From: nix@aslslc43.asl.dl.nec.com (David Nix)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro
Subject: Re: Dolphins Secondary
Date: 15 Dec 92 15:36:30 GMT
Organization: NEC America, Inc Irving TX

>I saw on British TV teletext that JB Brown returned an interception for
>a touchdown against the raiders last night. The secondary seems to be coming
>up with a lot more interceptions this year and while not being in the Vikings
>class seem to be scoring a lot more defensive touchdowns. Is this just my
>imagination ? ( does anyone have any stats on this) What is the reason for this
>improvement the pass rush doesn't seem to be noticeably better, is it that the
>defense isn't such a sure thing to run on any more or is it better defensive
>schemes ? ( i.e multiple DBs such as against Buffalo )

Miami has 16 interceptions this season, including 2 returns for TDs.  The 
secondary is better this season because Louis Oliver is having his best
season yet, and the rookie Troy Vincent has made immediate contributions.
The pass rush is a little better than last year as Miami has 31 sacks, but
is also putting far more pressure on the QBs than last season.  The key to
Miami's defensive success this year seems to be their ability to stop the
run.  They have consistently stopped the opponents 1st and 2nd down ground
game which forces the opponents into 3rd and long situations, which allows
Miami to blitz with the knowledge that the play is probably a pass.  Vincent's
ability to cover man-to-man frees up other DBs to blitz as well.

> What is going on with the special teams ? Some weeks they play great, blocking
>punts etc. Other weeks they are truly awful, giving up huge punt returns ( like
>against the Colts and SF ) against Buffalo in Miami they couldn't even block
>for the place kicks, is this poor coaching or what ?

I can't figure out Miami's special teams, they are so inconsistent.  The ST
seems to be making more mistakes than Shula teams usually do.  I think it is
primarily their youth that causes this to happen, one game making huge mistakes
and another game making huge plays.  On MNF the announcers listed the 7 or 8
mainstays of the defense and special teams, and all of them have been the league
4 years or less (including 2 rookies).  Looks like this defense will only get
better.

>Finally given last years debacle in the last two games of the season what
>chance have they got for the playoffs ? New England in December is probably
>not the best place to be for the Dolphins even allowing for the sorry state
>of the Patriots.

After last night's win, Miami must win one of their last two to get in.  If
they lose both they can still get in with help; however if they lose the last
two games they don't deserve a playoff berth.  Miami, however, looked very
good last night against LA, like a playoff team should look.  They limited
LA to 151 yards offense while rolling up 360 yards (132 on the ground).

LA scored on a 102 yard interception return, Miami was at the Raider 1 when
the game ended, Marino having knelt down on the final play, etc., so the
score could have been 34-0, 37-3, or something of that magnitude.  LA's defense
played well to keep the score down.

With Buffalo facing New Orleans and Houston the final two games, Miami still
has an excellent chance to *win* the division.

David
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro