Week Two Recap: Dolphins vs Cardinals

This was one of the worst NFL performances I've ever seen from a secondary. The defensive backs looked atrocious and like they didn't belong in the league. Granted they were playing against the best 1-2 wide receiver tandem in the league with another experienced veteran quarterback distributing the ball, but that is not an excuse for getting as torched as they did yesterday.

The Cardinals first play from scrimmage was a 79 yard touchdown pass, where Anquan Boldin escaped 10 yards past our secondary made a catch and ran free for the final 50 or so yards. On the next drive Kurt Warner threw one up for Larry Fitzgerald near the sideline and Will Allen failed to prevent the reception or make the tackle. Chris Crocker failed to make the tackle as well. Will Allen eventually chased him down but not before a total of 75 yards setting up first ad goal.

Kurt Warner continued to find open receivers or just throw into coverage knowing the Miami DB's wouldn't make plays on the ball. He started 9/9 and finished 19/24 with 361 yards and 3 touchdowns. Yes, that is good for a PERFECT quarterback rating (158.3).

I will now take time to pull a Cam Cameron, and just give the Cardinals credit for making the plays they needed to make to win. But let's be honest, the Dolphins (mainly the secondary) was a total embarrassment on Sunday. Adjustments need to be made. There is no way Chris Crocker should be a starting safety for an NFL team. I never thought I'd be saying this, but Jason Allen needs to be the starter or I will go ballistic. I'd also recommend Michael Lehan start in place of Andre Goodman, but I know Lehan is still working his way back from an injury so I just don't know if he is ready.

About the offense, well, it sucked. They were never threatening. They could not establish the run and that pretty much set back everything. This team needs to play from ahead and be able to run the football. We haven't seen anything close to a good running game the first two weeks of this season. I don't know the solution is anything more than just every cog in the machine do a little bit better. Each offensive linemen needs to do a bit better job of blocking and both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams need to finish runs and eliminate negative plays.

Chad Henne came in the game in the fourth quarter and looked very solid. He led the only meaningful drive and it ended with a touchdown. Those of you arguing he should be the starter, please shut up. This was a nice exercise for him but nothing more. Chad Pennington is the quarterback we invested in and he needs to run the offense so Henne can watch and learn. If you think the offense's problems are quarterback-related then you are mistaken.

But, I do really like Henne and he will probably be the starter before the season is over. You can't help but be encouraged by seeing the strong arm and the confidence in him. For now, that is the only bright spot of the team.