POLITASPORTS

This was a “must-win” game for the Miami Dolphins. Coming off three straight losses and having Tua back in the lineup, this game felt very necessary to impede Miami’s march toward mediocrity. The Dolphins now have six winnable games in front of them, with the next four also in the “must” category. The next four opponents have combined to win 7 games out of 26 for a win percentage of .269. The Dolphins should head into their bye week at 7-3 with (currently) 1-4-1 Houston on the other side of two weeks of preparation. An 8-3 Miami team staring at their final six contests with only half possessing winning records at the moment? 8-3 gives Miami a real shot at being a 10 or 12 win team. However, if they fumble over these next four games; we’ll all be in the Jim Mora camp.

Sunday Night was like a cheap firework fountain purchased at a road side stand. Started in a blaze of light, but extinguished before you could snap a pic. Miami jumped out to an early 7-0 lead and then on the ensuing drive went all the way down inside the ten yard line before weakly kicking a field goal. They capped the opening quarter with another successful field goal attempt giving them a 13-0 lead entering Q2. Miami managed a late field goal as the half ended to quell a 10-0 Pittsburgh run and squash all scoring the remainder of the game. I will temper my QB grade with being grateful Tua is able to play and realizing he is head and shoulders above Teddy and Skylar. That being said, he proved he is knees and ankles below a franchise quarterback.

Coaching: (C); Hard to give this staff anything higher. Yes, the opening quarter was productive; however, once Pittsburgh adjusted, the staff had no answer on offense. Also, electing to kick a FG on 4th and short from inside the ten yard line is a decision I will never get behind (baring a zero time game winning/tying scenario). The Dolphins needed 6 yards for the touchdown and 3 for the first down; they chose instead to kick a FG. With the exception of a turnover, McDaniel’s choice was the next worse result. I would prefer not getting the TD or first down and letting my defense attack a rookie back up QB from inside the 6 yard line. In 95% of all first and goal instances inside the 10, I would go for it. In 99.99999999% of cases when I had both a TD or a first down available I would go for it. This was Mike’s decision, and in my view, it was the wrong one.

Late in the game when Pittsburgh had no timeouts and Miami faced 3rd and medium; McDaniel chose to call a pass play. I am not opposed to the call, but the execution. And though players execute, in this position, I believe the blame partly falls at the feet of the staff. Tua needed to be reminded REPETEADLY in his helmet something to this effect: “This is a one read play. If Hill (the intended target on the incompletion) is not WIDE open, you slide in bounds IMMEDIATELY.” The fact Tua attempted a pass into triple coverage is evidence that the coaches did not effectively communicate to him that running clock was more valuable than forcing a completion. Luckily his pass fell incomplete, because it very much should have been an interception.

Running Backs: (B); Mostert is clearly their number one back and deservedly. He averaged just under 5 yards a carry, followed his blockers, and fought for additional yards after contact. He also was effective in the passing game scoring the only TD of the day on a check down from Tua. Edmonds missing the gap on 4th down is why the “running backs” received a B for the day.

Receivers: (B); Waddle and Hill both had over 70 yards receiving. Gesicki fell three yards short (27) of having five players with 30 or more yards. Hill helped to break up a potential interception. Waddle made some nice leaping catches. This group, when given catchable balls, did well.

Defense: (A+); The first “A” for this group this season. They won this game. Their three second half interceptions, timely QB hurries, and keeping the Steelers in bounds late is why Miami won. A defense is meant to hold the opposition scoreless, for 3 quarters they did just that. Bravo.

Special Teams: (A); Three FG attempts, Three FG makes.

Quarterback: (C-); Tua came out swinging. I applaud most his willingness to take a hit for extra yardage. He did this on a couple occasions that called for it, on others he made the correct read and slid. The announcers were of the opinion Tua should never take a hit, ever, but if that is your mindset, retire. The game is tackle football, not touch, not flag, not slide, but tackle. If you’re out there and unwilling to be tackled, you’re putting yourself at greater risk. I congratulate him on his effort, but this game also showcased his main weakness.

Tua had several opportunities to delivery a quality ball to an open receiver and failed. He lacks sufficient arm strength to consistently make deep throws, out throws, or scramble throws. In quick short play action he is stellar. Precise with his throws and quick with his release. However, when he needs to survey and read, things begin to unravel. Tua proved he is better than Teddy or Skylar, and better by a wide margin; he did not prove he can be elite. This team needs an elite thrower to compete and to extract the most out of the weapons on offense.

Overall: (B+); A win always gets a passing grade. And though the offense struggled for most of this contest, seeing the defense rise should give fans a boost of confidence moving forward.