NFL
By: Rick
It wasn’t pretty, and it wasn’t fun for the Miami Dolphins. The writing was on the wall all game long. This team is young, and we’re experiencing some growing pains, but there were some bright spots. What is there to take away from the loss to the Las Vegas Raiders?
Rookies Arrive
The Miami Dolphins needed a good rookie class if this rebuild is going to work. So far, their playmakers showed up. Jacob Rodrigues 14 tackles, Chris Johnson 11 tackles, Michael Taafe an interception. Dante Trader Jr. got an INT, and while not a rookie, it’s good to see the second-year youngster. Miami’s whole goal was to get younger and pay their guys instead of “mercenaries”. If this team can grow and develop as the year progresses, GM John-Eric Sullivan will look like a mastermind despite their wins & losses.
Squandered Chances
In a game where the Dolphins got two interceptions, 2 interceptions from a veteran QB, and some good throws from their new QB, and a 79-yard kick return that stalled, they couldn’t get it done. That’s the early read on this version of the Miami Dolphins. They can’t finish. Malik Willis was as advertised, sort of. They expected him to air it out; he did, averaging 14.7 per completion. They wanted him to be able to scramble; he did, rushing 6 times for 39 yards at 6.5 per carry and Miami’s only chances. Las Vegas had plenty of chances to get back in the game, but mistakes let them keep their lead.
Offensive Line
Key word: offensive. With the size and strength of this offensive line, Miami expected them to be a force to reckon with, especially in the run game. That never materialized. Five sacks allowed never let Malik Willis get into a rhythm. The defense was in his lap all game. Excluding Willis, the Dolphins ran the ball just 12 times, 11 to star RB De’Von Achane. It was a far cry from the 40 times per game Jeff Hafley joked about in the preseason. 36 yards would be 3.3 yards per carry, which left them in deep 2nd/3rd and long. The holes weren’t there. There was no push up front.
The Miami Dolphins gave you exactly what people expected, yet there is some hope. Maybe not for this season, but the vision had to be realized today.
