Dolphins Show Plenty of Positives Despite Loss

M.J.

5 years ago

Even though the Dolphins were defeated, there were many positives

The Miami Dolphins lost to their hated rivals the New York Jets and former Head Coach Adam Gase 22-21. That’s the bad news. While a loss is never a good thing, the Dolphins showed plenty of good and a defeat couldn’t be any more digestible than it was yesterday.

Now, before I talk about the good, there was some ugly too.

Let’s get the ugly elephant in the room out of the way first

This 2019 Dolphins offensive line is the worst line in Miami I can remember. And given how bad the O-line has been for near a decade, that’s saying a ton. Outside of Daniel Kilgore and Jesse Davis, the line is a complete disaster… and Kilgore and Davis are only playing at a mediocre level. Kilgore did play better than I expected this week with a nose tackle in his face. So give credit where credit is due. Still, it doesn’t take the best sportsbook software service like www.AcePerHead.com to know Miami needs a new center in 2020… and Left Tackle, Left Guard, and Right Guard.

It would be downright criminal if the Front Office skimps out on O-line this offseason. And if they do, they should be fired immediately.

I don’t believe this will be the case. No way Flores allows Grier to not use a few blue-chip picks to upgrade the offensive line. While the whole line can’t be fixed in one offseason, they sure can take care of at least two positions.

The Dolphins shouldn’t spend big in Free Agency… except on the right offensive linemen.

Left tackle is a complete disaster and Michael Dieter and Shaq Calhoun haven’t proved much. Could Dieter and Calhoun develop? Of course! They are both young players who have yet to develop ‘man strength’ or grasp the intense nuance of the trenches. But though they may ‘get right’ at some point, Chris Grier and Brian Flores had better not go the route of the Adam Gase era and bank a whole season on a gaggle of ‘maybe’ offensive linemen.

As Phinsnews and plenty of comments on the forums have said, “It about picking the right players with those picks.” So far, this regime hasn’t shown they can bring in quality offensive linemen. Let’s hope they do better this offseason. This is my only real concern this offseason.

Now let’s talk about the positives from the Jets game:

Patrick Laird isn’t a star running back, but he’s one hell of a nice player. I thought Myles Gaskin would get the lion’s share of the run snaps against the Jets because of his speed to the edge. He didn’t. Flores has a real shine for the ‘intern’. Dependable, excellent short-area agility and the ability to be very effective split wide makes Laird another RB gem Miami has found late.
Isaiah Ford had near 100-yard day against the Jets. Ford is smart, sure-handed, runs excellent routes, has size. Along with Parker, Williams, and Albert, he gives Miami a nice stable of receivers heading into 2020.
Nik Needham is at the very least a solid #1 or good #2 Corner. If he just improves a little bit more, he’ll be an excellent option next to Howard. Pulled in as a UDFA, Miami could have a real find on their hands if he even plays at his current level. Phins should still get another CB this offseason, but Needham gives them flexibility.
Christian Wilkens is growing better week after week. He had a good day against the Jets. I’m still not sure that he’ll have the career of Dexter Lawrence, who was drafted a few spots after him, but the arrow on his talents is pointing up.
Jason Sanders could end up the next kicker of a generation for the Dolphins.
Steven Parker had another big pickoff. He can play Free Safety pretty well and looks to be another good signing for the Dolphins. He’s ranked 24th at his position. Not bad for a waiver wire pick up.
Miami again played disciplined football with 4…err, ahem, 5 penalties.
How can you not love Ryan Fitzpatrick?! What could this guy do with a real offensive line?! Whoever we draft at QB, Fitzpatrick should be here to train them and Rosen for 2020.

Jets spent big to add talent and Dolphins gutted themselves

It hurt to lose to the Jets, but down DeVante Parker and Albert Wilson, this team fought like hell against a more talented team on the road. Let’s remember how much the Jets invested and only barely beat this stripped-down Phins squad at home. Add in the questionable call by the ref and a better spot in the draft due to the loss, I still feel good despite the defeat. I’d of much rather had the win, but I can’t complain all things considered. Go Phins!!!

Even though the Dolphins were defeated, there were many positives

Let’s get the ugly elephant in the room out of the way first

Now let’s talk about the positives from the Jets game:

Jets spent big to add talent and Dolphins gutted themselves

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