Miami Dolphins Week 1 Review: 10 Things We Learned Vs The Buffalo Bills
Despite a week of large-scale panic around Miami, Week 1 is in the books, and the Dolphins are on pace to post a perfect 16-0 record.
Okay, we all know that won't happen, but after Bill Parcells stepped down and the team purged a slew of veteran role players, a victory was a welcome relief.
Not everything is all warm and cuddly in Miami, however. This team was a few mistakes away from suffering a monumental loss at the hands of Trent Edwards and the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins' offense failed to conduct any electricity, and their defense began caving late.
Still, let's reiterate, a win is a win, and as always, there's plenty to learn.
The Play-Calling Is Way Too Conservative
1 of 10
Brandon Marshall's arrival has provided the Dolphins with one of the deadliest weapons in the NFL. Marshall's skill set not only makes him an elite wide receiver, but his presence is enough to make the players around him exponentially better. He can make Chad Henne look great instead of good, and he can free up space for the Dolphins' other receivers.
Yet, despite his addition, the Dolphins seem content on checking down to short roll-out passes and dump-off passes to Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown.
If I recall correctly, Chad Henne went deep to Brandon Marshall just once. The conservative play-calling had me itching to scream at the television. You have Brandon Marshall and you have the ability to spread the field now. Utilize it.
Mike Nolan's Defense Can Be Awesome, But Don't Get Your Hopes Up Yet
2 of 10
Right out of the gate, Mike Nolan's defense looked spectacular. The Dolphins' first three defensive plays showcased a chaotic pass rush and intrusive run defense.
However, the energetic explosiveness was soon gone. The Dolphins defense, much like its offense, slipped into an overly conservative style of play. This unit deserves copious amounts of credit for a shutdown performance, but they lowered their intensity late in the game, and it almost cost them a win.
Also, let's not forget that one year ago, Nolan's Denver Broncos defense looked stellar through the first six weeks of the season, but caved down the stretch. Let's give Nolan and his defense some more time before we get too excited.
We All Owe Jason Allen an Apology
3 of 10
Maybe you don't all owe Jason Allen an apology after years of atrocious play, but I know I do. I have mercilessly ripped on Allen and his bust status, and he has often become the butt of my jokes.
But Allen proved the haters wrong yesterday after a pretty awesome performance against the Bills. Of course, it's important to remember that Allen was matched up against the likes of Steve Johnson and Lee Evans, but it was great to see him finally find some redemption after such a criticized career.
He will be truly tested next week against the Minnesota Vikings, and it would still be comforting to see Sean Smith reclaim his starting spot.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Special Teams Coverage Units Have Improved, But Are Still a Weak Link
4 of 10
One of my biggest concerns going into the regular season was the Dolphins lethargic kickoff- and punt-return coverage teams. They looked absolutely abysmal during the preseason, and although most fans don't give too much thought to special teams in general, they are a huge factor in every game.
Fortunately, those coverage units were only forced to cover three punt returns and one kick return. C.J. Spiller mustered only 11 yards on the Bills' sole kickoff return, but Roscoe Parrish did manage to break a 19-yard punt return. Parrish's other two returns went for a combined 11 yards.
Forcing a team to start a drive at the 20-yard line with diligent kick coverage is far preferable to allowing a team to start at the 35-yard line with lax kick coverage. If the Dolphins coverage units maintain the urgency they showed against Buffalo, they should finish the season sans scrutiny.
The Dolphins Might Have One Of the League's Best Young OLB Duos
5 of 10
Dolphins' second-round draft pick Koa Misi was widely pinned as the Miami rookie expected to make the biggest and most immediate impact; however, he was not even slated to start prior to Sunday's game.
Free agent Ikaika Alama-Francis beat out Misi for the starting outside linebacker job opposite Cameron Wake after a great training camp. But Alama-Francis fell sick just hours before the game, allowing Misi to reclaim his starting role.
Misi, along with linebacking corps mate Cameron Wake, caused mayhem around the Bills backfield. Both racked up a sack, and both showed great instincts. Misi was manhandled on a few plays, but that is to be expected from a rookie. Bright days could be ahead for this young Dolphins front seven.
Chad Henne Still Trusts Davone Bess in The Clutch
6 of 10
The aforementioned presence of Brandon Marshall was expected to grant his fellow receivers some favorable match-ups, and plenty of open field in 2010. This contrasts with last season, when Davone Bess and Brian Hartline were matched up against the league's elite cornerbacks, and, in turn, overwhelmed.
Despite those overwhelming match-ups in 2009, Bess still caught 76 passes, making him one of Chad Henne's favorite targets. With Marshall on board, Bess has obviously taken a back seat in terms of targets and receptions. But the time he has spent with Chad Henne is paying off.
Henne looked for Bess on multiple third downs on Sunday, and Bess delivered, finishing the game with six receptions. Defenses are going to pay extra attention to Marshall on third downs, and Bess will reap the benefits all season long.
The Dolphins Are Still a Run-First Team
7 of 10
Regardless of the changes in the Miami Dolphins offense, whether it's three new starters along the offensive line, a cannon-armed quarterback, or a "Beast" wide receiver, as long as Tony Sparano is captaining the ship, Miami will be a run-first team.
The Dolphins love to pound the rock, and they played their own game on Sunday, rushing the ball 36 times for 132 yards as a team. Granted, the Bills don't exactly posses an elite run-stuffing unit, but it is good to see that Miami's makeshift offensive line can still pave lanes for Ricky and Ronnie to run through.
Miami will have a much larger task against the massive Minnesota front seven next week.
Ronnie Brown Is Truly a Special Player
8 of 10
He has played only one full season after five years in the NFL, suffering a torn ACL and lisfranc fracture along the way. Yet, despite his rather severe injuries, Ronnie Brown bounces back stronger year after year.
When he is fully healthy, Dolfans know Brown is capable of playing at the highest of levels. He had a career year in 2009, one year removed from that ACL tear. And now, one year after suffering that lisfranc fracture, Brown looks like he is poised to have another great season.
He carried the ball 13 times for 65 yards and a score on Sunday, tacking on two receptions for 20 yards in the process. His five yards per carry average was far more impressive than Ricky Williams' 3.4, and Brown is running with a desire. Let's remember Brown is in a contract year, and may be auditioning for other teams throughout this entire season. But the man looks good running the football, and that's all that matters for now.
Chris Clemons Is a Diamond in The Rough
9 of 10
After whiffing on free agents Ryan Clark and Antrel Rolle and with the summer dwindling down, the Dolphins confirmed what many believed was a risky move: Chris Clemons would be the team's starting free safety entering the 2010 season.
Clemons started two unspectacular games for the Fins in 2009, leaving many skeptics to ponder if the rookie fifth-round pick could possibly mature enough to start in 2010. If Sunday's game was any indication, Clemons is up to the task.
While he will still have to prove he can provide a solid safety blanket, Clemons showed his ability to lay some serious hits, and a knack for seeking out the ball carrier. Clemons will have his first true test against the savvy Brett Favre in Minnesota next week, but the Dolphins may have a true diamond in the rough in their hands.
The Dolphins Will Be Truly Tested Next Week
10 of 10
No disrespect to the Buffalo Bills, well, actually, with disrespect to the Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins played a team with very little talent on Sunday afternoon. Outside of the three-headed monster at running back and a tremendous secondary, the Bills do not present much of a formidable team.
Next week, however, the Dolphins will travel into a hostile environment at the Metrodome, which will prove to be one of the biggest tests in quarterback Chad Henne's young career, as well as for the rest of this rather inexperienced roster.
Apart from the environment, Miami will have the tasks of shutting down superstar running back Adrian Peterson, and containing a nasty front seven anchored by Jared Allen, the Williams "Brothers," Ray Edwards, and a very athletic linebacking corps. This will prove to be a legitimate test of how Miami can play in a tough environment, and possibly how good this team really is. A win in Minnesota so early in the season would be invaluable.
Oh yeah, and Tarvaris Jackson is starting at quarterback, right?
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")