On a day where many NFL experts predicted the a Vikings victory and a Dolphin breakdown, the experts proved to be wrong. From the moment the Miami Dolphins defeated the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium, critics were quick to dismiss the Dolphins defense ability to stop the Minnesota offense. Adrian Peterson was supposed to break out for a big game and Farve was supposed to seal the victory with his big play arm.
As the clock read 00:00, the Miami Dolphins found themselves the victor. Starting the season in two of the most hotile environments for a road game, yet despite the doubt, they're off to a 2-0 start with two upcoming home games against the division rival New York Jets and New England Patriots. Likely favored to lose, the Miami Dolphins must continue their intensity on defense while working to get the offense in rhythm.
Mike Nolan has changed the culture on defense and his brand of play calling will surely give offensive coordinators fits. The depth on the Dolphin roster is looking stocked and the young talent on both ends of the ball are starting to blossom which means good things in the near future.
Who could have guessed that former first round bust, Jason Allen, one of the few Saban picks still with the team, would finally rise to the occasion and contribute more than special teams tackles. Brett Farve picked on Allen and he stepped up to the challenge. By game's end, Allen had recorded 2 key interceptions while having a third called back for a penalty. His level of play is making the coaching staff look genius for promoting him to the position held by 2009 second rounder, Sean Smith.
During the preseason, fans and analysts questioned the Dolphins ability to pressure the quarterback and have a effective pass rush with the departures of Jason Taylor and Joey Porter. After two season games, Cameron Wake and Koa Misi look like future corner stones to bring pressure off the edge. Wake has been relentless in his pass rush bringing consistent pressure and racking up the sacks in both games. Misi has looked sharp against the run and in coverage while playing with a non stop motor that had scouts raving during the senior bowl.
The season is young, and the offense has yet to find it;s rhythm, but fans have something to be optimistic about. The Miami Dolphins could potentially possess one of the toughest defenses in the NFL. As long as the offense contributes its share, with Brandon Marshall matching his numbers in Denver and Ronnie Brown recreating his Pro Bowl season, the Dolphins are poised for success.
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