It started with a second series and an invigorating 3rd down zone read, run play by Ryan Tannehill. The quarterback has three choices when running the read, run, throw or keep. Ryan Tannehill, like a gazelle kept the ball for a 30 yard sprint only to be dragged down by a defender. In fact, Tannehill ran for 50 yards on 4 rushing attempts. Attempts that mattered and were cold and calculated as a Bill Lazor stare-down with reporters. Tannehill started off hot completing 14 straight passes to start the game.
Tannehill, however got his friends involved from last seasons 2013 near-swan song. Charles Clay made a comeback appearance hauling in 4 for 58 yards and a red zone touchdown, his first of the season.
In addition, Brian Hartline had a flicker of light come on to get things started bringing in three catches for 35 yards. The fact that Hartline did a great job catching the ball is one thing, but he showed his value as a blocker on running plays. Despite earning a flag on one play, Hartline proved he can be an option on third down as Tannehill’s security blanket. With Hartline and Tannehill, the Dolphins can certainly build on their rapport which has been a bit shaky compared to last season.
Which leads me to my next point, the Dolphins offense is progression based. Meaning that when one receiver is covered, the quarterback looks to his next option. Tannehill, for much of the game, moved his feet, used his eyes, climbed the pocket and made time to throw. Seldom did Tannehill force passes. Seldom did Bill Lazor call a play that would jeopardize a drive.
In the second quarter, Tannehill found Mike Wallace for his 5th touchdown of the year. Wallace was a part of the game plan catching short passes and even running on an end around for 4 yards before being tripped up. Running back Lamar Miller did just enough sharing carries with Daniel Thomas and Damien Williams, rushing for 61 yards on 8 carries and 1TD. In all the Dolphins rushed for 137 yards.
The Dolphins however, defensively did the most damage to keep Jay Cutler, an experienced gunslinger of a QB at bay. Cam Wake got into the mix with a sack and forced fumble. Derrick Shelby rushing from the edge had a sack of Cutler while nearly crawling. All day, the Dolphins managed to dial up the pressure when it mattered. The Dolphins defense was a collective effort evidenced by a third quarter interception and return by safety Reshad Jones for 50 yards. On the play, Jones managed to keep his feet and find room to run. Leading the blocking attack were the defensive line for Miami. Even though Jones fumbled the ball, another fellow teammate was able to recover the fumble.
Statistically speaking the Dolphins defense allowed only 224 yards of total offense to the Bears. Jay Cutler was sacked three times, and only passed for 190 yards. These are unusual passing numbers from Cutler who tends to come alive when he gambles in the second half games. Much of the poor performance of Cutler can be attributed by not getting enough first downs (14), dropped passes by receivers, and a lack of creativity by the Chicago offense.
In defensive coverage even Cortland Finnegan was spot on with his coverage of Brandon Marshall and even forced a fumble of Daunte Rosario after earning a first down!
Yes, today the Dolphins balled out. They threw caution to the wind with Ryan Tannehill’s runs, forced three turnovers, and made more plays than the favored Bears.
Now is the time for the Dolphins to strike while the iron is hot. Next up is Jacksonville, the Dolphins must win and must bring this intensity from the Windy City.
PhinsPhocus.com MVPs:
Offense: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill: Rating 123.6 Completions: 25-32, 277 yards passing, 4 of 50 rushing, and 2 TDs.
Defense: Reshad Jones : 7 tackles, 1 INT
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