Fins lose opener to Texans

Published September 9, 2012 | By James Lancaster

QB Ryan Tannehill looked like a rookie today.

For about a quarter and a half, the Miami Dolphins hung with the Houston Texans. It actually looked like it might be a close game. But in a matter of just 5 offensive plays, the Fins committed 4 turnovers. The Texans scored 24 points. And that was that. Miami lost by 20 points, 30-10.

When you lose by 20, there usually are not many bright spots. And in reality, there aren’t many. But there are a few.

Bright Spots – The Dolphins ground game looked solid, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Reggie Bush had 69 yards on 14 carries, almost 5 ypc. (115 total yards.) In contrast, the Dolphin defense held the Texans ground game to 2.4 yards per carry.

Miami may have finally solved their return game woes with Marcus Thigpen. Thigpen had a 72 yard punt return, which was Miami’s only TD. He also averaged 27.4 yards per kick return.

Reggie Bush and Davone Bess played well in the receiving game, picking up 46 receiving yards each. Brian Hartline had 50 yardsaswell. But too many times, the receiving corp could not get open and provided little help for their rookieQB.ThingstoWorkon – There are many. so I’ll just highlight the big ones.First, Ryan Tannehill played like a rookie. His passes were too low, leading to 4 batted balls, two of which were intercepted. Ryan didn’t look off his receiver, instead staring them down. And finally, on 4th and goal, you have to aim for the endzone….not the 5 yard line. But in reality, all of this is coachable and can be corrected.

Second, I have to question some of the Dolphins coaching plans. Why extra blockers were not kept back to help protect Tannehill in the face of constant Texans’ blitz has me wondering. As does the continual single coverage on receiving threat Andre Johnson. Why was Jimmy Wilson covering Andre one on one? Why was anyone covering Johnson one on one?

And finally, as well as the Fins played the run, they played the pass poorly. I mentioned Andre Johnson already, but Owen Daniel had 4 catches for over 21 yards a catch.

Overall – Most expected the Fins to lose. So the outcome of this game wasn’t a shock. Keep in mind too that the Texans are a playoff team. They were 10-6 last year and probably would of gone further in the playoffs if QB Matt Schaub had not been injured. But I certainly expected a better showing from Miami. Clearly, there is still A LOT of work to do.

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When not fighting crime or sleeping, James enjoys working out, playing with his K9 partner and his kids, participating in his "On The Fin Side" radio show, and working on this website.

James Lancaster

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Rating: 5.0/5 (2 votes cast)

Fins lose opener to Texans, 5.0 out of 5 based on 2 ratings

Posted in Game Review, James Lancaster | Tagged Davone Bess, Marcus Thigpen, Reggie Bush, Ryan Tannehill

5 Responses to Fins lose opener to Texans

bond, david bond on September 9, 2012 at 17:52

I wonder if how many INTs will Tannehill throw before Philbin gives Devlin a shot. My guess is 8 to 10. Then he will think about it. This is the trouble with starting someone before they are ready. If they suck because you started them too soon; then you have to replace them with someone who likely should have started anyway.

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bond, david bond on September 9, 2012 at 17:46

Tannehill could not get into the endzone during preseason and he can’t do it now. I know that things would be completely different with Garrard or Devlin. I wonder how much more of this foolishness will we have to endure. Believe it or not, it’s not the other players; it’s tannehill. That’s the only change that needs to be made, RIGHT NOW!

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bond, david bond on September 9, 2012 at 17:33

Ok people, it”s like this; the dolphins had better resign David Garrard immediately if they hope to make the playoffs this season. TANNEHILL IS NOT READY!!!!!!!! If Pat Devlin had started or Garrard, the dolphins would have easily defeated the Texans. Foolish pride will likely keep the guy in the game though. If the coaches think that the defense is going to keep playing at a high level despite junior repeatedly turning the ball over, he is going to be in a WELL DESERVED shock. I hate to see such talent on defense wasted behind a qb who is not ready, repeatedly throwing away a winnable game. We had a supebowl defense in 2001 – 2005; however, waundsted refuse to replace Jay Fiedler and wasted several years of defensive talent. I knew from the preseason games that Tannehill was not ready. He throws the ball too low. He had about 20 batted passes in preseason and people, it’s not going to go away. His passes will continue to be batted regularly. David Garrard would take us to the Superbowl! I can tell you right now people, it is not going to happen with Tannehill folks. They will likely let him muck up any hope we have to make the playoffs this year, then they will try someone else.

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- James Lancaster on September 9, 2012 at 19:44
  
  The Fins are NOT going to the playoffs this year. This year is about letting Tannehill learn the NFL. It’s about letting him make mistakes and groom him for the future.
  
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DolFan 316 on September 9, 2012 at 16:41

Well, I expected them to lose 38-0 so by that standard they actually did okay. LOL

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