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Monday, September 17, 2012

Dolphins wrap: New York Jets a better gauge for Miami - Sun-Sentinel (blog)

The Oakland Raiders were overpowered, outmatched and fighting through a ton of adversity (early game start, South Florida's heat and humidity, and a ton of injuries) during Sunday's 35-13 loss.

That is why Miami's first victory of the 2012 season isn't a good gauge for what to expect this season.

As impressive as it might have seemed watching the Dolphins pusha round Oakland, it wasn't surprising, I'm not sure it tells us anything about Joe Philbin's team.

We knew the Dolphins were beasts against the run. That's why Miami leads the league in limited opponents to 2.2 yards per rush.

We knew the Dolphins struggled in coverage down-field, and couldn't stop a tight end. Oakland's tight ends and tailbacks accounted for 217 pass yards and the Raiders only touchdown.

We knew Brian Hartline was a solid reliable receiver, which explains why his 12 receptions for 161 yards leads the team. All he needed was chemistry with the new quarterback.

We knew Reggie Bush was a dynamic playmaker. The former Heisman Trophy winner is now averaging 6.0 yards per carry. He'll come back down the earth eventually, but anything above 4.0 is solid.

What we don't know is if Miami can consistently run the ball, and if rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill can continue to limit the turnovers. The Dolphins have a chance to win every Sunday if they don't turn the ball over.

We'll learn more about those issues in this Sunday's home game against the New York Jets, Miami's AFC East rivals.

Beat the Jets, which will clearly have an advantage because of Tony Sparano's intimate knowledge of the Dolphins' personnel, and then Miami might have something to pound its chest about.

The Dolphins have a 4-2 record against Mark Sanchez led teams.

Here's what the Sun-Sentinel has to offer you from Sunday.

This is my VIDEO breakdown of the Dolphins' 35-13 win over the Raiders. Good stuff! WATCH IT PLEASE.

Sun-Sentinel columnist Dave Hyde explains why it was an emotional win for Joe Philbin and owner Steve Ross.

Can Brian Hartline prove he can serve as Miami's go-to receiver? Hartline is a perfect fit for a west coast offense.

Miami's second half surge led the Dolphins to the win.

Rookie tailback Lamar Miller had a solid first game in his NFL debut.

Mike Berardino hands out his report card grades.

Hyde gives his 10 thoughts on Sunday's win over Oakland.

And now moving forward to Jets week.....

The Dolphins could find themselves thin at cornerback is Richard Marshall's back doesn't heal quickly.

Dolphins rookie pass rusher Olivier Vernon is working hard to stay patient following Miami's zero sack performance.

G.G.G.

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