Miami Dolphins Move To 2-0, but Concerns Remain

Miami Dolphins fans have reason to be happy. 

For the first time in nearly a decade, the Dolphins have started the season 2-0. On Sunday, they also did something they haven't been able to in a while: hold on to beat a quality opponent in the Minnesota Vikings.

Last year was full of disappointments for Dolphins fans, as the team struggled to hold on in close battles with elite teams like New Orleans and Indianapolis. 

This year, it appears the team has made a step in the right direction, but there are still a few vital questions that remain unanswered for this young Dolphins team.

Slow Start for the Offense

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 12: Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins readies to pass against the Buffalo Bills during the NFL season opener at Ralph Wilson Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Miami won 15-10. (Photo by Rick Stewart

Despite picking up star receiver Brandon Marshall in the offseason, the Miami offense has yet to break loose with a strong performance in their first two games.

The play calling has been extremely conservative, hindering Chad Henne's and Marshall's opportunity to bond and create a realistic deep threat. How conservative?

Henne launched the ball just 15 times this past weekend in the Dolphins' win over the Vikings.

The running game has been decent, but nothing spectacular. Ronnie Brown had a key fumble on Sunday that ended Miami's chance to pull away from Minnesota.

If Miami wants to remain competitive and keep on winning, the offensive game plan is going to have to change. 

Brandon Marshall needs to be thrown to more, big plays need to occur more often, and the overall consistency of the unit needs to improve.

Inability To Pull Away

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19: Ronnie Brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins carries the ball during the game against the Minnesota Vikings on September 19, 2010 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Another unsettling issue for the Dolphins also roots back to the offense, and that is the Dolphins' apparent inability to pull away from opponents when they should.

Miami has dominated both Buffalo and Minnesota defensively, and in each game, there were more than enough ample opportunities for Miami to pull away from their opponent and come out with a comfortable margin of victory.

They failed to do so, putting more pressure on the defense to make big stops just to come away with the win.

This is where the offensive play calling needs to get more creative and step it up. When the opportunity arises, Miami needs to be able to strike with a big play and take their opponents out of the game.

Isn't this why Brandon Marshall was acquired? 

Instead, we have seen the Dolphins' coaching staff apparently be happy with simply being on top on the scoreboard and call conservative plays. Without a killer instinct, this Miami team will not live up to the expectations that are rising by the week.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Bart Scott #57 of the New York Jets at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Patriots 28 - 14.

Next week, the Dolphins face another difficult test in the New York Jets.

And if the offensive worries haven't been erased or at least eased, Miami could find themselves with their first loss of the season.

The Jets defense just did a pretty good job stifling the high powered New England Patriots' offense, and if they played the Dolphins today, they would probably shut them out.

The play calling needs to be more aggressive next week, Marshall needs to be used, and Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown can't afford to each fumble the ball.

Miami's defense can and will keep them in the game, but only for so long. It's time for the offense to start doing its part.