FINS NO MATCH FOR RIVAL JETS

                        Defense and Special Teams Come Apart

                             JETS 31 DOLPHINS 23

It wasn't supposed to be like this. The Miami Dolphin 2010 homecoming was filled with pagentry, primetime TV, hype, even orange jerseys. What happened is they forgot to win. The Dolphins never were in control of this game and even though at one time they took the lead, they were not in control. Missing was the smothering defense that pressured QBs and created takeaways, gone was the vaunted running game which didn't show up until the 4th quarter when the Jet defense became fatigued and over heated. It just was all wrong. There was also the upsetting return of the horrible special teams play we saw during the preseason. A blocked punt? Are you kidding me?  Just wrong...all wrong.

This game should reveal the character of this team. With the Patriots coming for Monday Night Football next week the Fins get a next "do over" and hopefully redeem themselves. If they are going to pull that off, Mike Nolan better find a scheme that accounts for the tight end. Dustin Keller was so dominant and just owned the Dolphin secondary. And remember this, New England has hell of a lot better tight ends and quarterback than the Jets do.

So now its time to see what we are made of. It's early to say this, but next week's game is almost a must win. Not for the mathmatics of staying in contention but for the mindset of this young team.  Gut check time.