Dolphins vs. Browns: 11 Things We Learned About Miami in Devastating 17-16 Loss

The Miami Dolphins lost to the Cleveland Browns by a score of 17-16 today.

Despite a dominant effort, the Dolphins collapsed late in the fourth quarter, allowing Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi to catch a game-winning touchdown with just 43 seconds left. 

The 'Fins offense had 43 seconds to get into field goal range, but Chad Henne failed to generate anything, and an interception sealed the deal. 

An 0-3 start is virtually impossible to rebound from, and this devastating loss might signal the end of Tony Sparano's tenure as head coach. He probably won't be fired this week, but team owner Stephen Ross won't tolerate such paramount disappointment.

As always, there's plenty to learn from the game. And, hey, maybe if Miami manages to correct their shortcomings, they can still make a push. 

Miami Finally Got Innovative in the End Zone, but Quickly Reverted

Miami's red-zone struggles have decimated the team's chances of winning over the past two seasons, and the same issue has already resurfaced. 

The Dolphins failed to generate anything in the red zone against New England and Houston, but their first trip inside of the 20 against the Browns was revelatory. Brian Daboll drew up a beautiful fake reverse screen pass that led to a Daniel Thomas touchdown. 

After that, however, the 'Fins reverted to the same aimless passing plays that have proven so inefficient in the past. If this team wants to be successful in the red zone, they need to exercise that creativeness they used early in the game. 

There's a New Problem: 3rd Down Efficiency

"Checkdown Chad" may be doing his best to spread the field and take more chances, but once the pressure is on, he quickly becomes risk-averse. 

On seemingly every third down Miami faced against the Browns, Henne threw the ball shy of the marker, relying on his receivers—usually Davone Bess—to rack up the necessary yards after the catch. 

The Dolphins finished the game 4-of-13 on third downs. Last week, Miami was just 4-of-12, and against New England, they were 2-of-14. This must be fixed or Miami will fail to close out games. 

Nolan Carroll Can't Be on the Field

Easily the most maligned on the Dolphins through the first few weeks of the season is cornerback Nolan Carroll. He was absolutely torched against both the Patriots and Texans.

Predictably, the Browns went after him as well. 

Carroll was completely burnt by Josh Cribbs early in the game, and were it not for an errant Colt McCoy pass, that play would have turned into an easy touchdown. Later in the fourth quarter, Carroll was flagged for a crucial and inexcusable pass interference call that kept Cleveland's game winning drive alive. 

Without Vontae Davis, the Dolphins were unusually thin at cornerback today, but they need to find ways to keep Carroll either on the sidelines or on lower-grade receivers. 

The Offensive Line Is Playing Very Mediocre; Must Elevate Their Play

Miami's offensive line surrendered five sacks to a young, inexperienced Browns front seven. 

Granted Vernon Carey left with an injury, the Dolphins cannot afford to let Chad Henne absorb so many hits. Plus, how will this line fare against a team with a truly potent pass rush?

It's Time for the Dolphins to Check out the Kicker Market

Dan Carpenter's incredible struggles towards the end of the 2010 season spawned some concern heading into 2011. 

For the first time since their 2008 arrival, Miami's brass chose not to bring in a kicking competitor for Carpenter, but it's a decision they might be regretting. Carpenter missed a 51-yard field goal against the Browns. Granted that's no chip shot, he is now 3-of-6 over the past two weeks. 

Because Carpenter has been a symbol of consistency, fans have been hesitant to accept his decline—much like they did with Lousaka Polite. But if these struggles persist, Miami will have to find a new kicker. 

Tight Ends, Tight Ends, Tight Ends

At what point can we just acknowledge the Dolphins will never be able to stop opposing tight ends so we can focus on other topics?

It's literally unbelievable. 

Browns tight end Ben Watson led Cleveland in receiving with five receptions for 64 yards. Tony Sparano has had four years to fix this recurring issue, yet he has not been able to do so. 

Daniel Thomas Is Officially the Team's Feature Back

Just in case you weren't convinced by Daniel Thomas' debut last week, he churned out another promising performance, totaling 95 yards on 23 carries. 

Thomas' 4.1 yards per carry is very marginal, but he received minimal help from the offensive line. 

Regardless, Thomas has now rushed for a combined 203 yards in his first two games, and his blend of power and finesse is truly special. Reggie Bush's struggles also help cement Thomas' role as Miami's lead back. 

Even When Miami Dominates, They Don't Dominate

In 2008, the Dolphins employed a strict ball-control strategy. They didn't turn the ball over, and they also never gave their opponents the ball. It worked wonders.

Miami tried to utilize that strategy again on Sunday, and on paper, it worked. Miami racked up over 37 minutes of possession while Cleveland had roughly 22. 

Yet, somehow, the Dolphins still managed to lose. 

Brian Daboll Must Find Better Ways to Use Reggie Bush

At one point during Sunday's game, Reggie Bush had five carries for -1 yards and two fumbles.

Even though many fans had tame expectations for Bush, nobody expected him to be a non-factor. 

Bush finished the afternoon with 11 carries for 24 yards and just one catch for 12 yards.

The Dolphins, more specifically Brian Daboll, must find ways to utilize Bush's presence and dynamic athleticism. He is such a valuable asset, but all Miami wants to do is sculpt him into a between-the-tackles runner. Daboll needs to watch film of Bush in New Orleans and let him play a similar role here. 

Jimmy Wilson Should See the Field More

Seventh-round draft pick Jimmy Wilson became an overnight celebrity in Miami after his standout performance in the team's first preseason game. Wilson ran into some typical rookie speed bumps and has been hovering below the radar since. 

However, with Vontae Davis sidelined and Will Allen struggling with a hamstring injury, Wilson got onto the field on Sunday and made an impact. He intercepted a pass and registered two pass deflections, showing a nose for a football. 

Of course, Wilson surrendered the game-winning touchdown pass to Mohamed Massaquoi, but that was a spectacular connection that even the best of corners would have struggled to defend. 

We can't get too excited from one solid game, but Wilson might deserve to take some of Nolan Carroll's reps. 

The Dolphins Will Be in the Andrew Luck Sweepstakes

At the outset of the 2011 season, few realists had playoff expectations for the Dolphins. 

While there was still a sense of optimism and promise around Miami, the national media was hammering the 'Fins, predicting a dreadful season despite a bolstered roster. Turns out the talking heads were right. 

There is simply no excuse for Miami's loss today. The Dolphins have an edge in virtually every matchup but still lost. And if they cannot topple teams like Cleveland, who will they beat? At this rate, Miami will be right in the thick of the race for the first overall pick and crown jewel Andrew Luck.