Tonight the Miami Dolphins showed why 10 days of preparation can be a negative thing,as well distractions from the media and an unquestionnable amount of pressure to win as a young team with high expectations. The Dolphins riding high off a big win versus the Cincinnati Bengals came out flat early trailing 15-0 at the start of the second quarter. Clearly, the Dolphins seemed derailed early on after being collectively punched in the mouth by Mike Glennon testing the secondary and Mike James running for 38 yards on the openning drive before leaving because of a fractured ankle.
After a safety by the Lavonte David of the Bucs stuffing a shuffling Daniel Thomas in the end zone, the momentum in the game appeared to shift in favor of the Tampa Bay.
However, tonight we saw the emergence of Rishard Matthews catching two touchdowns and had 11 receptions for 120 yards.
The big stat of the night was the Miami Dolphins rushing offense that failed to pick up a first down with a running back and rushed for a paltry 2 yards. The rushing performance was reminiscent of the first game of the season where the Dolphins lacked push on the offensive line and having new linemates (Nate Garner and Bryant McKinnie) who clearly didn't communicate.
Finally, the Dolphins at the end lacked enough drive, perserverance, and looked more emotionally spent. The fire and the emotion ran out at the end and the leader that used to be in the locker room (Richie Incognito), was clearly missed running the football and anchoring the line of scrimmage.
Stats of the night: Stars for the game for the Dolphins
1. Rishard Matthews: 2 TDs (His set of touchdowns in his career.)
2. Jimmy Wilson: 1INT
3. Dannell Ellerbe: 11 solo tackles
More reaciton to come from PhinsPhocus.com as the Dolphins prepare for the San Diego Chargers,but this was a disgusting loss and the Dolphins need to regroup for their home date versus the Chargers also 4-5.
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