Last week I was less upset about a loss than usual. I explained why, and it had nothing to do with seeing a bright spot. This week I’m less excited about a win than usual. The New England Patriots are a team without weapons and motivation. They are in a full fledged re-build, yet Miami struggled. The Fins also gave them two opportunities late to win the game. If it wasn’t for the “toe-heel/heel-toe” rule, Miami is 1-4. I said several weeks ago Miami had to be .500 or better when they next play the Buffalo Bills. Losing to the Titans made that difficult, losing to the Pats would’ve made it impossible. Miami, and Huntley, have two weeks to prepare for the Colts and Joe Flacco. That game will tell Fins Fans a lot about Coach MnM. Can he prepare Huntley? Can he devise a game plan to move the football? The defense is playing well enough to win games. It is time for the offense to start carrying the load.
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Coaching: (C-); Miami continues to struggle offensively. McDaniel has yet to devise a game plan to utilize his main offensive weapons. On Sunday the Fins were 2/11 on third down. This continued a trend from week one. Starting with Jacksonville here is how the Dolphins performed on third down: 2/10, 3/9, 1/12, and 2/12. They are ranked 27th in the NFL. They are dead last in scoring. MnM needs to change up his game plan. I am glad he stuck with the run game on Sunday. It was the only way Miami consistently moved the ball.
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Running Backs: (A); Mostert returned and delivered a great game. After Achane was knocked out of the game early Mostert and Wright rushed for 166 yards combined. Ingold punched in Miami’s lone touchdown. As a team they finished with just under 200 yards rushing and 5 yards per carry. The running back room should have their heads held high after Sunday’s performance.
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Receivers: (C); Jonnu Smith had his best game as a Dolphin with over 60 yards receiving on 5 catches. Miami has seldom used their tight ends during McDaniel’s tenure. Hill was the only other receiver with at least 5 receptions and over 60 yards. Hard for me to give this group a failing grade when it is clear Huntley is playing at his peak. The issue lies with Coach and Grier for not having an adequate solution at the back up position. Especially when you see 40 year old Flacco playing lights out for the Colts.
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Defense: (B); They held an opponent under 300 yards of offense. That is great. Most teams win handily when they so limit a team. My grade is lower due to the final two drives of the game. Thankfully the clock expired. But they allowed Polk to get behind them in the end zone and nearly grab the winning TD. When I saw it live I thought it was a completion. Saved by a rule. They need to get more pressure up front. Creating a turnover or two would be nice as well. All in all, Miami isn’t on the wrong side of .500 because of the defense.
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Special Teams: (B-); Sanders missed from inside 50 yards. I don’t deduct for misses passed 50, but 49 and down you need to make. Bailey didn’t see much action. The punt team also allowed the Patriots too nice of a return on the final punt of the game. It kept the flame lit for New England. Sanders did make three of four including one from 54 yards and that bumps up the grade. Trailing 10-6 looking at 4th and 1; Sanders never should have been called onto the field. Coach likely was gun-shy after the failed attempts verse Tennessee, but you have to go for it in that situation. You need to spark this offense.
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Quarterback: (C); If Tua had this game it would be an F. If Skylar played like Huntley did Sunday it would be a D. When a practice squad QB plays the scale changes. One interception and he missed a few throws, but he is a practice squad player. Again, the negligence is with management. Miami had no real option in the likely scenario Tua didn’t play every game. Huntley held them ball too long leading to a couple sacks. He needs to tuck and run sooner. Only three rushes for a player that made a Pro Bowl mostly due to his legs. MnM needs to press upon him that after the second read, run. The hope is with two more weeks of practice he will have a better grip on the offense. Miami will have to score to beat the Colts.
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Officials: (A++++); Glad they new the rule and applied it properly on Sunday. I bet most fans watching thought that was a touch down. I certainly did. YEAH refs!
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Overall: (B); Miami got the win. That is what matters most. They kept their season alive and with Buffalo losing to Houston they are only one game back. The AFC East is much weaker than people believed. Which bodes well for the Fins as they wait for Tua’s return. If Miami can beat the Colts and Cardinals, they’ll be in contention for a wild card spot. Perhaps even the division title. After Buffalo Miami has winnable games against the Rams, Raiders, Pats, Jets twice, and Browns. If they exit the Bills’ game at 4-4 the playoffs are very reachable. If they stumble once they’ll have a lot of work to keep their season alive.
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POLITASPORTS 