Week 16 - Miami @ New England - A Few Thoughts

As you probably saw, the Patriots defeated the Dolphins 28-7 yesterday. New England stormed to a 28-0 halftime lead by basically out executing Miami in every phase of the game. In the second half the Dolphins played much better and the Patriots let off the gas which enabled the Dolphins to be the first team this season to hold the Patriots scoreless for an entire half. Here are some quick hit thoughts.

• I'm usually not one for "moral victories," especially in professional sports, but Miami should be proud they didn't let this one get out of hand and lose by 40+.
• It is still weird however, that a team can win the turnover battle 4-0, lose by 21, and still not be too upset about the defeat. That shows just how good the Pats are and just how bad the 'Phins are.
• As with any historically bad team, the Dolphins gave us two more bonehead moments. First, Lance Schulters great job in the secondary reading Tom Brady and getting in perfect position to make an interception, but having the ball go through his hands, without touching them, right into the waiting arms of Jabar Gaffney, who strolled in for an easy score. Also, the Illustrious Cleo Lemon, who on 4th and goal, rolled out, made a nice pump fake to freeze a defender, then ran for the pylon but neglected to either stick out the ball or dive forward resulting in being marked out of bounds one foot short of the goal line. Brilliant.
• Again, it's hard to focus on moral victories but Jesse Chatman ran well again, and Lorenzo Booker looked solid as usual. That coupled with the Bill Parcells hiring suggest their is no way we will take Darren McFadden come April.
• I don't like comparing a player to anybody but I might start calling Greg Camarillo, "Wes Welker-Lite." He could find a real niche as a slot receiver in the future and unlike Derek Hagan, when the ball is thrown to him, he catches it.
• It will be real interesting to see what happens to Jason Taylor. I love the guy and the more this season goes on, the more I want him to stay. I think Miami will have to be blown away by a trade offer (probably a mid-1st or a low 1st coupled with another early round pick) to pull the trigger.

So the Dolphins are 1-14 heading into the final game of the season. It will be a home affair with Cincinnati, who just had a great upset win over Cleveland to dent their hopes of playoffs qualification.