Game 2: Highs And Lows On Offense

In Game 2, Ryan Tannehill was a bright spot for Miami.

Game 2 was expected to see the Miami Defense lead the team.

Game 2 gave the Miami Dolphins a reality check as the Dallas Cowboys cruised to an easy 41-14 victory. The score was ugly due to alot of ugly play on both sides of the ball. However, there were bright spots on offense that gives Miami, and their fans, a reason not to step to the ledge with suicidal thoughts.

First there’s the head of this team: Coach Adam Gase. He continues to show guts, unlike his predecessor. He let the starting Offense play the first half, which turned out to be a good decision because there were no injuries and it gave the Offense more game time experience to play together. In addition, Gase showcased his aggressive nature with a high tempo offense, and went for it a couple of times on 4th down instead of settling.

Yes, it’s only Preseason, but we all know Queasy would have punted or kicked the three. I liked his decision to instill an aggressive mindset.

Also, he was forthright when in his post-game presser said (with his cray eyes), “Let’s be honest. We got drummed. Let’s called it like it is.”

And while he still needs to hone many areas of his game on the technical side, sober evaluation and being direct is the exact opposite of the last regime, and that is a very good foundation to build on.

Then there was Ryan Tannehill. 2016 is fueled on finding out if he is “The Guy” or not. With the next 2 drafts having only 3 projected 1st round talents, the NFL is hitting a desert with only a rare oasis obvious QB talent, and Tannehilll’s “making it” would go a long way towards securing Miami’s future.

Last night, in Game 2, he played about as good as you could hope for without a running game due shaky line play and a bunch of crucial drops as he threw for 162 yards, 2 touchdowns, and only one sack. With his role-out, play-action long ball to Kenny Stills that went for 55 yards, Tannehill reminded us that he excels out of the pocket. — and in this league, that is a major tool in a QB’s tool-set.

Speaking of Stills, he had a terrific game with 3 clutch catches, 1 being the long ball, and the other 2 were both touchdowns. He and Tannehill seem to have much better chemistry then last season. With an all-important contract season, the best pay per head gambling fans would bet that he will continue to play well during the regular season. This could be a very, very potent passing game, IF (onto the bad)…

…Miami can generate even a steady run game.

Game 2 didn’t bring any new hope in Miami having a run game.

First, as good as the Offensive line blocked in the pass game (Tannehill was only sacked one time in the first half, and most of the time he had plenty of time to throw the ball), they negated their good play with terrible run blocking.

Mike Pouncy is a feather at the point of contact. He can’t drive a grandma off the ball without serious, angled leverage or a double team. He is a liability in the run game at the line of scrimmage. Now, when he gets to the second level, that’s where he shines, but even if you scheme it up that way, you can’t always be certain that’s the way it will play out. He, and 2nd team Steen, were consistently beaten when they needed to “block alone” on the run game. Others on the line will need to dominate in order for help to be shifted his way on the run. Jury is out of if that can or will happen.

I’d like to see Urbik get a shot at 2nd string. His run blocking is the best of the C’s.

Also, Jamil Douglas appears to be a lock to get cut.

Albert just seems off. He wasn’t a factor in the run game and was getting jolted and stood up in the pass game. So far, he isn’t playing up to what we have come to expect from a healthy Albert. He has plenty of time to round out his game, but his current trajectory has him having a sub-par season.

Now, James and Tunsil both played well. Laremy Tunsil had a false start and James wasn’t dominant, but both had fairly even games in both phase, and it was Tunsil who sprang Pead for the 45 yard run. It seems like they will end up being assets — although, Tunsil still needs some more improvement in his run blocking.

Jermon Bushrod came in and made his first start. He gave up the inside once on a pass, but then settled in. Yet, in the run game he didn’t drive defenders off and missed a few assignments. But, this is a work in progress as he is changing positions and a little extra time will be needed to properly evaluate him.

as far as Running Backs went,the duo of Foster and Ajayi had nowhere to run in the first half, and they combined for a dismal 14 yards on 8 total carries. Despite the numbers, Ajayi looked sharper and decisive and showed some improvement. Foster in his limited attempts appeared rusty.

Then there was Isaiah Pead. I’m ringing the bell. Game 2 showed he is getting closer and closer to being a legitimate player. Gase gushed over Pead in his post game conference. Pead appears the most alive as he reeled off two big gains on a very limited amount of looks.

Williams was steady and proved he can be an asset in his versatility and consistent play. Again, with 4 spots at RB and 5 backs, Drake could end up being a drag on this unit.

There were unexpected drops by Landry and a big shocker for me was that he missed two crucial blocking assignments that killed two run plays.

Jordan Cameron continued to regress.

Jarvis Landry is no concern, but Cameron should be. Sims appears to be the most consistent and could unseat Cameron if he continues to fail.

In the end, while Defense was the major key in Game 2, Tannehill, Stills, Pead and the pass blocking brings hope as improving assets. This is a crucial week for evaluation. Week 3 will offer the closest extrapolation of what the season will look like. Fans and coaches of the Dolphins should have their microscopes on this week. Go Fins!!!