Dolphins vs. Bucs Re-cap: First-team Offense Shows Signs of Life

[Sorry about the late re-cap. A big-ass lightning storm came round these parts and forced me to shutdown my PC. Such is the life of a Miami Dolphins blogger living in the swamp -- the home-land of MIA. –the Dude]

During my game preview I noted that the focus was going to be on how the first-team offense performed against the Bucs. More than that, how Trent Green needed to step up and show us that Cam Cameron naming him the starter was a legit thing.

Things started out pretty much how they always do for the Dolphins first-team. Ugly as hell. A busted screen pass on the Miami 8 yard line was immediately turned into a Cato June INT return for a TD. Right off the bat, things were off to a horrible, horrible start.

But the offense didn’t waver. During their second drive, Green led the team down the field on an 18 play, 9 minute drive that culminated in a David “No Face” Martin touchdown. Their second drive was set up by a kick-ass interception of a Jeff Garcia pass by defensive end Matt Roth on the Tampa Bay 23. It was capped by a Statue of Liberty play (aka the Boise State 2 pt. conversion play) on an 11 yard TD run by Jesse Chatman.

So much for vanilla.

So, for the most part, the first-team offense showed us some signs of life. And that’s all we can ask for as the stretch run to the regular season winds down. And while we likely won’t be seeing the Liberty play during games that count, it’s safe to say Cam is one sly son-of-a-bitch. And that’s alright, mama. That’s all right for you. Bring on the Homeless Genius and his defense, I say!

Now, my game notes:

Trent Green: Aside from the crazy INT at the start of the game, I have to say this was by far Green’s best performance in a Dolphins uniform. He looked poised, he looked sharper and he made the right passes at the right time. The second Dolphin drive helped Green with a mixture of solid play-calling, good running by the backs and decent blocking from the O-line. Green playing this soundly means the running game will start to open up, which is where the strength of our offense lies. Poor quarterbacking was a big reason Ronnie Brown couldn’t get it going last year. 7 for 11, 42 yards and a TD. Not too shabby. Green may not be the savior, but if he can churn out games like this for a full season, then we’ll be okay. And that’s all we can ask for. Now I can go to sleep without having to down a bottle of NyQuil to kill the anxiety.

Offensive Line: While the first-team offensive line showed signs of life, there were still times when players either missed assignments, or were just beaten to the punch by Tampa Bay’s defenders. But the left side, led by Vernon Carey, looked better. And the running game was helped immensely by the added help of the fullbacks' and No Face's blocking. Rookie center Samson Satele had a good night – again – and was key during a first-down conversion on a 3rd and 1 quarterback sneak. There are still some inconsistencies on the O-line – such as Anthony Alabi turning in another poor performance – so this unit is not quite out of the woods yet. But the progress was evident. 

Ted Ginn: Ted Ginn Is A Miami Dolphin had himself a pretty good outing. He had 3 catches for 29 yards, which isn’t much to look at on paper. But it was the little things he did that really stood out. On a key 4th and 2, Ginn was able to turn a short pass from Green into a big play by using his quick first-step to gain an extra 4 yards for the first down conversion. Ginn also did a little blocking. On a 3rd and 10, Cleo Lemon scrambled out of the pocket and ran for a 17 yard gain for a 1st down. Ginn issued the key block to spring Lemon free. A play later, Ginn caught a 14 yard pass for another first down.

Lorenzo Booker: I told you earlier in the week that all this talk about Booker being kept under wraps or Booker being a bust was all nonsense. The guy became a father. And that, my friends, ain't easy. Babies are cute and all. But they're tyrannical little bastards that demand to be fed and changed and waited on hand and foot 24 hours a day! So he missed some practice and that led to him missing some time on the field. Little bastards. Anyway, Booker was back and was all over the place during tonight's game. He ended the night with 43 all-purpose yards and showed that he will be a special player coming out of the backfield. The raw talent is clearly there and ready to come out in full force. I stated after April’s draft that the Dolphins had an absolute steal when they selected Booker in the third round (71st overall). I stand by that. He’s gonna be a good one.

John Beck: Beck was outstanding tonight. His performance will be getting its own post next.

Comments

[Anthony]

I liked your comments on Booker. He's a special talent and if the Phins plan to put him in passing situations with Ronnie in the back field as well, this could potentially be a dangerous offense. Of course the offensive line has to do its part. But I really like what I saw from Booker's versatility.

[Jing]

MMM CHOCOLATE!! lol I didnt catch the game but I saw the statue o' liberty on sportscenter it was awesome haha green really had em fooled.
Damn Matt Roth is good.

No Dolphin poo this time?

[Lady Phin]

Lol..Jing

LP