Chris Lee

Can you believe the final score of 38-13?  I am sure most people that didn’t watch the game and saw that score thought sports sites and TV made a mistake and got the score flipped.  Well it is my pleasure to tell you it’s right, Miami went into New England and dominated the game ending the Pat’s 21 game regular season streak.  Fitting seeing the Dolphins were the last one to beat them in the regular season. 

When I wrote my last blog I said Miami could possibly upset the Patriots if everything went right.  Well it did, but I thought the game would be still close.  On offense Ronnie Brown had the best day ever in a Miami uniform running for four TD’s and throwing for another with over 100 yards rushing.  Ricky Williams also made up for his poor start running for close to 100 yards also.  Miami lined up Brown behind centre several times throughout the game and all burned the Patriots.  They ran the same play three times and the old Patriots defense still could not figure it out.  There’s more, Chad Pennington looked like a pro-bowl QB going 17 of 20 for 226 yards with a 113.8 passer rating.  Pennington was effective distributing the ball to eight different receivers and made no mistakes, controlled the ball and stepped up when there was a pass rush. 

One player who I have been knocking down as of late Tedd Ginn Jr.  He cought 5 balls for 49 yards and showed signs of what made him great a Ohio State.  Hopefully he can keep it going and this will bring some much needed confidence.

On defense, I for once listened to Joey Porter with his comments about Matt Cassel.  Cassel showed his true colors by making mistakes with one INT and fumble.   Porter registered three sacks and Merling got the other.  The Dolphins defense kept pressure on Cassel all day not allowing him to get in any sort of rhythm.

This game was a joy for me to watch, as it had been a hard last few years.  My only hope is that the Dolphins bring this effort every game.  If they do they will continue to suprise teams.

Next up for Miami is the bye week.  This is too bad since I would like to see them build on this win and carry that momentum to the next game.  They will have to wait two weeks until the San Diego Chargers visit Miami.

On another note Patriots fans have to wonder how good are they without one of the best in Tom Brady.  Bill Belichick was certainly outcoached on Sunday.  Was Brady the guy that made him look good?  Certainly if your look at the stats one would think so.  Belichick was a losing coach until Tom Brady took over for Drew Bledsoe and they went on there wonderful run.  What do you think? 

Chris

Chris Lee

Will Miami’s running backs please stand up.  Yes, you Ronnie and Ricky.  For the Dolphins to have a chance this week against New England the duo must run for at least 100 yards. 

The bookmakers have the Pats heavily favoured in this by 13 which is a little high considering Matt Cassel is at QB.  I think this week he will show his true colors of pre-season and make a few key of mistakes.  New England is just not that good this year, and it will be a challenge for them to make the playoffs, although there easy schedule should benefit them quite a bit.  Regardless, when teams figure out that Cassel is just managing the game and key in on him in different situations, I don’t think it will be long before he implodes a bit.

My keys to the game this week: 1. As mentioned Ricky and Ronnie must run all day and they need to establish the run early.  2.  Bring pressure on the lowly Cassel, this guy is not that great and not that mobile.  3.  Pennington limit his mistakes and take the team on long drives by spreading the ball around.  4.  Defense, defense, Defense, need to get some turnovers which need to be translated into points.

If and I mean IF all this happens I am looking for a close game with a possible upset.   Still thinking a 21-10 final score with the Dolphins covering the spread.  Enjoy the games.

Chris

Chris Lee

What is there to say about Miami’s game yesterday?  I could think of a lot of words, none of them positive.  The Dolphins performance was definitely a confidence breaker and shows how much work still needs to be done in rebuilding this team.  It was hard watching the game yesterday as Miami couldn’t do anything right on offense or defense. 

Yet again Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams could not muster anything with 22 carries for 53 yards.  That is terrible, if they keep this up money would be better spent elsewhere.  Sure it does not help when you fall behind early and abondon the run a little bit, but those numbers are not nearly what they should be. 

On another note Tedd Ginn Jr. still forgot to show up, much like his alma matter Ohio State did on the weekend against USC.  I guess it is stuck in these Buckeyes heads to not play to there potential in big games.  I just thought it was not that contagious.  His play thus far in a Dolphins uniform has been nothing special and has been demoted from the three wideout package.  You think a guy with his speed could separate from a cornerback, but he rarely does.

One thing believe it or not that I did like was the play again of Devon Bess, who returns kicks very well and is a great possesion receiver.  He was rewarded with his strong play with more playing time and most likely will take Ginn’s spot as a starter. 

Chad Henne got see some action in the fourth quarter and lead the team to an 89 scoring drive and looked good, albiet the game was out of hand at that point.  He showed pose and direction, which is what you want to see from your rookie quarterback. 

Rather that talking more about this game, I think it would be best to move on and try to forget it.  Otherwise I will be here all day typing about all the Dolphins mistakes.  Mind you it was against a good Arizona Cardinals team that will win there division. 

Next up for the Dolphins is the New England Patriots on the road.  Should be interesting.  Can the Dolphins bounce back?

Chris