Projo Sports Blog

By Michael Cunningham
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

DAVIE, Fla. - Jason Ferguson didn't like it when the Arizona Cardinals, most of all wide receiver Anquan Boldin, openly talked last week about burying the Miami Dolphins early with a few big plays Sunday.

"Then that's what happened," the Dolphins' defensive tackle said Monday. "It's embarrassing."

There are plenty of deficiencies to choose from in the 31-10 loss at Arizona on Sunday. But none was more glaring than how the Cardinals easily rang up passing yards and points from the start against the Dolphins' secondary.

First came Boldin's 79-yard TD catch on a busted coverage. Then came Larry Fitzgerald's 75-yard catch, leading to the second of Boldin's three touchdown catches and a 14-0 lead. From there, the Dolphins were on their way to 0-2.

Fitzgerald (six catches, 153 yards) and Boldin (six catches, 140 yards) are among the NFL's best wide receiver tandems.

"That being said, we had opportunities to make plays on the ball," coach Tony Sparano said. "We had opportunities a week ago (in a 20-14 loss to the Jets). When you get your hands on the ball you have to finish."

The Dolphins didn't come close to making a play on Boldin's opening touchdown. Safety Chris Crocker apparently was in the wrong defensive alignment, leaving linebacker Akin Ayodele to chase Boldin with no deep help and the predictable result.

"The biggest thing about the secondary is we have got to communicate," cornerback Will Allen said. "If we don't communicate, then we will continue to give up big plays."

Sparano, who had watched the game on video three times by the time he met with reporters Monday, said he didn't plan to make personnel changes in the secondary.

"I don't want to overreact or panic," he said.

 Tags  Miami Dolphins Tony Sparano

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