Dolphins Impress During Snoozefest...

It wasn't the most exciting football game I've ever watched back on my Tivo shortly after midnight.

But still.

I was impressed with how physical (not pictured) the Dolphins were in the season opener against Buffalo.
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The perception of the game changed on two plays.

First of all, Chad Henne underthrew Brandon Marshall for what would have been the knockout blow in the 2nd quarter.

Up 10-0, Henne wanted Marshall deep, but the connection failed.

If they hit that pass, they could've REALLY gotten ugly.

The second play was Roscoe Parrish's touchdown.

4th and 11.

There was a blown coverage, touchdown Bills.

Those two plays will make fans think the Fins first win wasn't particularly impressive.

I beg to differ.
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Let me start with the offense.

I think Brandon Marshall has brought a new mentality to the Dolphins receivers and tight end.

I can't remember a game where Fins receivers were looking to HIT somebody.

Perhaps it's because Ted Ginn is allergic to contact.

I saw Marshall, Fasano, Ronnie Brown, and even Davone Bess looking to PUNISH the corners who had the audacity to try to bring them down.

That's a good thing.

My FAVORITE moment of the game was the first play of the second half.

Ronnie went for a short run and got out of bounds.

No biggie, right?

Brandon Marshall absolutely leveled a passing Buffalo defender.

That's a new dynamic to the Fins offense, and to me, it's an exciting play.
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Defense, in my mind, is harder to evaluate.

The reason is simple, the opponent is SO bad.

Trent Edwards is just awful.

CJ Spiller is exciting.

Unfortunately, his awesome preseason will allow him to sneak up on... NOBODY.

He's your prime target.

The Bills line is awful.

You are talking about a team that if it wins 5 games will be happy.
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With that said, there were three aspects of the defense that caught my eye.

First of all, they weren't kidding about Mike Nolan.

He's moving guys this way and that.

First series of the game, he sneaks Karlos Dansby to the outside to blindside the quarterback.

Talk about setting a tone.

Secondly, tackling.

The Fins were wrapping up and making open-field tackles all afternoon long.

You didn't see any of that last year.

And finally, I saw plenty of youth.

I think back to the Joey Porter-Jason Taylor-Gibril Wilson unit from last year, and things are promising.

Cameron Wake was pushing his way towards the quarterback, Jared Odrick had a nice stop... I saw potential.
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As for Chad Henne, he was fine.

Nothing spectacular.

All day, the Fins were pounding it on first and second down.

Ronnie and Ricky looked the same as always.

Chad basically had to pick up 3rd and manage-ables.

That's what he did.

He used Bess well, he gave Marshall some opportunities, and it was great to see Fasano getting involved.

All told, a win on opening day in the division, Fins fans should be happy.
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Speaking of wins in the division on opening day...

I'd like to offer a quick word about the Detroit-Chicago game.

Classic Lions.

I'm sorry, that was a catch by Calvin Johnson.

One foot, two foot, roll...

Yes, the ball popped out.

Whatever that rule is, is stupid.

The Lions are bad enough, you don't need to hose them.

And finally a word for Dallas Cowboy fans, hahahahhahahahahah!

Hakeem Nicks for President, Goodnight!