Report From Today's Game

I don't think there's much to add that you all didn't see on your own TVs.  The Dolphins looked flat today, with a few exceptions.  They seemed a bit disorganized as well, with some of the subs looking a bit confused and out of position at times on defense.  I'm always happy to win, especially on the road, but there were some disturbing things about the game.

First off:  The defense.  The success today wasn't so much about making plays as it was about taking advantage of the Rams' mistakes.  The interceptions by Bulger were amazingly awful.  I kept looking at the sidelines through my binoculars to see if that was really Cleo Lemon in the Rams' number 10 jersey.  It wasn't.  If he hadn't made those horrendous throws (I'm talking about the first two INTs, not the last one, which was pretty bad, too), we were in serious danger of losing this game.  Along with the INTs, he also seemed to miss a lot of open guys downfield.  We really didn't do much on defense to stop the Rams.  They sort of just stopped themselves.  The cornerback ,Thompson (#41 in your programs, #1 in your hearts), only seemed to get better as the game went on -- but it's hard not to when you start with two PI calls in the first series.  In his defense, if he hadn't committed the second PI, then the receiver walks in for the score, because Thompson was beat on the inside route and there wasn't help in sight.

Run defense wasn't so great.  Jackson's layoff seemed to leave him winded in the second half, so that helped.  However, we made Antonio Pittman look like Larry Csonka on a couple of his carries, and that's just not right.  I think we're getting to that part of the season where the first and second year guys (who are used to 10 game seasons, then big layoffs before bowl games) are starting to tucker out.

The offense: Man, you haven't seen slow until you see Chad throw the ball in person.  The ball would leave his hand, and then I had time to go to the bathroom, order some lunch, and floss my teeth, before it gets to the receiver.  The good news is that it usually does get to the receiver.  This was Bess and Ginn's game, as most of his throws went their ways.  Ted, Jr, is so, well...."squinchy" is the best way I can put it.  Whether it's after a catch or during a kick return, he just "squinches" up when the defender gets near.  He's so tiny compared to the rest of the players that I completely understand.  It just doesn't seem that football-y to me.  Bess had a nice game, but it looked like he should have caught that endzone pass in the 3rd quarter.  From our seats, it looked like he short-armed it.  If he laid out, I think he's got it.

Oh, and I think we've figured out how to make Wilford useful.  He seems quite adept at clearing out zones so that Davone Bess can get open.  He also picked up one of the ref's hand-towels and gave it back to him.  That was nice ("Here you go, ref.  Hey coach!  Did you see that? Three million dollars please!").

The good news:  Ricky, Ronnie, Cobbs, and Polite.  These guys don't look tired at all. In fact, Ricky and Cobbs look quicker than ever.  The guys in the backfield are the pride of the team, and I wished we used them even more than we did.  Not many throws to the RBs today either, which I thought was odd.  Also, Jake Long looked great today.  In spite of the bad ankle, I only saw him get really beat one time, by Chris Long, on a rush around end where C. Long got to Chad as he was letting go of the ball.  That was it. Considering C. Long's relentless motor and generally good health, that's a pretty nice day for Jake, especially after losing Smiley so early in the game.  Also, Chad is one tough dude.  He took a lot of hits today, but he just keeps popping up and dusting himself off.  It's pretty inspiring to see.  He never hangs his head or starts yelling at anybody.  He's very calm and poised, and he has complete control of the huddle.  Very cool.

The great news:  Dolphin fans everywhere.  I know the Rams are at a low point right now.   Still, that stadium had tons of Dolphin fans.  This is my third Rams/Fins game in St. Louis, and this was by far the biggest turnout of Phin Fans.  It was great to see.  Lots of strangers high-fiving and waving to each other.  Also, given the season the Rams are having, their fans were very pleasant and respectful.  Even though their lousy team gave us a run for our money, there was no noticeable gloating or harassing.  I was very proud to be both a Dolphin fan and a St. Louisan.  My wife and kids had a great time, too. 

Finally, Pats, Bills, and Jets all lose today.  What a turnaround from a week ago.  All of a sudden, we may control our own fate again.  That news may re-light the fire under this team that it so badly needs right now...because they sure didn't have it today.  It sucks (really, really sucks) about Smiley, but the good teams fight through things like this. 

Go Dolphins.