Dolphins defense bends AND breaks versus Colts in 23-20 loss

Nov. 05 Post Game 6 comments ---Bill

The Miami Dolphins entered Sunday’s game with a chance to move into a first place tie in the AFC East.  The Dolphins did a good job in the first half, their offense was moving the ball and scoring points.  The Dolphins defense was allowing rookie Andrew Luck to move the ball, but limited the Colts to just 13 points (thanks in part to 2 missed Adam Viniteri field goals).  However, in the second half, the Dolphins offense faded and managed to score just 3 points, while the defense allowed the Colts to put up 10 points en route to their 23-20 victory.

Quite honestly, the Dolphins did not deserve to win this game. Their defense played very poorly and their offensive line was harassed by Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney all day long.  The Dolphins did not turn the football over, but they did not have the balanced  offensive attack that had helped them win 3 straight games.  The Dolphins threw the ball 40 times and ran the ball just 18.  That is not the type of offensive balance you need when  you have a rookie quarterback, especially one that is injured.

What I liked

Ryan Tannehill – Tannehill’s performance will go mostly unnoticed because the Dolphins lost and Andrew Luck had the highest rookie passing yardage total every (433 yards).  All Tannehill did was complete 22 of 38 passes for 290 yards, 1 TD for a 90.9 QB Rating.  That’s not bad for a rookie quarterback who was running for his life most of the day a week after hyperextending his knee and having his thigh bruised.  At one point in the 4th quarter, as the defense continued to give up yards like they were Halloween Candy, I said that Tannehill would have to put this game on his back if the Dolphins were to win.  Unfortunately, the late drive in the 4th quarter came up short.

Overall, you have to like the toughness Tannehill showed as he continued to get up after taking some vicious shots from the Colts defenders.  The kid is tough.  This season, as much as we want to see the Dolphins make the playoffs, is about Tannehill continuing to improve.  He’s doing just that.  We’re all mad that the Dolphins aren’t 5-3, but remember that this is about building around a franchise QB that is only going to get better with experience.

Reggie Bush’s TD Run – Reggie Bush’s 18 yard touchdown run brought back memories of Barry Sanders in his prime.  Initially, the play looked like a short gainer, but as Bush headed to the left, so did 3 Colts defenders…..Bush cut on a dime with a jump stop to the right and left the Colts defenders in his dust.  On his way to the end zone he juked another Colts defender before walking in standing up.  Great run by Reggie, we need to see more of that!

Olivier Vernon, Special Team’s Ace – I’m calling out Vernon on special teams here because the guy is a beat on the field goal/punt block units.  He blocked another field goal yesterday, jumping over the center and deflecting Adam Viniteri’s second field goal attempt.  I can’t just say that I like Vernon overall because he was invisible when rushing the passer yesterday.  If he wants to be a full time player in the NFL, he needs to work on his pass rushing.

Brian Hartline – Hartline caught 8 balls for 107 yards in a losing effort.  It was nice to see Hartline get back into the gameplan for the Dolphins.  He needs to continue to be the security blanket for Ryan Tannehill.  Hartline made a great move and catch on the 35 yard hookup from Tannehill, early in the game.   (cont’d on page 2, click below)

Tags: , , , , ,
Pages: 1 2
  • FinzFan16

    I couldn’t agree more on EVERYTHING you mentioned in this article! I was very disappointed with the gameplan for the 2nd half. It was like I was watching a different team. I was having a great day until we lost. I mean, I couldn’t even explain how dead I felt after watching that game. I do want to mention despite the horrible 2nd half. The last drive couldn’t have had the WORST 4 plays in our playbook. I would have thought the BEST 4 plays in our playbook would have came out. Plus Reggie Bush was hardly utilized!! We should be using him for screen plays and allowing him to go outside. Lamar Millier and Daniel Thomas should be used for running between the tackles. I’m done writing…this is making my head spin. I just hope to see the Dolphins come out on Sunday ready to play!! (thanks for letting me vent)

  • FinzFan16

    …one last thing…what happend to trading for a GOOD WR?? No offense but what the heck has Gafney done since he’s come to Miami? He’s been there for over a month and he’s done NOTHING for us in a game to credit the trade!! The front office obvisouly doesn’t care about this season…Nice TEAMwork??

  • Tico

    Lamar Miller has gone from one of the steals in the draft, 4th round, to invisible
    WTF ??

  • Miami Jules

    I agree with everything, including all 3 comments posted as I was posting my own. I will add that even in defeat, one has to love the owning up to decisions, this coaching staff has brought in. The emphasis used to be “the silver lining” associated with defeat by previous coaches,now, nothing short of winning the game will have that “silver lining”. I was referring, in particular, to Coyle owning up to the loss against the Colts. I still believe Marlon Moore should be favored over Gafney, and although his blocking skills are less than desirable, Miller can get yards, and I want Sherman to figure out a way to get Miller in there without getting the whole opposing defence in our backfield as a result.

  • http://www.facebook.com/chris.schantz.92 Chris Schantz

    I don’t think there was a trade for Gafney. He was cut from Washington and then Patriots.

  • http://www.facebook.com/urias.martinez.7 Urias Martinez

    I was very disappointing that Tannehill could not handle the presure at the last drive to a least to try to tied the game against the Colts. The Dolphin secondary is a serious problem and there is not excuse to fixed now tht the team still have a chance. To allow a rookie like Hilton to score like that was a disgrace. How many times this players need to realize to take advantage of opportunities? They should hadbetter for this game. Luck had plenty time to deliver especially on third down, and there was not a solid response from the defense. Why four downs passing at the last drive at the yard 50, with two time out and Tannehill coudl not connected for a lousy fisrt down? This is the second game that the Dolphins lose the game because same problem, inability to grap 10 lousy yards to at least try a field goal and tied the game? On top of that, the calling from the referees was terrible at the last drive on the Dolphin’ special team returner. There was not foul that merited a flag, and cost the Dolphin 15 yards. Tou for givgame to the Colts. Coach Phibin, get on and fixed. Why Tannehill did not work the sideline on the last drive? He had 2 full minutes, two time outs, and 4 downs to give the kicker 20 more yards? Man, it is ridiculus.