Well, the season simply acquired somewhat extra dramatic. The Dolphins’ 27-15 loss at Cincinnati may very well be a one-off, that means it’s a reasonably remoted incident, or it may very well be the beginning of a regarding sample.
We know the Dolphins have harm points beginning with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (head and neck accidents) and in addition involving All Pro cornerback Xavien Howard (groin). Those are regarding, and in Tagovailoa’s case it’s regarding in additional methods than one.
The subsequent month will present perception into whether or not the Dolphins are an AFC contender or just a group that acquired off to a scorching begin.
Whatever the case, they have to play higher than they did towards the Bengals.
Passing sport: C-
The numbers weren’t good between Tua Tagovailoa (8 for 14, 110 yards, no touchdowns, one interception, 52.7 passer score) and Teddy Bridgewater (14 for 23, 193 yards, one landing, one interception, 84.1 passer score). The interceptions have been worse. And the one sack the Dolphins allowed put Tagovailoa out of the sport. Each quarterback had his second with a powerful go or two, however in contrast to earlier video games, there weren’t sufficient moments. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10 receptions, 160 yards) was the saving grace. The Dolphins can nonetheless join on huge performs to remain in video games and even win video games. But there’s not a lot wiggle room. If the passing sport struggles, the Dolphins will battle to attain.
Running sport: D
This is regarding. The Dolphins totaled 85 yards dashing on 22 carries, a median of three.9 yards per carry. Raheem Mostert and Bridgewater had 36 of these dashing yards on a pair of carries (a 25-yard carry by Mostert, and an 11-yard scramble by Bridgewater). The lack of a run sport places an excessive amount of strain on the passing sport. The Dolphins proceed making an attempt to fabricate dashing with Hill, however till Mostert, Chase Edmonds (5 carries, 6 yards) and the road get it collectively this can be an anchor the offense should carry. And it will get heavier every week.
Defending the go: D
Things have been fairly underneath management till the fourth quarter when quarterback Joe Burrow (20 for 31, 287 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, 115.9 passer score) had completions of 43 yards, 36 yards, 22 yards and 14 yards. That doesn’t even account for Tee Higgins’ 59-yard landing within the second quarter. Howard not enjoying within the fourth quarter was a significant component. But Howard was burned by Higgins (seven receptions, 124 yards, one landing), who he shadowed many of the sport, on that lengthy landing. Ja’Marr Chase (4 receptions, 81 yards) did his factor in comparatively low-key vogue. The Dolphins didn’t blitz Burrow a lot and solely totaled one sack. And one sport after dropping quite a few potential interceptions, they didn’t actually get near any interceptions towards Cincinnati.
Defending the run: A
The Dolphins held the Bengals to 67 yards on 30 carries (2.2 yards per carry). Running again Joe Mixon (24 carries, 61 yards, one landing) was a bull on his 5-yard landing run within the first quarter. But he was stopped on a fourth-and-one. You’d like to have the ability to say extra right here however the Bengals’ run sport was comparatively inconsequential to the sport’s final result. So, whereas it’s good the Dolphins performed nicely on this space, it didn’t matter.
Special groups: D-
It wasn’t a complete catastrophe, however when you have got a 52-yard area purpose try blocked, miss an additional level and permit a 23-yard punt return, nicely, it’s not good. We noticed Hill deep to return punts for the primary time this season however he didn’t get to return both of his two probabilities. One particular groups spotlight was Thomas Morstead’s 66-yard punt, however that’s the one which was returned for 23 yards. Go determine. Kicker Jason Sanders made area targets of 23, 48 and 20 yards, however these missed alternatives on the sphere purpose and additional level are extra memorable.
Coaching: C
Admittedly, teaching by way of accidents corresponding to Tagovailoa and Howard is hard. However, that’s one of many job necessities. After discovering solutions within the first three weeks, coach Mike McDaniel, offensive coordinator Frank Smith, defensive coordinator Josh Boyer and particular groups coach Danny Crossman ran out of solutions towards Cincinnati. We’ll quickly see what, if something, opponents have discovered about beating the Dolphins.
Stock up: Tyreek Hill
It’s robust to consider Hill, the five-time All Pro and six-time Pro Bowl choice, may very well be regarded extra extremely. But after Thursday’s 10-reception, 160-yard efficiency, which included a 64-yard reception, it must be acknowledged once more that Hill is the Dolphins’ MVP.
Stock down: Secondary
The defensive backs had a tough fourth quarter after Howard left the sport. Granted, the Dolphins have been with out their prime two cornerbacks (Howard and Byron Jones), however they will’t permit these lengthy passes within the fourth quarter. It’ll translate into losses such because it did Thursday.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com