down to it, Mark Sanchez just had too much time in the pocket. Grade: D
4. Do not get Tebowed. People may argue that the Fins did a great job of this, because when looking at the stat line, two carries for 0 yards, they did. But, I believe the game took a major turn when the Jets ran a fake punt with Tebow deep inside Miami territory, and, of course, Tebow converted. The Jets went on to kick a field goal on that drive, but one has to wonder what the outcome would have been if the Fins had got a stop there. Grade: B-
5. Continue the excellent special teams play. "and I'll be willing to bet this could be the difference maker today." I said it yesterday, and boy, do I wish I wrong. Dan Carpenter, who teammate Davone Bess later said was automatic, had one of his worse games in a Dolphins uniform yesterday. Not only did the kicker miss a field goal in the fourth quarter that would of put the Fins up by seven, but he missed the backbreaking 48 yarder in overtime that would have sealed the deal. On top of that, the Fins blocked the eventual game winner on the following drive, only to have it negated by a Joe Philbin timeout. No, I don't blame Philbin for calling it, the stats dictate that it's the right call in that situation and I can't blame Philbin for that. Bad, bad day for special teams. Grade: F
I will have more analysis to come later, so check back.
Update on Reggie Bush
Sources have told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Bush suffered "no structural damage" from yesterdays' blow to the knee late in the second quarter, and that Bush could play Sunday depending on practice this week. This is obviously a huge relief to the Miami Dolphins, as Reggie Bush changes the entire dynamic of the Fins offense.
Remember to check back later folks. More analysis to come.
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