NFL
By: Rick O’Donnell
If the Miami Dolphins want to win Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, they have to continue to build on the momentum they had against the Kansas City Chiefs. The scoreboard may tell the tale, but not the whole story. There were a few questionable decisions made in an effort to remain aggressive, and there were opportunities Miami couldn’t capitalize on. The opportunities were there; the Dolphins not only have to be capable, but they need to learn how to win. So how do they get there?
Attack On Defense
If stats are to be believed regarding a team’s strength, the Minnesota Vikings are the worst offensive team in football. Right now, even though one of their best weapons is out, the Vikings are dead last in yards per game. Worse than the Miami Dolphins, the Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. No shade to any of those teams, but they’re the only ones without a win this season. Miami has shown their defense is growing. One of the biggest traits in getting a player such as Jacob Rodriguez was his ability to create turnovers. That’s not just his responsibility alone. If the Dolphins can win the turnover battle against a struggling offense, then it helps neutralize their stout defense.
Right Side of the 50!
The Dolphins need to win the battle of field position as well. Despite their struggles on special teams, they need to attack as much as possible. Not only do they need to be on their opponent’s side of the 50 on offense, but they also need to do their best to keep them deep on their side of the 50 on defense. Miami can’t afford to keep giving the ball up at midfield the way they did against the Chiefs. Pin them deep and let them struggle. Not every play needs to be a big play; live to play another down.
Making A Statement
Both the Miami Dolphins and their former coach will be looking to make a statement. Miami’s statement needs to be that they won’t just roll over and let teams steamroll them. Brian Flores’s statement will be showing his former team that their handling of his career was a mistake. This one could get a little chippy by the end of it, as both teams will likely play with the passion of those two statements. Whoever can keep their composure longer and make fewer mistakes will likely have the upper hand.
It won’t be an easy game for the 0-3 Miami Dolphins, but the drive is there. As cliché as it is, it’s an “any given Sunday” league and teams need to come with their best. It might be a long shot, but a win isn’t out of reach.
