Dolphins Week 2 Big Time Performers

For the first time in a while Dolphins get to wake up smiling ear to ear on a Monday morning. Not only did the Phins get their first win in the Joe Philbin and Ryan Tannehill era but they did it in style with a huge 35-13 win over da Oakland Raiders. Despite coming into the game underdogs there was a strong sense that if the Dolphins played a well rounded game they could get the win in front of the home crowd.

That being said in order to get their first W, there were several players that had to step up and rise to the occasion. Today, I am going to cheat a little and instead of giving out one game ball I shall hand out a few to the key performers that helped Miami get the win.

Reggie Bush

–        Bush who was coming off a decent week 1 performance looked angry and electric hitting every hole in sight and played like an elite NFL RB. Bush has 172 yards on the ground and added 25 through the air. It seemed every time Reggie touched the ball something positive was about to him. With help from the offensive line who looked improved and created holes, Bush is now 2^nd in the league in rushing yards. Reggie had two highlight runs which should make plays of the week honors.

Listen to the crowd in this video as the chand Reggie’s name after he broke up his big run. 

Joe Philbin and Ryan Tannehill

–        Both in their first appearance at home were prepared, cool and confident in leading the team to the first win of the season. Joe made several good decisions throughout the game and had Ryan working more out of the roll out which seemed where he was the most comfortable. Philbin was also smart enough to ride his stallion Reggie Bush while throwing in some Lamar Miller who in his first appearance as a Dolphins carried the ball well as showed definite potential. Bush and Miller should provide the Dolphins with a very strong 1-2 punch at RB.

–        Ryan went through his second game without a turnover and found the end zone twice. Tannehill displayed his athletic ability on a couple of occasions being able to run the ball and roll out and find Brian Hartline on several occasions.

Brian Hartline

–        Hartline’s 9 catch 111 yard performance might have been the biggest surprise of week 2. Setting a career high in receptions, it appears that Hartline has become Tannehill’s favorite target. We have seen flashes from Hartline but yet to see him break out as a potential number 1 or 2 WR. It appears Hartline is deemed to prove doubters wrong and be a big contributor in the offense this year. However we still have yet to see a WR that has the ability to stretch the field for Miami.

Bend don’t break defense

–        The defense had a shaky first half as the pass rush was lacking and allowing WR’s to get open due to the lack of pressure. As the game progressed the defense got their act together playing as a unit. The run defense continued its dominance as this was the 16^th straight game the Phins d has not allowed a 100 yard rusher. Dmac was held in check and the defense only surrendered 13 points.

It was a great overall team win where all aspects of the game were played well by the home team. The Dolphins even used the home field heat to tire out the Raiders which helped late in the game. This week was fun and it is nice to have the team back at .500 but next week is the real test against New York. Hopefully this Miami team can build off this win and use it as confidence heading into next week.