Readers of this blog -- and there have been over 180,000 unique visitors so far this month -- know the NFL game consists of first down, second down, the money down, and fourth down.
Third down is where players make their big money because it is the most important down.
If the offense is converting on third down, it is staying on the field and depressing the heck out of the defense. If the defense is winning on third down after third down, it is shutting down the opposition's opportunities to score because the opposition is busy headed to their seats on the bench.
So I think we can all agree, third down is the money down.
Now, let's agree on this. The Dolphins are doing excellent work on third down so far this season.
I wrote earlier this week how the Dolphins are very good at converting third-and-2 or fewer yards. Very good is translated as they are converting 85 percent of the time in those situations and no one in the NFL is doing any better.
Well, today we expand on that a little bit.
Simply said, the Miami offense -- for all its flaws and shortcomings -- leads the NFL in third down conversion. The Dolphins have converted 42 of 75 third down plays into first downs this year. That's a 56 percent conversion rate and, it bears repeating, that is the NFL's best rate.
[Quick aside here: The Dolphins are tied for the NFL lead in fourth down conversion. They've converted 5 of 5 situations this season for a perfect 100 percent rate. Atlanta and the New York Jets also have a 100 percent success rate on fourth down.]
So despite a QB change, despite a receiver corps that begs upgrading, Miami's offense is doing work on third down. The defense?
Good. But not great.
Miami's defense is rated No. 12 in the NFL in stopping third down conversions. Miami's defenders have allowed 21 of 58 third down plays to convert into first downs or touchdowns. That's 36.2 percent.
And that's better than Pittsburgh (42.4) or Minnesota (41.4) or Indianapolis (45.6). But it pales compared to Denver (28.4) or, sure enough, New Orleans (26.8).
By the way, Miami's offense matching up against the Saints defense on third down should be interesting. Both are outstanding on the money down as you see above.
The Saints offense is rated No. 8 in third down efficiency so they seem to have a slight advantage satistically against Miami's defense. But the difference is not as vast as the teams' records suggest.
Anyway, the chart below breaks down Miami in every third down situation it has faced this year on offense and defense. You will note the Dolphins offense is not very good in third-and-nine or more (3 of 16). That speaks to Miami's need to improve its passing game.
The defense is giving up too much success on third-and-10 or more (7 of 16). That is not acceptable because the defense has a built-in advantage in long passing situations and Miami's defense isn't cashing in on that advantage so far this season.
3RD DOWN AND …
.........1.......2......3.....4.....5......6.....7.....8.....9....10+ TOT. %
Miami 11-12..6-8..7-7..2-6..7-11..3-6..2-6..1-3..0-6..3-10..42-75 56.0%Opps. 3-5.....2-4...3-6..0-4..1-4...1-4...2-4..2-7..0-4..7-16..21-58 36.2%
Smith looks better with No.31
Posted by: 54thDolphin | October 23, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Attention Dolphin fans: I believe that most, maybe all of these so called Saint fans are really jet fans.
Think about it, we're talking about Louisiana here. Most of them don't have electricity, much less computers.
And carlito, still waiting on the fried monkey recipe.
Posted by: cocoajoe | October 23, 2009 at 04:39 PM
Smith would look the best pimpin down the sideline with a pick six.
Posted by: odinseye | October 23, 2009 at 04:57 PM
"Attention Dolphin fans: I believe that most, maybe all of these so called Saint fans are really jet fans."
Disagree. They have problems with the English language it is true, but still much more articulate than J-E-T-S fans.
Posted by: jon | October 23, 2009 at 04:57 PM
54th dolphin , you think smith would have a int if he wore 31 ? Do you think smith would be a pro bowler if he wore 31 ? :)
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | October 23, 2009 at 05:00 PM
don't pick on the cajuns...great food
saints are a serious NFL team unlike the yets.
i also think its gonna be more like the coltz game, except...........we can't miss those easy tackles that gave that game away. its all on the secondary (mainly the safety position) and ILB. NO will pass early and often.
If Fergie can stop the run pass rush will be productive.
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:06 PM
In other word , who gives a shyt what he wears ! :)
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | October 23, 2009 at 05:12 PM
hope my boy sean smith is wearing OUT colston, by dogging him all afternoon. still can't get that Smith INT against NO out of my mind.
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:16 PM
Harricane , he had that int wearing # 31. HMMMMMMM ! LMFAO
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | October 23, 2009 at 05:18 PM
harricane , you missed on 1 point from the indy game. Miami HAS to get TD'S and not FG's. That means not handing off the ball and running up the middle on 3rd and 6 , settling for a FG.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | October 23, 2009 at 05:21 PM
nj,
yea, and if you drink enough it looks like 13, LMFAO
this looks like the toughest game yet....our time to shine
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:22 PM
this looks like the toughest game yet....our time to shine
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:22 PM
EXACTLY! If we lose it's just another had learned lesson.
If we win, we got the begrudging respect of all the haters. I'm starting to hyperventilate already.
Posted by: odinseye | October 23, 2009 at 05:29 PM
odinse is a man of honor who loves cheap pizza ( 3 for 3.99 )
cocoajoe is man who loves men wearing number 31
Posted by: philpes | October 23, 2009 at 05:35 PM
hurricane is a retired nurse who loves football.
go fins
Posted by: philpes | October 23, 2009 at 05:36 PM
hey odin,
i worry about the lil rat gerbil. i worry about allen on a hugh colston. i worry about crowder or OLB on shockey.
young CBs will hold their own. need a pass rush and they have a pretty damn good running game. we rotate often on D line.
on the positive side, i see henne stepping up a couple of rungs....O line must protect like a condom !
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:36 PM
we will give the saints the money shot on money down!
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 23, 2009 at 05:36 PM
carlito my brother....
i hope we punch them in the mouth....its an ole fashion smashdown. its that kinda game and its time for us to step up !!
climb that ladder boyz
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:39 PM
PS
I hope its hotter than hell on the field
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:39 PM
Mark Schlereth pick Dolphins as his upset of the week on ESPN today...
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 23, 2009 at 05:41 PM
Henne the BUST coming near you .
Posted by: HOT | October 23, 2009 at 05:42 PM
yes bust as in head and shoulders on a hall of fame type bust............
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:46 PM
ISN'T HENNE VERY LUCKY MAN , chad pennington get injured wright before miami having 3 home games in a row ?
can't wait to see him on the road .the BUST .
Posted by: HOT | October 23, 2009 at 05:47 PM
yeeeees the nurse in the houseeeeeee
Posted by: Mr.Bunglito | October 23, 2009 at 05:48 PM
learn how to spell mr hot....wright is a name...its "right before"
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:48 PM
Hey Saint Fans,
I guess it is difficult for you to show a little class since you've never had the chance to talk smack in the entire existance of the Saints franchise. Remember the bags over your heads? Remember the jokes about your team? You've had 1/3 of a good season and now you're all that, give me a break. Your team will choke, like last year, the year before, and the many years before that. In the mean time stick your chests out, beat your drums because it's never been this way before, enjoy it while you can, but maybe you should enjoy it with a touch of "southern class".. Oh yeah, not a lot of class in NO, just thugs who prey on the inocent and profit off those who came to help.
Posted by: Saint Fans Blow | October 23, 2009 at 05:49 PM
wow ^^^^^
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:50 PM
i really hope some of the dolphin players are reading this....and get all jacked up
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:51 PM
hurricane ....thank you .
Posted by: HOT | October 23, 2009 at 05:52 PM
gopats always say "wright" insteads of "right" too. Stop tryin to incite riot mr. gopats. You and I know that the correct phrase is Henne the Hero. Say it with me.
Henne the Hero.
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 23, 2009 at 05:53 PM
can't read either, its harricane (the hurricane)
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:54 PM
carlito is a real fan
hurricane has class
Posted by: HOT | October 23, 2009 at 05:55 PM
carlito,
did u see how much henne gained confidence afer taking all of the first team snaps in practice.
henne is just beginning....dolfans love this guy !! big...smart...i'd rather have a big neck QB than a big headed QB, i.e., Brady/Bunchin?
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:57 PM
but you got it hurricane , doesn't matter how i wrote your name .i trust your brain power .now it's time for my meatball sub .
Posted by: HOT | October 23, 2009 at 05:58 PM
"after" my fingers are drinking
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 05:58 PM
lol, there is only meatball sub guy on here....use your real name man....but henne is not a bust......
i'd like to see U say that to his face....if you could even see past his chest
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 06:01 PM
can't write HARRICANE .......AFTER NOT afer .WITH THE LETTER TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Posted by: HOT | October 23, 2009 at 06:02 PM
ok, i type too fast so what....at least it was right. oh....i get it U wanted to add a W as in Win? Cool......
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 06:04 PM
I AM PROVING THE POINT IF SOME ONE USED ONE LINE THAT SOME ONE ELSE USED MANY TIMES ,YOU CAN SCREW PEOPLE BRAINS AS THE CASE W/MEATBALL SUB .you got it HARRICANE?
WHAT IF ISAY ( HANDS OF STONE ) I WOULD BE THE CUBAN ?
Posted by: HOT | October 23, 2009 at 06:04 PM
could be....a lil hot sause on a meatball sub or pressed real cubano is quite good...........
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 06:07 PM
Win is a win.
Posted by: Po White Trash | October 23, 2009 at 06:15 PM
Wow, that has to be a Guiness record fir the longest run-on sentence! Other than that, well said!
Posted by: Naflod | October 23, 2009 at 06:17 PM
Ignore that. Thought I was replying to a previous post.
Posted by: Naflod | October 23, 2009 at 06:18 PM
yogi speak,
"Whoever scores the most runs, usually wins".
Posted by: harricane | October 23, 2009 at 06:20 PM
these two last posts win the guiness record for the dumbest ,
Posted by: Dolphins4ever | October 23, 2009 at 06:21 PM
lol
Posted by: payuengsnwings | October 23, 2009 at 06:36 PM
Anybody know the taints site?They sure know ours.
Posted by: payuengsnwings | October 23, 2009 at 06:37 PM
Reggie Bush no substitute for Ronnie the Rabid beast in practice for wildcat. This is like difference between Amy Whinehouse and Eva Mendes.
Saints in for big surprise when they come down to Miami and get punch in the mouth.
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 23, 2009 at 06:37 PM
time for my low fat ice cream and my meatball sub .
Posted by: ALoco | October 23, 2009 at 06:38 PM
mmmmmmmmmm
Posted by: payuengsnwings | October 23, 2009 at 06:38 PM
MEATBALL
Posted by: payuengsnwings | October 23, 2009 at 06:39 PM
carlito,
no way ronnie the Rabid Beast has a girl friend looks more sexy than kardashian girl .
Posted by: ALoco | October 23, 2009 at 06:40 PM
I don't care who Ronnie Brown's girlfriend is.
Only thing I care about how he play football, and he do it much better to Reggie Bush. But anyway, I bet Ronnie Brown girlfriend does not have sextape with someone else all over internet for everyone to see.
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 23, 2009 at 06:45 PM
carlito,
do you a girl friend ? what's her name ? ha aaaaaaaaaaaa
Posted by: Banana | October 23, 2009 at 06:47 PM
I have a wife, so yes, the joke is on me ha aaaaaaaaaa
Posted by: carlito from golfito | October 23, 2009 at 06:50 PM
fin fan but we're gonna get shredded no way to stop brees passing attack hate to say i'm depressed no way out no way out.
Posted by: Vox Verdad | October 23, 2009 at 07:22 PM
vox do us all a favor and switch teams already
Posted by: kc | October 23, 2009 at 07:45 PM
i got nowhere else to go....need fins victory so very very badly
Posted by: Vox Verdad | October 23, 2009 at 07:52 PM
have a little faith and dont forget the saints have a few things to worry about too this aint only about drew brees. those two 230 pound sledgehammers we got in the backfield are gonna show up as far as i know
Posted by: kc | October 23, 2009 at 08:04 PM
carlito has a wife??? She must look like a toad. Well at least it is better than nothing. Unless he really is the menace and is trying to throw us off by saying he got a wife. loser
Posted by: drying breed | October 23, 2009 at 08:13 PM
what is little, brown and likes banana?
Posted by: KillaDolphins | October 23, 2009 at 08:15 PM