The Miami Dolphins have reached the quarter mark at 2-2 entering their bye week.

We've learned some interesting things about Miami so far. Here are four reasons for pessimism:

1. Inconsistent passing game

Don't overrate one good game against a bad, winless Oakland Raiders team in London. The Dolphins still have some growing to do in their passing game, which is ranked 23rd in the NFL at 212 yards per game. Miami doesn't know what it will get from starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill week-to-week, and key pass-catchers such as Charles Clay and Brandon Gibson haven't been consistently involved. Drops also have been a major issue, serving as drive killers, and needs correcting. New offensive coordinator Bill Lazor has to roll up his sleeves and find a way to get consistency in this area.

2. Ball security

Here is a troubling trend from the Dolphins: Turnovers and lack of ball security have been prevalent in every game. The Dolphins have eight turnovers in four games this season. The fumbles and interceptions are things few paid attention to in wins over the Raiders and New England Patriots, but they contributed to losses to the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. For example, Miami had three turnovers last week against Oakland and still won by 24 points. The Dolphins won't consistently beat the good teams without good ball security.

3. Slow starters

Again, let's not overrate Miami jumping on the Raiders, 24-7, at halftime. Oakland arguably is the worst team in the NFL. Outside of that game, Dolphins have trailed at halftime in their first three games and were outscored 43-13. Even the Raiders took their opening drive for a touchdown and led 7-0 early. It's difficult to consistently win as slow starters. This has been an issue at times throughout head coach Joe Philbin's tenure. If the Dolphins keep up this trend of losing first halves, they're not going to win a lot of games after the bye.

4. Iffy special teams

The Dolphins have been shaky in the third phase of the game early this season. Miami has had two fumbled punt returns from rookie Jarvis Landry, a blocked punt and allowed a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown -- and we're only four games in. Miami's special teams have been an adventure so far this year. This is another area that lacks consistency.