POLITASPORTS

Game Overview

I waited an extra day to write my weekly post game evaluation. After the Jets miraculous fourth quarter comeback of the surprise Bengals, and with the Giants set to play a struggling Chiefs on Monday; I elected to view that game before writing. The Jets, Giants, Jags, and Lions are the company the Dolphins keep. The Jets showed more moxie in the final four minutes than Miami has shown all season. The Giants for their part played well, nearly handing the Chiefs another loss due to poor QB play. Excluding the Lions, there are more positive signs emanating from both New Yorks and even Jax, than South Beach. The Jets’ backup QB Mike White put on a brilliant display and the Giants D frustrated Mahommes and the Chiefs offense all night. Kelce finished with perhaps his worst game in 3 seasons. The Phins have shown few glimpses of will all season. Last year as they marched to an improbable 10 win season, they fought and scraped for every yard, offensively and defensively. That has not been the case all season. Is it coaching? Is it the QB play? Something has sapped the life out of this club, and until they can remove the succubus, they won’t be playing better any time soon.

Coaching

I had tough words for Brian Flores last week. What I am most disappointed in is that Ross didn’t listen. I would have exited my box, marched down the to field, and removed Flores headset myself as soon as they lined up to kick a FG on that opening drive. What a disastrous coaching decision. The Dolphins were moving the ball down field, picking up first downs, making clutch catches (Parker), and they get to the brink of the Red Zone on 4th and less than 5 yards, against a top offense in this league, and you elect to kick a FG? How pathetic. The game was essentially over after the opening drive failure. He chose again on 4th and short to kick a FG. Frankly I would’ve rather been shut out chasing the win than lose avoiding a shut-out.

Demerit(s): 5

Receiving

Waddle continues to struggle to be used effectively. An explosive Top 6 draft pick, should not average under 10 yards per catch in any contest. Parker made some nice grabs, especially his first catch in heavy traffic along the sideline. This is what you expect from your number one receiver, unfortunately, his brilliance is only flashes. Gesicki was contained for most of this contest and contributed to one of the more bizarre plays of the day. Probably preventing a 3rd FG attempt in Buffalo territory. I doubt very much Flores would’ve have elected not to kick. Not a great look for a group that was supposedly improved upon from last season.

Demerit(s): 3

Running Backs

Gaskin started well, but then saw his usage and his efficiency decrease as the Bills’ defense tightened and Miami focused on the poor passing game. Gaskin also caught a few balls out of the backfield including a nice 3rd down gain on the Gesicki fumble drive. Ahmed contributed a bit as well. I believe with a competent line and game plan, Gaskin could be a starting back for this team. He along with Gesicki have been the lone bright spots in an otherwise dull season.

Demerit(s): 4

QB

If the question is; Is he a franchise QB? the answer is, no. Is he a Super Bowl caliber QB (without a top 5 defense)? the answer is, no. Is he a potential HOF QB? A career starting QB? Again, the answer is, no. Tua isn’t even Jared Goff. His struggles are both mental and physical, not surrounding talent. Yes, could he show a flash here or there against depeleted undermanned secondaries? Sure, most quality back up QBs in this league can as well. He is at best, a quality back up quarterback. More than 99% of people in this country could be, he isn’t the worst slight. But for a franchise that hasn’t even been to a Super Bowl since Reagan sat in Brandon’s current office, and hasn’t had a top tier QB since the 90’s, he is not the answer to the Dolphins’ myriad of questions.

Demerit(s): 5

The Trenches

The line gave Tua enough protection throughout the game. They didn’t open up the run as well as they should have, but this loss does not hang on a porous O-Line.

The defensive line played well enough. The entire defense held up their end. Limiting the Bills offense to 10 points through 3 QTRs of play. Every team would accept that effort, a 1-6 team should be popping champagne bottles. They generated some pressure on Allen; but he was able to elude the rush for positive yards and avoid sacks. Aside from Allen’s 55 yards rushing they held the Bills’ RBs to a combined 47 yards. Again, for a unit that is not built to win them games, only not lose them, they held up.

Demerit(s): 2.5

Secondary

They gave up too many long 3rd down conversions. Allowing Beasley 110 yards is unacceptable. However, they along with the Line and Linebackers kept the lackluster offense in the game. As poor as they’ve looked, this defense could be on a .500 or even winning team. The offense is the problem, and specifically the lack of play calling. With enough pressure, everything breaks.

Demerit(s): 2.5

Officiating

I long for the days when I could be more upset at the Zebras than the team or coaching staff, unfortunately Sunday was not the case.

Demerit(s): 2

Special Teams

Too many FG attempts. I could care less whether they made them or missed them.

Demerit(s): 4.5

Overall

The trade deadline has passed and this organization believes they have all the pieces they need. I wrote early my thoughts on a potential Watson trade. Even back in January I did not believe the price was worth the juice, before the accusations and potential suspension. With the cloud lingering a franchise can not risk it’s future. When this season ends, many decisions will need to be made. Moving on from a top QB pick is difficult, but the Rams have shown, a QB is worth much, especially for a team on the cusp. The Dolphins are NOT on the cusp. They have far fewer draft capitol this year, but if come April they find themselves high on the board, I wouldn’t be surprised if they begin yet another rebuild. The question is, will Grier still be the orchestrator? Will Flores still be playing lead chair? Let’s hope not.

Demerit(s): 5