Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Defense carrying Dolphins so far.
Despite Sunday’s 16-10 victory, the Miami Dolphins’ offense was bad for the third consecutive week, gaining 178 total yards against the Tennessee Titans.
The offense’s continued struggles indicate that there is no quick fix in sight, and at some point head coach Adam Gase might be forced to consider making a change at quarterback.
At least the defense continues to be respectable. They’ve propped the team up to its 2-2 record with the seventh ranked defense in the league this season.
The Dolphins can only hope that the defense continues to be stingy until the offense can get its act together.
Here is the Sun Sentinel’s report card, evaluating how the Dolphins performed against the Titans:
Passing Game: F
For the third straight week, Jay Cutler produced a passer rating (52.1) that was far below his career average (85.4). Cutler’s discomfort in the pocket and limited time to throw the ball continues to hold the offense back. Cutler completed just 12-of-26 passes for 92 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Running Game: C-
The Dolphins’ offense cracked the 100-yard rushing mark for the second time this season, getting to the century mark on 31 carries. However, Miami’s run game only averaged 3.2 yards per carry against the Titans, which coincidentally is the team’s yards per carry average. Jay Ajayi gained 77 yards on 25 carries, but was consistently hit in the backfield.
Defending the pass: B
The Dolphins’ defensive front consistently harassed Matt Cassel, sacking him six times and producing a stripped sack that turned into a touchdown. Cassel completed 21-of-32 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. The Titans did get a touchdown pass completed on Nate Allen called back because of a phantom offensive pass interference call.
Defending the run: A
Miami’s defensive front has been forceful all season, and Sunday’s performance against a physical Tennessee offensive line proved that this is no fluke. The Titans gained only nine yards on 20 carries. Tennessee had been averaging 138 rushing yards a game.
Special teams: C
Rookie punter Matt Haack showcased his impressive leg and respectable hang-time, averaging 49.4 net yards on his nine punts. It was by far his best performance of the season, and Miami’s coverage unit provided an assist. However, the Dolphins’ return game continues to look ordinary, and kicker Cody Parkey missed his second extra point.
Coaching: C
The Dolphins are finally whole at linebacker with the return of Lawrence Timmons and Rey Maualuga. Matt Burke used their presence as an opportunity to become more aggressive with Miami’s blitzes. However, Adam Gase’s continued struggles with Miami’s passing game produced yet another nosepinching performance, indicating that Miami’s offensive issues might not be a fixable problem without personnel changes.
Stock up: Reshad Jones
Jones, who signed a five-year, $60 million deal this offseason, is getting paid like an elite safety, and he played like one against the Titans. Jones had seven tackles, a half sack and recovered two fumbles, one of which he returned 38 yards for a touchdown. He has scored more first-quarter points than the Dolphins’ entire offense.
Stock down: Jay Cutler
Cutler isn’t getting adequate protection from his offensive line, and his receivers and tight ends aren’t getting open. But Cutler’s 52.1 passer rating against the Titans is the lowest rating in his career. He is throwing too many off-balance passes that is affecting his accuracy. He’s averaging a career-low 5.27 yards per attempt.