Offense:
- Henne looks apprehensive to "let it loose". I like the fact that he's not making the stupid plays, but I do not like the fact that he is playing too safe. I know this offense is predicated by time possession and ball control, but he is going to soon have to loosen up a little to help the defense.
- Incognito had two straight dufus plays on the drive where Ronnie busted loose from the 1 yard line. One led to a sack where he totally missed Williams, and the other allowed Greenway to catch the back in backfield. That was an important shift in momentum that kept Minnesota in the game.
- Pulling the guards worked in this game and should continue to work during the season. It's beginning to look like a strength.
- Play-calling in the 4th quarter was a little too conservative. When Miami had a chance to eat some clock, they did EXACTLY what Minny's D expected: Run the ball on the first play from scrimmage. Throw a damn pass on first down every once in awhile to keep them honest!
- Pass protection from the outside looked solid. Long really held his own against one of the best in the business on his home turf. Kudos!
- Two words: Lousaka Polite.
Defense:
- Dansby over-pursued late in the game on some of the late game AP runs, but more than made up for it with the goal-line stop and the knock-away in the endzone against Shiancoe. That's 14 points! Thanks Dansby!!!
- Cameron Wake is winning me over. He has a high motor and is making game-changing plays. Guy is good. Also, props to Koa Misi. They're young, always active.
- Sean Smith is a liability against slot receivers. He does not have the quick hips to keep up with those guys. I feel like he is better suited against TEs, as shown late in the game against Shiancoe. I seriously doubt he wins back a starting job this year, save injury.
- Vontae Davis is impressive. Of course, I always thought he would be. He is a really solid hitter and tackler. Way to help Dansby on the goal-line stand!
- Soliai played decently. Can't really remember anything negative on him this game.
- The miscommunication needs to stop now! Two "12-men on the field" penalties in one game, much less on the same drive is too much. Also, the 'defensive end dropping back into coverage' play caused miscommunication (and a big play) for the second week in a row. Please fix it, Nolan!
- Backfield pressure on a few AP runs was good, but did not stop him from gaining big yards. I know, he's probably the best in the league, but it was still frustrating to watch.
- Jason Allen, I am glad you did not sell your condo this offseason. You worked your butt off in OTAs and TC and it has finally payed off. I suspect that you will get more chances at INTs because Vontae is almost like Fort Knox on the other side. Please keep it up!
Special Teams:
- Why did Miami pick up Clifton Smith??? I have truly been unimpressed. Is he not getting any blocking?
- I like how they've been pinning the opposing team deep into their own territory. Field position is critical in the NFL, especially for a team like Miami.
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