The Miami Dolphins lost their season opener at the Indianapolis Colts, 33-8, in what was described by coach Mike McDaniel as an embarrassing performance.
And the tape backs that up.
Many coaches believe “The Tape Don’t Lie,” and that list includes coach McDaniel.
“The game tape survives time,” McDaniel says.
Among the players who likely did not enjoy re-watching this tape were Tua Tagovailoa and almost every player on a defense that yielded 418 yards.
Joe Schad’s Miami Dolphins Tape Don’t Lie: A Review
Tua Tagovailoa not nearly good enough for Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa had Tyreek Hill open in the first quarter but airmailed him for an interception. If Tua’s accuracy is off, his greatest superpower is eliminated and Miami’s ability to be effective offensively is almost gone.
Tagovailoa also has to protect the football. He cannot continue a trend of fumbling. Throw it away. Take a sack. Scramble up the middle. Anything but allow a sack/fumble, as he did in the second quarter on a corner blitz. See the blitzer. Take the loss.
Down 17-0, Tua Tagovailoa attempted a pass for fullback Alec Ingold. Ingold is a determined blocker and strong team leader, but it might make some sense to move those targets to Malik Washington or a tight end.
In the third quarter, Tua was targeting Malik Washington over the middle and somehow did not see edge Laiatu Latu had dropped into coverage. Not even under pressure, Tua threw it right to Latu. This was a stunning error that is surprising for a quarterback at this stage of development.
In the third quarter, Tua had an open Malik Washington for a mid-range gainer near the left sideline and just misfired. Tua didn’t look anywhere close to his best.
Also highly troubling: Everything was short, short, short. Miami’s ability to stretch a defense seems muted at this point. They have to take some more chunk yardage chances.
Dolphins defense shredded by Colts and it’s a five-alarm concern
Colts receivers had way too much room to operate. If Daniel Jones slices up the Miami secondary, what will Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow do?
Ifeatu Melinfonwu and Storm Duck were not on the same page on a touchdown pass allowed in the second quarter. Duck appeared to believe he would have help. Melinfonwu clearly felt he needed to cover Tyler Warren, or he’d be wide open. Miami was screwed, either way.
Kenneth Grant dropped back into coverage and tackled a receiver after a short catch. We appreciate Grant’s athleticism but hope he isn’t asked to drop back too frequently.
Aside from a sack by Bradley Chubb, the Dolphins’ touted edge rushers did not generate enough pressure. Jones did generally get it out quickly.
The overall strength of Miami’s defense should be its front seven but the group did not get it done in pass rush or in run defense. Quite concerning.
Observed Dolphins
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa smashed by Colts: The Tape Don’t Lie, a review | Schad
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
