Brandon Marshall breaks out on a big stage
Brandon Marshall let the league know he is still one of the game’s top receivers against the Jets on Sunday night.
But he should’ve had more. That’s what makes his next match-up with the Jets even that much more intriguing.
Derelle Revis should be back then, so Marshall will get more 1-on-1 than he did on Sunday when the Jets constantly had a safety overtop.
That will probably be a weekly thing for Marshall and the Dolphins offense. That is why Devon Bess is poised for a break out year.
Bess and Brian Hartline should continue to get looks and if Henne can continue to hit him, things should get better for the young q.b.
The one thing that hasn’t improved despite a pass-heavy game on Sunday, the running game. What has happened to Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams?
I mean, have they fallen that fall off in one year? Both are star running backs that can give defenses headaches, but neither has for three games.
Hopefully with Marshall taking two defenders with him, and Bess or Hartline stepping their game up, that doesn’t leave many defenders to cover the running attack.
We will see against the Pats.
The Dolphins defense has a new nickname!
Thanks to everyone for the posts for a new Dolphins nickname.
The swarm was good, as was Demolition Dolphins. But the winner is:
Rumblefish! Help me pitch this nickname to all. Thanks again to Patticake, Winston and Matt for the great ones, but know on to the unit now known as the RUMBLEFISH!
The Dolphins defense just got even thinner when word came out that tackle Tony McDaniel will be suspened one game for offseason actions.
After a solid first two weeks, the defense took a big step backwards in making Mark Sanchez look like Broadway Joe. Can they get it back together in a week?
We’ll find out again on a national stage when the Dolphins face the New England Patriots on Monday night. They are going to really have to bring it this time around.
But on a high note, Cameron Wake is a beast! I have been preaching it since last year and know he is showing the league what Bill Parcells saw in him. He was more quiet against the Jets, but how much did you hear Cris Collinsworth rave about him?
With him, Dansby and Koa Misi the linebacking corps is looking strong for years to come. If only Channing Crowder and Tim Dobbins can sure up the other middle backer spot Miami will be great.
But again, the secondary killed the Dolphins. Jason Allen has played admirably, as did Vonte Davis. But Dustin Keller looked like Antonio Gates against Miami.
Hope they figure it out before the Pats bring their two rookie tight ends into town.
Miami stumbles backwards
The Dolphins on display for the entire nation for the first time this season were not the Dolphins fans had seen for the first two weeks.
Chad Henne threw two times as much as he did in the first two games. The running game was nowhere to be seen. That was due to WAY too early panic mode by the ‘Fins.
The coaching staff outsmarted themselves time and time again as well.
Miami paid tens of millions to a brand spanking new wide receiver. A guy is tall and athletic enough to outjump most defensive backs in the league.
Yet, Brian Hartline had 2 fades come his way in the endzone. Anthony Fasano was targeted in the middle of the field on the last play of the game – which turned into an interception.
How did Brandon Marshall not get one of those fades his way? Sure, he was double teamed often, but when the game’s on the line give the best weapon the ball – bottom line.
Then there was the defense. Tune in tomorrow for that one.
Miami is winning with a no-name defense, again
I’m just saying. There was a time many many years ago that Miami won with a tough running game and a no-name defense.
They came from out of the blue to take the NFL by storm with a combo that would be the key to success for many years to come.
This year’s Dolphins look much the same.
Look at the defense, besides Karlos Dansby, how many others do you think an average fan can name?
Vontae Davis, Cameron Wake, Koa Misi, Kendall Langford, Yeremiah Bell. They have been making plays and tormenting offenses this season.
Brett Favre is regretting his comeback after last week, and although the Bills will probably lose to just about everybody, they too had fits the revamped Dolphins D.
So, here’s the deal. If they can keep it up for two more weeks, this unit is going to need a nickname.
That’s where I throw it to you readers. Give some nickname ideas here and I’ll pick one in a week and let the hype machine begin.
Miami Dolphins start 2-0
It’s been a long time since the Miami Dolphins started the season with two straight road wins.
1977 was the last time it happened, so if it feels weird, it should. Does to me, I wasn’t even alive then!
What a strong victory it was for the Dolphins. The defense played like one of the best in the league, like I said it would.
Brett Favre was rocked by Miami’s pass rush and picked of three times by a secondary playing far above where anybody could have seen them performing.
But not all was rainbows and sunshine in the game. The ‘Fins offense has to play better, and that starts this weekend.
Chad Henne will have to step up as Miami faces the Dolphins and Jets in back to back weeks. Those games will help Miami either prove they are elite, or just off to a surprising start.
The running game has got to get better. No more fumbles. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams need to run better and if they do – watch out.
Same goes for the passing game with Henne still looking not on the same page as his receiving corps.
But for today, let’s continue to embrace a long missed 2-0 start. Miami is alone atop the AFC East and if two more weeks of this kind of play happens, that perch will stay hot.
