Miami head coach Tony Sparano spelled it out pretty clearly after the Dolphins’ 41-14 loss to New England. Asked whether it was poor coaching or poor execution on special teams, he responded, “Next question.”
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And then he told special teams coordinator John Bonamego to never again return to Sun Life Stadium — at least, not as a member of Sparano’s staff.
The first problem is, Bonamego’s firing comes about two weeks late (or two seasons, if you ask some Miami fans). The Dolphins had a punt blocked the week before by the New York Jets before the Patriots did the same. Including the preseason, Miami has had four blocked kicks this year. The Patriots took the disaster to a new level on Monday night, adding a touchdown on Brandon Tate‘s 103-yard kickoff return and blocking a field goal, too.
The second problem? Bonamego’s replacement, Darren Rizzi, is in just his second season on an NFL coaching staff. He’s faced with the same revolving door of free agent special teamers that Bonamego tried in vain to keep in line. A bye week will barely be enough time for Rizzi to learn their names.
