Miami lost to the Pats, but fans need to be even keeled
Even in defeat, many Phins fans were encouraged after a Week 1 loss because the Dolphins showed grit and growth from last season. Even without Brady, the Pats are still an excellent team. So, Miami hanging tough and playing discipline on New England’s turf with their ‘loving’ home refs is a moral victory of sorts. But, as the week dragged on and the immensity of the Dolphins’ upcoming game against the Bills intensified, concerns began to bubble over with the fanbase. But really, fans need to keep Week 1 in perspective and hold off worrying… at least until after the Bills game.
First, let me hand out a big dose of ugly. If Miami loses this week their playoff hopes in 2020 are in severe jeopardy. So, I’m not ‘pooh-poohing’ concerned fans. Miami has a very tough string of games in Weeks 3-6: at Jacksonville, hosting Seattle, at San Fran, and at Denver. A win this week would be a much-needed buff…
… BUT, I want to keep things in context given what we saw Week 1.
Fitzpatrick had 3 interceptions… START Tua!
I really wish the NFL would hire professional refs. Two of Fitzpatrick’s interceptions Week 1 are prime examples of why the NFL has a bad rep for its officiating. This is just inexcusable officiating… if fair play is the objective?! Thankfully, Miami is playing at home where the officiating ‘should’ go in their favor.
While this doesn’t mean the Dolphins would have won Week 1 or excuse their other failings, it does flip the narrative of Fitzpatrick having ‘3 picks’ and needing a benching. Also, when you look at this second pick, Miami center Karras blows switching on a stunt, and Fitz is forced into the throw on third down. Incompletion, sack, or pick… pretty much the same results with the LOS at the 46-yard line.
As for this week, focus on matchups
Miami took a real beating inside on defense. BUT, let’s remember that C Andrews, G Thuney, and G Mason are one of the best interior trios in the NFL. The Bills C Morris, G Cody, and G Spain are well below their production. Cam Newton is superior to Allen in his ability to throw and adding in an excellent interior OL and rushing skills, this was a lethal combo. Miami will have an easier task this week. With their excellent receivers and tight end, the Bills and Allen are dangerous! But, far more manageable overall for the Phins defense compared to the Pats in Week 1.
DT Davon Godchaux had a terrible game. Outside of one play where Godchaux shot the gap, he was abused all day long. His ugly PFF run stop grade of 44.3 was only beaten by rookie Raekwon Davis with an uglier 33.1 grade. Davis has the excuse of being a rookie. I hope Zack Seiler gets some more reps as he was more stout 2-gaping. Godchaux is excellent at 1-gap, but he continues to show he isn’t as good in 2-gap.
Also, Kyle Van Noy had an excellent game but was underused. Maybe if was his injured hand or the Pats forcing him to the sidelines? Either way, Van Noy had a run stop grade of 64.1. This is much better production compared to Roberts 39.2, Hill’s 41.3, and Baker’s 50.9. But, Van Noy saw only 24 run-D snaps compared to Roberts 39 and Baker 38. With Robert out this week due to a concussion, Van Noy will see more snaps.
Add these oddities into the equation
- Williams falls down wide-open forcing a sack and killing a drive.
- Parker had an excellent day with a PFF grade of 87.6. His absence was a major blow. Of course, he’ll likely miss this week, though.
- Mike Gesicki was quietly having his best all-around game. His good play this week figures to be more obvious this week.
- Bills will be without LB Matt Milano (hamstring), LB Tremaine Edmunds (shoulder), LB Del’Shawn Phillips (quad). The pay per head review sites know this is a major blow to their defense.
- All the new faces and rookies have been bled now and many kinks should be ironed out.
For me, all of the above gives plenty of light heading into this week’s game.
Jimmy Bourbon isn’t very high on the Phins chances this week. While Jimmy runs the show here at Phinsnews… I gotta’ call it the way I see it. I see the Dolphins having a strong edge in this one. Now, rain is forecasted and wet turf would hurt the Dolphins’ ability to contain Allen. But, if it’s a clear–and better yet, hot… I like the Dolphins’ chances of winning this one. Go Phins!!!
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