NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
The Miami Dolphins looked like the Dolphins of 2023 for a brief moment in time. For the first time all season long they looked like they had a competent offense. The only problem is, it’s too little too late. After a heartbreaking loss against the Cardinals, the Dolphins fall to 2-5 and face their division rivals next week in Buffalo next week since Miami has shown no signs of figuring out the Bills this loss against the Cardinals may have been the nail in their coffin this season.
TUA IS BACK!
The Miami Dolphins needed a spark on offense and they found it in Tua Tagovailoa. Going 28/38 with 234 yards and a TD might not be the elite numbers everyone wants, but the timing and rhythm was back in this offense. If Miami wants to get back into the explosive play category, then it’s time to test the “offensive guru” title Mike McDaniel was given. De’Von Achane ran 10 times for 97 yards. Jaylen Wright only touched the ball twice and gained 18 yards. Raheem Mostert was the “weak link” with 9 carries for 19 yards, but he still put in two touchdowns. The Dolphins need to find ways to get playmakers more yards after catch and yards after carry. If defenses are going to sit two high, it’s time to get creative underneath.
Defense Needs to Step Up!
While Miami looked much better on offense, the defense also benefited from the rest. Getting guys off the field helped them keep James Conner a bit more in check. with 20 carries for 53 yards. Miami could’ve used Zach Sieler today as pressure on the QB hurt Miami down the stretch. Without the ability to get sacks and without the ability to turn the ball over, the defense could only bend for so long before it eventually broke.
The Dolphins Need Help
With Sieler out, Jaelen Phillips out of the year, Bradley Chubb taking longer to come back, and Chop Robinson asking to do too much without time to develop as a rookie the pass rush just isn’t there. On top of that, does anyone know the last time the Dolphins recorded an interception? It’s hard to pinpoint because they only have 3, and out of those 3 two of them were linemen. So as much as everyone wants to complain about how the offense is stinking it up, the defense needs to create turnovers and it’s not happening with their current roster. Chris Grier has worked some magic in the past. Maybe it’s time to pull the trigger at the deadline again this year.
The Miami Dolphins won’t get many favors next week against the Buffalo Bills either. They’ll have to earn every inch on every play. Is there season a lost cause?
