1. Miami has the number 4 rushing offense in the league.
2. Miami has the number 3 rushing defense in the league.
3. Miami has the 29th ranked pass defense in the league.
4. Miami has the 25th ranked pass offense in the league.
Breaking it down:
Miami can flat out run the ball. The OL, especially the center the line, is pushing guys off the line. Even when the teams stack the box with 8 guys, Miami still gets positive yards. It is quite amazing that they can’t get more out of their passing attack with this kind of running game.
The passing game is lousy. Whether you blame the scheme, the WRs, or Ryan Tannehill, the bottom line is it stinks. 25th overall is bad, but the rating against opposing defenses is a dismal 58.3. That is 32nd in the NFL. When you throw in the fact that 8 guys are basically defending the run every play, it makes that number all that much worse. Now, contrary to what some think, I’m not going to sit here and bash RT. The kid did some good things in the last couple of games. However, I will take the coaching staff and their play calling to task. When teams are “stacking” the box and begging you to throw deep…basically giving you the deep outside of the field…you gotta take your shots. Miami didn’t take enough of them in the first 3 games. The Cardinals had to take notice of the 2nd half of the Jets Game especially late in the game when the Jets finally committed 9 guys on first down to stop the run. It was Ryan Tannehills best quarter throwing the ball. With that said, they took the ball out of his hands once they were in long FG range and played not to lose. Playing not to lose always gets you beat. Live or die, we are going to do it with Ryan Tannehill’s arm. Sorry, those are just the facts. I’m not saying we open it up like he’s Aaron Rodgers but Miami has to take the training wheels off. His growth, or lack thereof, will be based on learning from his mistakes. He seems mentally resilient and has the physical tools but now they need to ask him to do more to see how he responds.
The defense seems to be a mixed bag at first glance. The run defense has been stellar. The pass defense looks pedestrian but when you consider that they’re holding opposing QB’s to a 75 rating, it means those yards are still hard get. Teams have quickly realized they’re not running against this defense. They still run the occasional play to keep them honest but most of the time teams are dropping early and often against Miami. Miami’s defense bends a lot against the pass but hasn’t really broken too often. As the LB’s and secondary adjust to Coyles new scheme they should get better as the year goes on.
It’ll be tough sledding against the Cards. They have a tough defense. They also have a good passing offense. Throw Tanny Throw
GD2
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