This post is sponsored by XFINITY from Comcast.
This is one week where we can't get on offensive coordinator Dan Henning for his red zone play-calling. The Dolphins went one for two in the red zone on Sunday against the Ravens. But it was execution that prevented the Dolphins from converting their second - and final - trip inside Baltimore's 20 yard line into a touchdown.
The big miscue, of course, was Chad Henne's ugly and inaccurate throw to a wide open Anthony Fasano on 3rd & goal from the one just before halftime. It was a drive that began at their own 20 with just under three minutes before halftime. But seven plays and just under two minutes later, the Dolphins had a first and goal from Baltimore's 10 yard line.
A first down run from Ronnie Brown for a yard followed by an eight yard completion to Davone Bess put Miami at the one. But Henne could not connect with Fasano, who slipped out beyond the defense in the back of the endzone. An accurate pass results in a touchdown there - we all know that.
But we can even criticize Henne's pass to Bess on the previous play. If Henne is quicker getting the ball to Davone, he may have a chance to reach the goal line.
Again - execution, not play-calling, held the Dolphins back.
For the year, the Dolphins are converting on 47% of their red zone opportunities - which puts the Dolphins 18th in the league.
Defensively, while Miami's defense struggled to stop the Ravens - allowing over 400 yards of total offense to Baltimore - one thing the Dolphins did well was keep Baltimore out of the endzone when the field got short.
The Ravens reached the red zone seven times on Sunday - but only converted one of those trips into six points. The most impressive stand by Miami's defense was, of course, forcing the Ravens out of the red zone after the offense turned the ball over and gave the Ravens the ball at Miami's 4 yard line.
That's when a tackle for a loss on first down followed by back-to-back sacks and a delay of game penalty drove the Ravens back to Miami's 20. That's where the Ravens' holder botched the field goal attempt.
If there was any bright side on Sunday for this Dolphin defense, it was their performance in the red zone.
On the season, the Dolphins are holding opponents to just a 32% success rate in the red zone - the 2nd best rate in the league. The only team with a better red zone defense? Miami's week ten opponent - the Titans.