When I first watched the game full speed two things hit me pretty hard: Miami’s defense isn’t as good as it should be. 2. The offense is pretty lousy as well. After re-watching the game here’s some things I noticed. First, Washington played the dirtiest game I’ve seen in a review that I ever remember. That is saying something because Kubiak’s Texans were cheapshot artists as well. They were mild compared to this year’s Washington Redskins. In the above photo, you see Suh engaged with the center  while the guard (75) whose number isn’t seen is purposely sticking his leg out to hit Suh in the lower leg. It was purposeful because the video shows his leg go straight and stiff as he stuck it out.  Later in the same series, you had the RB purposely leg whip Olivier Vernon the RDE for Miami. Vernon had to the leave the game with an injury.  It was no surprise to me that the players openly complained that they were playing trying to preserve their careers rather than to win the game. It is really hard for Miami to complain about this because Suh himself is a dirty player. He not only kicked Morris’s helmet but gouged the eye of the RT on another play.  So before they can complain, they’re going to have to get Suh under control.

    Now to Suh’s play. He just wasn’t that good. As a matter of fact on one play in the 3^rd quarter he was unblocked and simply took a poor angle to the RB. Throughout the game Miami’s defense looked better with Philips in the game and Suh on the sideline. This game is just a data point but what a colossal failure this would be if Suh is simply there to collect a check.  On the one play in the photo, Suh was unblocked and instead of staying on the pulling guard’s hip, he jumps upfield and is unable to catch the speedy Morris and the play went for 10 yards. It is also keen to note the cut block being thrown at the LB’s knee in the photo. I think we can officially change their names to the Washington Dirty Skins. 

 The problem is this team has taken on the same passive attitude as their coach which is why they continually play down to the level fo the competition. This leaves them getting upset several times a year. Shula had a simple formula for getting into the playoffs: You beat the teams you should beat. Miami under Philbin has lost quite a few games against teams they should beat. Which is why most of us can't sit back and relax in the 4th quarter of most games. I don't suspect playing Jacksonville is going to be any different. I expect this will again be a game where they allow an inferior team to hang around well into the 4th quarter. I hope not, but theres very little to make me think different. Let's hope Lazor and Tannehill are over their first game jitters. Both guys had a very forgettable performance. It would be nice to see what this defense can do with a 3 score lead. 

Go RT

GD2