Blame goes all around in Dolphins embarrassing loss to the Bills 23-21
What I liked
Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller – These two did some nice things on Sunday. They combined for 103 yards rushing with Thomas rushing 12 times for 60 yards (5.0 ypc average) and Miller rushing 9 times for 43 yards (4.8 ypc average). The problem was that they weren’t used enough in the 4th quarter. The Dolphins rushed 14 times in the first half, but only 11 times in the second half. Nice to see the running game improve, hopefully it continues.
Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline – These two didn’t have phenomenal statistical games, but they combined for 11 catches and 155 yards. Wallace caught a 46 yard bomb and averaged over 15 yards per catch. That is what we are looking for!
Brandon Gibson – Two touchdown catches including the helicopter spin are definitely something to like. He finished with 5 catches for 40 yards and 2 TDs. The Dolphins finally have 3 wide receivers that are dangerous.
Chris Clemons and Reshad Jones – Clemons came up with a big interception and Jones led the team in tackles and picked up a sack. Good day for the Dolphins safeties for the most part.
What I didn’t like
Ryan Tannehill – I love this kid and still think he’s the future of this team. BUT, he must do a better job of holding onto the football. He threw 2 interceptions, including a pick-6 and lost the crucial fumble late in the 4th quarter. I’m not putting it all on him on that one, as the pocket collapsed. BUT, he needs to be more aware in the pocket and protect the football. He finished the day 19 of 37 for 194 yards 3 TDs and 2 INTs.
Tyson Clabo – I really have had enough of Colombo 2.0. Actually, that’s a disservice to Colombo. Clabo has been worse than Colombo. And I take a hit here because I actually thought bringing him in was a good move. He gave up 2 HUGE sacks to Mario Williams and again looked like a turnstile.
Coaching – This coaching staff has me questioning whether or not they have what it takes to lead this team to the playoffs. They are often times too stubborn for their own good. The Dolphins had 2 weeks to prepare for the Bills and yet, on the most crucial downs, they let Tyson Turnstile go one-on-one with Mario Williams? Simply unacceptable!
What is CRAZY to me is how the Dolphins could rush more times in the first half, while trailing than they did in the second half when they led for a good part of it. Why Mike Sherman, why? Why not continue running the football and wear down the Bills defense? I sat in the heat yesterday, it was hotter than Kate Hudson out there. Sitting, watching the game I was sweating continuously. Why not wear out the Bills defense? WHY NOT MIKE Sherman?!?!
Blame can be spread all around on this one from Tannehill to Clabo to the coaching staff to the defense stopping Buffalo in key moments, even Sturgis’ missing a field goal. But the primary focus of my frustration is the Coaching Staff. If they want to stay in town, they need to do a better job of getting this team ready. On Sunday, they failed and they failed to put their players in the best positions to be successful.
We’ll have plenty more on this game in the days ahead. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. I’m still somewhat in shock from this. This was a game the Dolphins HAD to have before facing off with the 5-2 Patriots and 5-2 Bengals. This loss could be one that we look back on later in the season and lament.
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