NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Can the Miami Dolphins beat any elite teams? That’s the question that will haunt them until they actually do. Saying they don’t have the talent is like saying Muhammad Ali didn’t trash talk. It’s clear they have the weapons, but what’s the problem?
Sitting at 6-3 heading into their Week 11 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Dolphins are 2-2 against teams that went to the playoffs last season. On the flip side of that, they are 4-1 against teams with losing records. A win is a win, right?
While that may be hard facts, this Miami Dolphins team is a fan’s dream for the regular season but can they be trusted come playoff time? There will be no 7-10 teams in the Wild Card Round or beyond. That means that Tua Tagovialoa and Co will need to put on their big boy pants and play like a team looking to compete for a Super Bowl.
Last season was a bit of an asterisk next to their accomplishments and failures as Tua was in and out of the lineup. But healthy this year and while still explosive, the Dolphins are also self-destructive. Is it their talent or is it in their heads?
The Dolphins possess an offense that can put up 60 points then turn around and lay a dud the following week against a top-tier opponent. Did they forget how to execute their plays in a week? Are they so hyped over a win that they decide to take a week off? It’s mind-boggling to see them play the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde routine.
What’s Wrong With The Miami Dolphins
The finger point will begin with their defense which is giving up 322 yards per game and 24 points to their opponents. But it’s not all on the defense. Against the Chiefs, the Dolphins high-powered offense was held to 292 yards and just 14 points. Against the Bills, they were held to 20 points, and against the Eagles, they were held to 244 yards and 17 points.
All that explosiveness is good for the records books and keeping fans in the seats but it’s not for playoff football. Offense wins games but defense wins championships. In their remaining 8 games, the Dolphins will face 3 more playoff teams. Losing those games will put their playoff chances in doubt no matter how many points they score. You can score 100 points a game but if you give up 101, you still lose.
Somewhere in the locker room, order has to be restored. Confidence has to be regained and a plan of attack has to be instilled. The Miami Dolphins are good but are they just beat up on lesser competition good? Winning games is still the goal but for a team mentioned in the preseason as a possible contender, it also comes down to beating the elite teams such as the Chiefs, Ravens, Eagles, Bills, Bengals, and San Francisco 49ers. There is no need to burn through the schedule and lose to the teams standing above you if you wish to be the last one standing.
While the Miami Dolphins have the talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball, whatever is going on in their heads when they face stiffer competition is hurting them. It’s time to figure it out or forever be that team tied to the question of what if?
