Thursday, September 07, 2006

Talent Doesn’t Make-Up for Mistakes


The Miami Dolphins played good enough to win in Pittsburgh on Thursday night proving they have the talent to play with the NFL Champions. They don’t however seem to have the discipline to win against the NFL Champions.

After taking a 17-14 lead the Dolphins self-destructed. After holding the Steelers on 3rd and 16 from their own 12 yard line the Dolphins were whistled for illegal hands to the face call giving Pittsburgh a first down instead of punting out of their own end zone.

On the next Pittsburgh possession the Dolphins had a blown assignment in the secondary that allowed an 87 yard touchdown reception by tight end Heath Miller. Miller was actually out of bounds before he got into the end zone but Nick Saban was too slow in getting the challenge flag out.

Backs against the wall and trailing 21-17, Daunte Culpepper ruined his Miami debut by throwing two interceptions under pressure. One was returned 42 yards for a touchdown by Joey Porter.

The Dolphins have the talent to be successful and return to the play-offs in 2006 but they are going to have to learn to minimize mistakes and play more disciplined.