What must change, stay the same, for Dolphins in week two

As you probably know by now, there were some really good things, and some not so good things, that the Fins showed us Sunday in Cleveland.

As we've now moved on to Colts week, it will be CRITICAL for Miami to stay consistent in the things they did well, and to improve in the areas they struggled in if they want to head home 2-0.  This is a HUGE game for this team, folks, lets not kid ourselves.  Going into this three game stretch 2-0, rather than 1-1, would be a HUGE advantage for the Fins.

Not to mention a win against a playoff team like Indianapolis would certainly put Miami on the map, as well as give them a key AFC win.

Enjoy.


What MUST change:

1.  The offensive line.  Even though the pass protection was better in the second half, Ryan Tannehill still took WAY to many hits on Sunday.  The young QB needs TIME to throw the football, especially if he wants to get Mike Wallace involved deep down field, so every member of the offensive line needs to STEP UP.  And please, please, PLEASE don't get me started on the run protection.  We all know the stats, we all know it was horrendous.  I'm not saying this was ALL on the line, but they certainly contributed to it.  It needs to get better all around, plain and simple.

2.  Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas.  23 carries for 20 yards.  Absolutely, unequivocally the WORST rushing performance I have EVER seen in my decade plus of following the Miami Dolphins.  Towards the end of the game, it was considered a good run if they got back to the line of scrimmage.  This goes on them, the offensive line, and the play-calling.  Everybody needs to do better, from top to bottom, or it will be a huge problem on Sunday.

3.  Special Teams.  I'll make this one short and sweet:  The Dolphins today rank 31st in the NFL in punt return defense and they rank 25th in kick return defense.  Andrew Luck doesn't need a shorter field to work with (although I STILL think he's overrated).

4.  Mike Wallace.  Obvious?  One catch isn't gonna cut it on Sunday, and I don't expect this to be the case.  To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised to see Wallace end the day with double digit catches.  Yes, that's how much I expect him to contribute on Sunday. The Fins will need him, especially if this one turns into a shootout.

What MUST stay the same:

1.  The defense.  You've all seen the stats by this point- this unit DOMINATED on Sunday.  The defensive line is one of the most complete units in the NFL, sacking Brandon Weeden six times, and the secondary contributed three INT's and were rarely ever beaten.  Keep putting pressure on Luck, keep stuffing the run, and keep a close eye on Reggie Wayne.  Do that, and it'll be another dominant day on defense.

2.  Ryan Tannehill.  He was poised, composed, accurate, and smart on Sunday.  He even led a big time fourth quarter drive to seal the game.  Tannehill needs to be this same QB and more on Sunday, as I expect this game to come down to him against Luck, much like last year.  Don't force it to Wallace, take what the defense gives you, and be accurate with your throws.  That's the recipe for Tannehill.

3.  Third down conversions.  This goes for both units, as both dominated in this category on Sunday.  Defensively, the Fins held Cleveland to an embarrassing 1-14 on third down.  Offensively, Miami converted 8-16 third downs, which is a GIGANTIC improvement from a year ago.  Do this again on Sunday and it'll be a long day for the home team.

4.  Brandon Gibson and Brian Hartline.  Can't say enough about these two after their day's on Sunday.  Gibson made some crucial down catches, and Hartline was EVERYWHERE, including the endzone.  Both were big time security blankets for Tannehill, especially with Mike Wallace double covered.  Gotta keep it up this week. The more options the better.