In a week leading up to a game where fans were beckoning for the Dolphins offense to up the tempo and look to make the big plays, that is exactly what the Miami Dolphins offense did.
They amassed 417 total yards on offense while holding star rookie Cam Newton to only 199 yards.
Whether it was the play of Chad Henne, who looked better than he has in a long time, the inside linebackers, Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett stuffing the run, or Vontae Davis popping Newton hard enough to knock Newtons helmet off, last nights victory was an all around pleasing one.
In fact, it was the opposite of last weeks victory over the Atlanta Falcons, where the subs had to come from behind to get the win for the team.
Here are my thoughts that I took away from last nights game:
Chad Henne appears to be gaining the confidence of his fellow teammates in the huddle. He appeared to have more confidence in the pocket and avoiding pressure, as well as to survey the field and go for the big play. At one point Henne had to scramble to his right and throw on the run to tight end Anthony Fasano for a 25 yard gain.
Brandon Marshall appeared to be getting back into sync with the Miami offense as he was running routes and wreaking havoc on the Panthers defense for most of the first half. It is important for Henne and Marshall to continue to develop their chemistry, as they were demonstrating last night.
The running back tandem of Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas has the ability to be dangerous. Bush provided the speed out of the backfield last night in his Miami debut that we have lacked for the past several years. As much as Henne loves to make the checkdown pass, Bush provides that dangerous safety valve that Henne can rely on. On multiple occasions Bush turned routine plays into big gainers. Thomas also showed he can be a red zone threat with a four yard touchdown.
The offensive line tightened up the holes last night, in not allowing continous pressure on the quarterback, and opening up room to run for the backs. It’s a step forward from last weeks performance against the Falcons, in which running room was scarce to come by.
All in all I would say we should take this game for what it’s worth. While we did play the Panthers, the worst team in the league, we also put in a very solid performance, and the Dolphins showed the progress they’re making during camp. The next two games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys will be the real gauge on exactly how much potential this years team has.
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