While the Phins offense showed growth, the same old character’s mistakes doomed the day
The Dolphins had another excellent defensive showing in the 1st Half, this time the offense decided to step up too. Unfortunately, injuries and the usual cast of Phins players making crucial mistakes negated the offensive growth… and lit the fuse for the 2nd-Half implosion.
Despite the loss of both Danny Isidora and especially Jesse Davis, the Dolphins had the potential to take a sizable lead in the 1st Half anyway. But the Dolphins couldn’t overcome themselves.
It’s a shame because Miami fixed most of the issues I talked about in my article “How Phins Offense Can Get On Track”.
They chipped with the backs early and often, secondary blockers stepped up, Rosen was allowed to focus on his strengths, and they didn’t try to force ballage into the passing game.
But, the drops continued and Drake missed his key read and was very careless with the football. These mistakes were major reasons why the sportsbook management software sites ended up being right.
Mistakes that cost Miami the lead
- Sanders missed 48-yard field goal
- A missed run block by Parker negated a touchdown
- An easy reception was dropped by Parker that would have been a touchdown or 1st Down
- A fumble by Drake on 2nd and goal.
I don’t count Williams ‘drop’ in the End Zone as a mistake because the defender made a brilliant play to pry the ball loose.
Phins staff must accept ‘who’ certain players are and move on from some of them
- The run game will never be consistent with Kilgore at Center PFF Grade 45.5 in run blocking.
- Parker can make big plays, but he is inconsistent and can’t run block
(PFF Grade 39.6 in run block). He needs to be moved to a niche role when Albert returns. - WR Grant’s hands are too inconsistent in punt return to be the Dolphins long term answer there.
- RB Drake isn’t a feature back and never will be.
- Miami needs a real middle linebacker, Baker is struggling terribly making reads and getting off blocks. His current overall PFF Grade is 38.2 with a run defense grade of 38.8.
- Chandler Cox is struggling. He injured Davis and has a 19.8 pass-blocking grade. He’s still young, but a ton of growth is needed.
- Jomal Wiltz is terrible in pass coverage. Maybe he needs development… whatever, if you want to win games he needs fewer snaps. He has been excellent in run defense though.
There’s actually good news too
- Josh Rosen is at least worth his purchase price… and maybe more. Some like to sport his stat line of 18-39 and 200 yards as a slight. But if you watched the game and have even basic football knowledge, you understand the context… and the bias. Rosen played very well given the circumstances.
- The defensive line made a ton of tackles and is a strength in run defense.
- LB McMillan has found a home on the LOS with limited pass coverage duties.
- WR Williams is legit with 32 run blocks and PFF Grade of 61.1 in run blocking to go along with his 70.4 receiving grade, Miami has a gem. Williams is Rosen’s closest friend. They will grow as the season progresses.
- Bobby McCain and Steven Parker looked pretty good and both have PFF grades of 65ish.
- Walt Aikens is growing and has a 71.4 PFF Grade in run defense.
- The Steelers are 0-3 🙂
Pulling it all together for a look at Week 4
First, CB Xavien Howard played a terrible game. And Howard’s season so far hasn’t been much better. His overall PFF Grade so far this season is a disastrous 45.5 with a grade of 46.5 in pass coverage. Howard’s technique has been sloppy and he has been left in the dust many times.
Say what you want about the staff, this isn’t about scheme or play calls. This is about Howard getting beat and beat often.
If Miami wants any hope of winning, Howard must play much better.
Reshad Jones needs to return and contribute. The Dolphins two highest-paid players haven’t done bubkes this season. That’s not on the staff.
Is 6 wins still possible?
Michael Dieter performed admirably at Left Tackle, but he can’t remain there. Jesse Davis has almost the exact PFF rating as Laremy Tunsil this season and his presence is key. If Davis is out for the season, all bets are off on 6 wins because I don’t see them ever finding O-line stablility this season. Add to this, opposing teams will eye Baker going forward and as the game wears on they will hit chunk plays when the D-line gets tired.
Not being able to stop the run and having a shattered O-line will create a tank intended or not.
It will be a very interesting week. Go Phin!!!
Become a Bookie Today!
These days starting a 5-starts online sportsbook site is super easy, with the help of AcePerhead.com, the most experienced and trusted pay per head bookie service in the industry. If you are searching for an all-inclusive internet sports betting solution that understands the importance of a keeping a client happy you have to visit and try www.AcePerHead.com, a complete online price per head service.
Ace´s sportsbook software can support you and your online players. The site has everything it takes to make your sports gambling business grow. You’ll enjoy the benefits of a bookie software when you experience what Ace Per Head has in store for you.