Dolphins producing first downs at a rapid rate with help from Wallace

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
According to the Miami Dolphins Media Guide, Miami has totaled 48 first downs through the first two weeks of the season, which is tied for sixth-most in the NFL and third-most in the AFC. The Dolphins recorded 25 first downs in Week 1 vs. New England and 23 in Week 2 at Buffalo. The last time Miami began the season with 20 or more first downs in the first two weeks of the season was in 1995 when the team tallied 22 first downs vs. the New York Jets on September 2 and 21 first downs at New England on September 10.

On Wednesday, the Dolphins continued to work on various situations in an effort to keep on producing first downs throughout each game.

“I thought we had a good practice today. We got our third down game plan in, our first, second and third down game plan,” said Joe Philbin. “Watching (the Chiefs) more and more on tape, this is a very good football team we’re playing. We’re going to have to make a lot of improvements as we get ready to play the Chiefs on Sunday.”

Part of the reason why the Dolphins have been able to move the ball in the first two weeks is because of the improved play of Mike Wallace. Part of that can be attributed to the fact that Wallace has been working hard after practice, which includes catching balls from the jug machines every time. While the Dolphins have seen improvement from Wallace in this area and while others have continually dropped the ball, Philbin was hesitant when asked if he would make it mandatory for other offensive skill players.

“I think the thing he does started really in the offseason program, some of the things you just mentioned. You want players to do those things on their own. Certainly, we can mandate whatever we want, but we’ve got these guys on a schedule. We’ve got the right amount of practice time. We think carefully about every minute we spend out here. I think it’s best if the player wants to do it on their own like Mike has, and I think it’s made a difference.”

The Dolphins should have no problem moving the ball against a shaky Chiefs defense, especially with all the injuries they have suffered lately in key positions.

---