Patriots vs. Dolphins: 5 Reasons Dolphins Should Be Optimistic Going Forward

When you think about it, the Miami Dolphins did exactly what they were supposed to do on Monday night against the New England Patriots.

Unfortunately for the Dolphins, that meant getting pummeled. The Pats enforced their will early and often, and would ultimately walk away with a 38-24 win.

Obviously, not the best way for the Dolphins to kick off their 2011 season. But in my opinion, things could have gone a lot worse. As bad as things went, there are a couple of things that the Dolphins can be proud about, and these same things bode well for the Dolphins going forward.

Let's count them down, shall we?

5. Reggie Bush Still a Multipurpose Threat

On Sunday, I foolishly predicted that Reggie Bush would rush for 100 yards. He didn't do that, and was probably never going to.

Bush did, however, gain 94 total yards. Of those yards, 56 came on nine receptions, and Bush also caught one of Chad Henne's two touchdown passes.

What we learned is that Bush is still not an every-down back. But just like he was in New Orleans once upon a time, he is still a dangerous weapon.

4. Brandon Marshall Explodes Out of the Gate

If the Dolphins are to do anything unexpected this year, Brandon Marshall needs to be a consistent playmaker. He made plays in his first year in Miami, but not consistently.

This year, so far so good. Marshall caught seven passes for 139 yards against the Pats, who really didn't have an answer for him.

If Marshall and Henne can hook up like this week in and week out, they're going to be a formidable duo.

3. Mike Pouncey Looked Legit

The Dolphins drafted Florida center Mike Pouncey with the No. 15 pick in the draft in hopes that he would shore up the middle of their offensive line, and Pouncey looked like he was more than up to the task against the Pats.

It's obviously a little hard to quantify just how well Pouncey played, but I do recall him pancaking Albert Haynesworth at least once. If Pouncey can pancake him, he can pancake anybody.

2. Chad Henne Better Than Advertised

Remember when Dolphins fans were telling Chad Henne to his face that they would rather have Kyle Orton under center?

Perhaps they'd like to rethink that position. Henne completed 30 of his 49 passes for 412 yards and a pair of touchdowns (also with one pick), and he also added another 59 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Is Henne that good, or is the Pats defense that bad? For some reason, my money is on the first option.

1. Defense Can Only Get Better

Yes, the Dolphins gave up 38 points. And yes, they allowed Tom Brady to pass for 517 yards. And yes, they allowed a grand total of 622 yards.

I'm aware of these things. But believe me when I tell you that things are going to get better.

We know this because the Dolphins were a very good defensive team in 2010, and should be again in 2011. We also know this because it's going to be hard for them to be any worse in any of their next 15 games.