Today, the Miami Dolphins played two halves as distinctly as a football team could. The first half was wrought with three consecutive turnovers: one by Mike Wallace fumbling, one by Lamar Miller, and an interception by Ryan Tannehill under throwing Mike Wallace. Three turnovers that gave the Patriots 17 points.
However, the Dolphins defense and offense seemed to play like a unit possessed. Lead by defensive end Cameron Wake, the unit combined on 4 sacks. 4 sacks of Tom Brady that lead to two fumbles and two recoveries and sacks to put an end to a drive. While quarterback Tom Brady couldn’t make mistakes in the air via interceptions, he made things easier on the Dolphins defense as Brady misfired and watched his passes sail over his receivers waiting hands.
On offense, quarterback Ryan Tannehill stayed the course despite his fumble on the shotgun and interception. He played the quarterback position better than Brady when it counted. Even though Tannehill had several opportunities to hit Mike Wallace, both can be blamed early on for being on the same page. In the second half Ryan Tannehill found Wallace in triple coverage on what looked like an ill-advised throw. Looking at the film again, should Tannehill not go to Wallace, he would have found Brandon Gibson in the back of the end zone.
Complimenting the Dolphins improving passing game was the running game by the likes of Knowshon Moreno who didn’t get the start. Moreno rushed for 134 yards on 24 carries and seemed to deliver a shot with his legs, helmet, arms, and elbows as he squeezed into the end zone for the go ahead touchdown to put a double digit lead by 10 on New England. Moreno, surely has earned a spot atop the Dolphins depth chart.
As it stands, the Dolphins are 1-0. The Patriots are 0-1.
Next: @Buffalo
Players of the game:
RB: Knowshon Moreno: 24 rushing attempts, 134 yards rushing, 1 TD.
DE: Cameron Wake: 2 forced fumbles, 2 sacks
DE/ST: Chris McCain: 1 sack, 1 blocked punt
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