The Dolphins took a loss at the hands of the Carolina Panthers last night in Charlotte.  But how did the team overall do? I break it down and grade each position on the roster for their performance. So, here is last nights post-game report card.

Quarterbacks: C+

This grade could’ve been higher if not for drive killing penalties on all 3 FG attempts by a Ryan Tannehill led group.  Tannehill excelled in the fast paced offense, executing quick passes and was decisive with the ball.  He finished the night 14 for 17 for 100 yards and a 91.5 rating.  The other QB’s on the other hand left something to be desired.  While you can look at Osweiler’s numbers (10-13, 68 yards) and say he did well, he looked very disheveled in the pocket and his decision making was average at best.  Bryce Petty outplayed both Fales and Osweiler and has a leg up over Osweiler if the Dolphins keep 3 QBs

Running backs: B-

For the most part, the running backs excelled and picked up their blitzes well.  Drake had 8 carries for 54 yards and a 34 yard burst.  Buddy Howell outplayed Perry (6 carries, -1 yard) as he also ripped off a 31 yard run late in the game.  The group finished 21 carries, 109 yards and 5.2 yard average.

Wide Recivers: C+

For missing 2 of their top 4 WRs, Albert Wilson and Jakeem Grant solidified themselves with a fantastic outing.  Grant finished 4 rec, 45 yards (5 targets) and Wilson 5 rec, 39 yards (7 targets).  The second and third unit receivers left something to be desired.  The battle for the 6th potential WR spot is still open, but shrinking by the minute.

Tight Ends: Incomplete

We didn’t see too much in the passing game regarding the TE’s last night.  Gesicki and Smythe did well in their blocking assignments for the most part.  I wish we would’ve seen some looks in the red-zone opportunities last night.

Offensive Line: D-

Only surrendering 2 sacks with Osweiler at the helm, the most part opened up running lanes and kept the pocket clean.  The grade is low due to the UNDISCIPLINED game again.  Holding penalties, pre-snap penalties stalled 2 drives inside the 10 yard line.  As much as we think there are ways to get it corrected,  it’s not getting done.  Adam Gase needs to find a way to get it done.  Maybe Tony Sparano left some notes lying around somewhere?

Defensive Line: B

3 sacks (2 by Quinn, 1 by Harris), 6 tackles for loss, 8 QB hits.  An impressive night overall by this group who look to be the best unit on the team.  And as of this writing, it’s not even close.  The run defense needs to be better, but the linebackers are there for a reason.

Linebackers: D

The run game issues continue as the allowed 200+ yards on the ground, including a 71 yard run by McCaffrey on the Panthers opening possession.  McMillan doesn’t trust himself, bad angles and overpursuing needs to be corrected.  As much as I and many have said the LB unit will be better, it’s still not proven they will be.  The jury is out but time is running out to fix the issues.

Defensive Backs: C+

Allowing 179 yards through the air and producing 2 INT, the defensive backs played well.  Outside a few lapses on 3rd downs, the group of Howard, McCain, Fitzpatrick, Jones and McDonald played well.  The second unit, which I discussed on the Countdown to Kickoff show, did not establish themselves for the second straight week.  Tankersley was picked on constantly with the second unit, McTyer was invisible for the most part.  The Dolphins will continue to kick the tires on a trade or wait for cuts to occur to land some depth behind the starters.

Special Teams: A

Jason Sanders (3 for 3), Greg Joseph (1 for 1, 54 yarder) and Matt Haack (5 punts, 48.4 AVG, 2 inside 20) prove that this unit is a strength.  While the PK battle still isn’t settled, it will be a battle to continue to watch for the final 2 weeks.

Coaching: D

Adam Gase really needs to get these penalties and lack of discipline in order.  Tannehill moved the ball efficiently and set the team up for scoring drives that could’ve netted a TD or 2, if not for boneheaded penalties.  It’s preseason game 2, but discpline is something that should happen week 1 of OTA’s.  He doesn’t get a pass from me because its the preseason.  On top of that, 2 drives that start inside the 10 yard line of your opponent and you get 6 points?  I don’t care if you are running vanilla schemes, even that should net a touchdown or 2.  Things need to get corrected and quickly.  The dress rehearsal game at home against the Ravens is going to be telling where the team truly is.

 

Make sure you catch our post game wrap up show with Mike on the DolphinsTalk.com Daily Podcast  

Follow me on twitter @ternisse13 and you can email me questions I will answer for you on the Countdown to kickoff show: dolphinstalk1983@yahoo.com

Let me know what you think of my Post-Game Report card by leaving comments below

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