What will it take for a Phins win to get a win against the Raiders?
A Phins win against the Raiders will go a long way to silencing critics who say, ‘same ole’, same ole’.
The Miami Dolphins have come roaring out of the gate 2-0. What’s exciting is that there’s still plenty that the Phins can improve on!
A major reason for their 2-0 start is that they only have committed 9 penalties for 61 yards in 2 games to go along with causing 6 turnovers. After only two games Miami has +2 turnover ratio. It would be much higher than +2 though… if they had been more disciplined with the ball.
They must take better care of the ball if they want these winning ways to continue.
While it’s only been 2 games, overall, this has been playoff team type play. The key to winning in the NFL is consistent, smart, and aggressive play.
Has Miami turned the corner?
Is this two-decade-long losing run finally in the rearview mirror?
Fans won’t have a real gauge till near the end of the 2018 Season whether this 2-0 start is makeup on a pig or frog turned prince. And even then, it will take a few good seasons strung together to confirm if the franchise has truly turned over a new leaf.
So what does Miami need to do to get another victory against Oakland?
Well for starters:
- 5 or lower penalties.
- +2 or better turn over differential.
- Tannehill must start taking care of the ball. 4 TO’s by him in two games is far too much.
- DT Davon Godchaux can’t be manhandled by LG Kelechi Osemele.
- Limit Tight End Jared Cook.
- Don’t let Raekwon McMillan get exposed in pass defense.
These are just some of McMillan’s blown assignments in pass coverage. FYI: The Titan’s play doesn’t show Minkah 5 feet away from McMillan. The TE was Minkah’s ‘man’. McMillan needed to drop and shrink the window over the middle. He didn’t.
McMillan may develop into a better player eventually, but he’s stiff, slow, and doesn’t fully grasp his responsibilities. He’s the biggest chink in the Dolphins defense. Gruden will 100% game-plan to attack and expose McMillan. I bet Jared Cook is licking his chops. Unless Burke prepares for to protect McMillan, expect at least one big pass play on him this week.
Back to the good news:
Miami has won 2 games with plenty of room to improve especially on third downs on offense. They have most of the cards stacked in their deck for this week.
Talented rookie Defensive Tackle P.J. Hall will be a scratch for the Raiders. This will give Ted Larsen a breather to get up to speed. It will help Miami with their interior runs. Maurice Hurst will get his shot at more snaps. Given the expectations of his talent and his drop in the draft, this could be a boom or bust for the Phins.
Also, Parker didn’t suit up last week…
Gase left him off the game roster to give him some extra time to recover. This week he’ll be another weapon for Gase to use. I have a feeling his addition will either cause disruption in rhythm as he shakes off rust or will contribute to a big play.
Personally, I wouldn’t mind trading him. But what could you get more than a box of rocks for him? I like the way our offense looks without him. And Phins are running out of time to get something for him… unless they plan on keeping him at his large 5th Year option price. His return means someone or multiple players will end up getting fewer reps and opportunities.
Maybe we see a surprise bloom from Parker?
Another advantage is that Miami will be home against a team that will have traveled across the whole country. Many bookmaker software program see teams traveling across the country to play an early game as being at a sizable disadvantage.
Let’s hope it works out that way this week.
At some point, if the Dolphins keep playing well fans and critics will become believers. It’s hard to wash away so much failure with only 2 games in the hole. Will three wins in a row do it for you? Maybe, maybe not… either way, we can both agree a win is a good thing. Go Phins!!!
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about the Dolphins chances to make it 3-0 this upcoming weekend?
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