With two straight losses and two weeks to wait for the team to get a win, this is a space to add a gem of a statistic or trend that makes you feel better about this 2013 Dolphins squad. I have 3 to start. 1. As of last night's games, the Dolphins have had the 2nd toughest schedule in the league, and they are 3-2. (I have to take another look this evening, but the Dolphins are one of only two teams among those with the 10 toughest games played schedules to have a winning record.) 2. The TD by the Ravens in the 4th quarter was the 1st 4th quarter TD given up by the Dolphins in 5 games. They've only allowed 16 points in the 4th quarter so far. 3. Despite being 32nd in sacks allowed, and 26th in rushing, Ryan Tannehill and the passing game has kept this team in every game, but one, in the 4th quarter.
We're on pace for the same number of sacks as last year 42 (well we're on pace for 41.6) despite being without Cameron Wake for the better part of 3 games. We're once again positive on the year in the turnover battle. We've recovered half our FFs this year (we were at 31.5% last year). We're on pace for 29 takeaways, which would be the most since 2008.
Jonathan Martin, Tyson Clabo, and John Jerry didn't allow any sacks today. Sorry... I couldn't resist.
Despite the lack of a running game this year compared to last year and the O-line troubles, Ryan Tannehill: Last Year Thru 5 games 2 TDs, 6 INTs, 97-169, 57.4%, 1,269 yds., YPA 7.5, QBR (mid 70s maybe?, 76.1 for the year) This Year Thru 5 Games 6 TDs, 5 INTs, 114-182, 62.6%, 1,383 yds., YPA 7.6, QBR 85.5 Progress
The Dolphins remain 1 game behind the Patriots, who look as vulnerable as they ever have. It is going to be tough securing a wild card spot for any team in the AFC. But the road to the division looks possible.
Screw stats. We are better off than most people predicted we would be. Yes we have lost two games in a row. But we are still in the hunt and that is all that matters. And if we can get our crap together on the bye week the Bengals provided that the Pats are ripe to be taken down. Remember. Never goto the Library without your shotgun. now Free
Especially when you look at the remaining schedules of the two teams respectively. Dolphins: Bills, @Pats, Bengals, @Bucs, Chargers, Panthers, @Jets, @Steelers, Pats, @Bills, Jets Patriots: Saints, @Jets, Dolphins, Steelers, @Panthers, Broncos, @Texans, Browns, @Dolphins, @Ravens, Bills Other than the Patriots, the Dolphins could be looking at only one team that finishes with an above .500 record. The Patriots on the other hand play 2 of the best teams in the NFL in Denver and NO, and two other playoff contenders in Houston and Baltimore. If the Dolphins can take care of business and win 3 of 4 games against the Jets and Bills, it may only take a split from NE to win the division.
I was thinking this as well. The Chiefs are 5-0. It's looking like Denver/KC (read KC) is one of the Wild Card spots. It's a long season, but Denver is obviously legit, and KC looks to be. Their defense is. Then, you have the Pats. I think we obviously have to start cheering for the Ravens to win the Central. They beat us. We beat Cleveland, and we still play the Bengals. The Steelers are out. We still have a shot at the other Wild Card, but so do teams like: Cincy, Cleveland, Tennessee, Houston (although they're at 2-3, which is surprising), as well as 2-3 teams like San Diego. That's a lot of teams to sift through. Maybe just as easy to split with the Pats, beat Cincy, try to sweep the other AFC East games or at the least go 3-1. Hope the Saints and Broncos knock off the Pats. and somewhere else they find losses (at Houston? at Baltimore? And then throw in one more along the way. Maybe edge them on AFC record, if we can keep the same AFC East record as them. Of course, they already have wins in hand against the Jets and Bills, and two in the hand is worth... Still, that might be just as real of an avenue as snatching the second (or first Wild Card).
@JasonLaCanfora Even in pass-happy NFL top 10 teams in % of plays they pass (ATL,NYG,MIA,PIT,CLE,DAL,STL,WAS,JAX,ARI) a combined 18-38. Only MIA above .500 This is typically the case in the NFL. Losing teams abandon the run once they get behind. It is certainly a testament to the Dolphins passing game that the lack of a running game hasn't hindered the offense thus far. I wonder if is sustainable.
Aside from the Saints game, we've scored 23+ points every game. We need some 30's, maybe 40's in there occasionally for me to really get excited, but that's a start