Miami quarterback Ryan Tanehill wasn't happy with his team's performance today. He felt the Dolphins' offense played poorly. But thankfully, a superb effort by the defense and a mistake-riddled offering from Jacksonville's rookie QB Blake Bortles, Miami came out on top, beating the Jaguars 27-13. Among Bortles' many costly errors were two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns.
Miami aren't satisfied with their 4-3 record. Ryan Tanehill and his offense have scored 30 points or more just once this season, and Tanehill feels they need to increase production (via NFL.com):
"We didn't perform up to our standards in any phase of the game offensively. Defense played well. Defense made plays. I'm not happy about how we played offensively. It has to be better. We have to get this corrected."
In fact, half of their points yesterday came in the form of pick sixes. The Jags' rookie QB Blake Bortles got picked off by Louis Delmas in the second quarter, who ran it back for 81 yards. He threw another interception in the third for a 22-yard score.
Bortles wasn't totally ineffective. Until late in the game, Jacksonville was significantly outgaining the Dolphins in yardage, but Blake's costly mistakes left them with many unfulfilled opportunities (via NBC Sports):
"At about midway through the third quarter, the Jaguars had outgained the Dolphins by a 272-62 margin. But Jacksonville time and again has blown scoring opportunities, with a blocked field goal and a field goal nullified by penalty among the missed chances."
Turnovers are a killer for any team, but inexperience amplifies those mistakes. Often, it's hard for a young player to regroup after such errors, which then seem to multiply. Blake Bortles needs to take these experiences, learn from them, and grow. He has the tools to become a solid field general someday.
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