POLITASPORTS

The game was difficult to watch, the most frustrating of the season thus far. Not sure why, other than the loss, but that has happened three times prior. Maybe because it started like Mentos in coke, and fizzled just as fast? Perhaps it was watching missed opportunities, including over throws and drop passes, stack up? Or the defense continue their trend towards a new coordinator? Could be the fact I watched a third string QB play with more poise and confidence than Miami’s franchise? Whichever the reason, it was an unpleasant Sunday evening.

As always, I will give my thoughts on the game, from different perspectives and grade each category based on Sunday’s performance.

Coaching: (D-); I’m grading the entire coaching staff. The offense alone may have received higher marks; however, the defense was atrocious throughout. It appears more and more that the poorest decision the Dolphins made in hiring Mike McDaniel was to keep Boyer. Of course McDaniel maintains it was his decision, either way, it hasn’t worked out. The defense has been the biggest let down. It was designed to force turnovers and get off the field quickly, to face as few plays as possible. Could it be that the combination of a quick strike explosive offense doesn’t mesh with a risk it all blitzing defense? I tend to believe so. It is one thing to go all out on D with man coverage and sell out blitz packages when your offense is controlling the clock and keeping the ball away from the opposition. The D has less time on the field. Less situations to defend. When you are scoring quick and losing the time of possession battle, the D has a greater likelihood of being exposed. McDaniel and Boyer need to sit down and figure this out, and quickly.

Running Backs: (B-); I’m not going to fail a group that wasn’t given an opportunity to succeed. 8 rushing attempts, total. See above. This is not a grind it out scheme. As much as I like McDaniel thus far as a coach, makes you wonder what part of San Francisco’s offense was him? Because what he has instituted here is a 180. I like it, but it is not run first.

Receivers: (D); Too many drops. They were open all game. Wide open most plays. They dropped a few, Waddle finished with more drops than completions. Wilson dropped an almost certain TD. Gesicki and Sherfield both had drops on the final drive, Gesicki’s ended the game.

Defense: (F); It was a nightmare of a game. Miami looked like the better team, but the defense couldn’t get off the field. San Francisco converted more than 50% of their 3rd downs and the defense gave them several conversions via penalties. It was an awful showing from a unit that was supposed to hold up this team. Lets hope Boyer and McD can get it sorted, and fast.

Special Teams: (B); Not much to report. No misses, no egregious errors.

Quarterback: (D+); Tua’s worst game of the season came when Miami had an opportunity to take the season by the horns. Yes, his receivers dropped some balls, but Tua missed many throws as well. He did not look calm, comfortable, or capable. Even on the last consequential drive, on fourth and game, he had an easy trot to the sticks and instead ripped a pass to a well covered Hill. Hill caught it thankfully, but it didn’t appear to be the best choice given the green in front of him and the minimal distance required. The throw before was low and his final throw while the outcome was outstanding, was an inaccurate incompletion to Gesicki. Yes, the one I just referenced as a Gesicki drop. It hit the franchise tagged hands of the TE, need to catch it, but it was not a quality toss.

Overall: (D-); Miami had opportunities deep all game. They only hit one throw. Yes, drops played a factor, but so did the game plan. McDaniel wasn’t trying to run, so why not exploit the Niners deep? It was there, all game. To quote Bill Parcells; “you are what your record says you are.” Its simple. Life is full of “woulda coulda shoulda” San Fran chose “fun done won.” The defense made zero adjustments, and got beat by a 3rd string quarterback. Sunday at Los AnDiego, will tell a lot about the staff, these players, and this team. I predict a solid effort and a 9-4 record come Monday.