Miami Dolphins 2011: 5 Positive Takeaways From Dolphins Close Call With Patriots

There are plenty of negatives in the Dolphins 38-24 loss to the New England Patriots. The defense, which returns 10 of 11 starters from a year ago, allowed Tom Brady to pass for 517 yards and gave up 622 total yards of offense.

Coming from a defense that was ranked sixth overall last year this is unexpected and simply put, unacceptable. The defense was supposed to be the strength of this team, while the offense learned and adjusted to a new system.

With the first game in the books, let’s take a look at some positives from Monday Night’s game. 

Chad Henne Looked Much Better

Much maligned quarterback Chad Henne had a good game Monday night. Henne completed 30 of 49 passes for 416 yards, two TD and one INT. Henne looked comfortable with all of his receivers and showed good accuracy on all his passes. 

Henne accounted for three touchdowns on the night. His first came on the ground in what looked like a designed run play for nine yards and the first score of the game. The new offense seems to create more space for Henne to be able to pick up first downs and gain some yards on the ground.

Henne's next touchdown came on a tight pass from the 10-yard line to Brian Hartline. Henne completed the pass between three Patriot defensive backs. His last touchdown, coming in the fourth quarter, was on a swing pass to new weapon Reggie Bush. 

Henne utilized his two best weapons much better in the game than in previous seasons. Henne completed passes to Brandon Marshall and Bush 16 times for a combined 195 yards and a score. Henne was criticized last season for not building a relationship with and getting the ball to Marshall.

If Henne can continue to use his two biggest weapons on offense he will keep posting big numbers for the rest of the season. 

Brandon Marshall Has Put the Offseason Drama Behind Him

This offseason, Brandon Marshall's personal life became headline news when he was rushed to the hospital in April. It became apparent that Marshall and his wife had an altercation that resulted in several cuts and stab wounds on Marshall's wrists and abdomen.

Beat writer Omar Kelly later revealed that Marshall suffers from borderline personality disorder, or BPD. Marshall has since spoken publicly about his condition and is filming a documentary about his struggles with BPD. Marshall has gone public about his condition in order to create awareness for others suffering from the ailment.  

Putting the offseason drama behind him, Marshall had a very productive game Monday night. Although he did not get into the end zone, Marshall posted solid numbers—seven receptions for 139 yards and was targeted by Chad Henne 13 times.

He and Henne looked to be in sync starting from the opening play, a 25-yard reception by Marshall. Marshall was targeted 13 times in the contest and should be able to sustain that type of production throughout the season.

There was what looked to be a miscommunication between Henne and Marshall on an end zone pass that was almost intercepted. Henne threw the ball inside, expecting Marshall to run a slant, while Marshall was looking for a back shoulder pass. Marshall and Henne need to continue to develop their relationship and communication on and off the field in order for this team to win.

Reggie Bush Is Running Hard

Reggie Bush has earned several labels over the course of his NFL career: soft, overpaid diva and injury prone to name a few. Many see Bush as an east to west runner, who would rather run out of bounds than into contact to fight for extra yards. The Dolphins have had their fair share of this type of player (see Ted Ginn).

Since his arrival in Miami, Bush has worked hard to shed this image. Throughout training camp you could find him well after practice was over running sprints and drills on the field. He would follow up his extra work outs by staying and signing autographs for the fans that had stayed to watch him work.

Are these the actions of an overpaid diva? Bush has won over fans with his hard work and if he keeps running like he did Monday night, he will win over even more. 

Bush did not post eye popping numbers, 11 carries for 38 yards, but showed a new style of running in obtaining those yards. Bush ran hard between the tackles and ran through rather than around tackles. It remains to be seen if the 6' 203lb frame can stand up to the type of punishment that comes with this style of running, but it is encouraging to watch. 

Bush was also a huge part of the passing game; leading the team in catches—nine—and second in targets, 10. He showed his speed on a two-yard TD catch taking a pass in the flat around the corner and diving into the end zone, calling to memory a similar dive as a member of the Saints in the same stadium last season. 

If he can stay healthy, Bush will continue to be the Dolphin's most versatile weapon on offense.

They Were Beat by the Best Quarterback in the League

Tom Brady is the best quarterback in the NFL and this is the best offense the Dolphins defense will face all season long. The way the Patriots ran no huddle to prevent the Dolphins from getting all of their substitutes resulted in Vontae Davis and Sean Smith cramping and an overall drubbing on defense.

That being said, the Phins will not face another quarterback as skilled or offense as confounding as the Patriots. To see how complicated the offense is, just watch as Chad Ochocinco could barely get on to the field Monday.

Ochocinco had one catch for 14 yards and was only targeted three times. For a veteran receiver to have enough trouble picking up an offense that he can't even get significant playing time speaks volumes for the job the Patriots do on offense. 

The Defense Can Only Get Better

This is a good defense. 

Stout against the run and with solid corners to defend against the pass. A team that returns 10 of 11 starters on the sixth overall defense from a season ago.  

Yet, the Patriots totaled 622 total yards of offense. 

The Patriots have now won five of six and outscored the Dolphins 79-21 since Mike Nolan took over the defense. The good news for the Dolphins is they will not have to face Tom Brady or Bill Belichick until they travel to New England Week 16.

Until then, look for the Dolphins defense to return to form, becoming a more cohesive unit. This defense is supposed to be able to keep the offense in games, while they get a feel for a new offensive scheme. They are not supposed to be on the wrong end of record setting performances.

Karlos Dansby, Jason Taylor and Kevin Burnett will provide the veteran leadership and use what happened on Monday night as fuel to become the defense of last season. 

While watching the Patriots move up and down the field seemingly at will was a tough pill to swallow for Dolphans, rest assured that the Patriots hit them with the best attack of any team in the NFL. This will not be the last time the Patriots put up record breaking numbers this season, but it will be the last time this Dolphins defense surrenders them.

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