The three-game dropping streak is over, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and left sort out Terron Armstead are again, and now the Dolphins can deal with piling up just a few wins. Well, that’s what individuals thought earlier than the Dolphins’ 16-10 victory over Pittsburgh.
Actually, the thought stays the identical, however now individuals notice these victories is perhaps a bit more durable. Yes, the following two video games are towards Detroit (1-5) and Chicago (2-4), however they’re each on the highway, and the Dolphins proceed piling up accidents and struggling to attain factors.
Still, a victory is healthier than a loss, so the Dolphins will take this, have fun their defensive prowess, hope higher days are forward for the offense, and preserve it transferring.
Passing recreation: C
It was so-so. The largest drawback was they didn’t rating sufficient touchdowns, and that’s whereas acknowledging working again Raheem Mostert had an 8-yard landing reception within the first quarter towards Pittsburgh. Tagovailoa (21 of 35, 261 yards, one landing, no interceptions, 92.7 passer score) was OK, however nothing particular. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill (seven receptions, 72 yards) and Jaylen Waddle (4 receptions, 88 yards) have been productive. But working again Chase Edmonds had one more drop. Pass safety was excellent, marked by the return of Armstead. Tagovailoa wasn’t sacked and was solely hit as soon as. But this group completely should produce extra touchdowns. The Dolphins have 17 touchdowns (16 by the offense; linebacker Melvin Ingram has a landing), and 12 of these are through the air. But that’s additionally simply 12 touchdowns in 28 quarters, and that’s not sufficient when your working recreation isn’t scoring touchdowns, both.
Running recreation: C
Mostert ended with 79 yards on 16 carries (4.9 yards per carry), fueling a floor recreation that totaled 111 yards on 27 carries (4.1 ypc). But Edmonds was stonewalled on a questionable fourth-and-3 name. Still, the bottom recreation was constant, totaling 66 yards on 12 carries within the first half. Blocking was good, which was one other concern. Give credit score to the offensive line, working backs, tight ends and huge receivers. It’s a gaggle factor. The drawback right here is Miami must get to a spot the place the working recreation is dependable, and it’s not there. You knew it might take some time, and so they nonetheless is perhaps on schedule. After all, Mostert has proven indicators of springing to life for the reason that Cincinnati recreation, averaging 78 yards per recreation. But they want it now.
Defending the cross: A+
The depth within the secondary continues to impress. Three interceptions, together with two within the ultimate 2:57, one by security Jevon Holland and the opposite by cornerback Noah Igbinoghene on the 1-yard line with 18 seconds left. The first interception belonged to cornerback Justin Bethel. Neither Igbinoghene nor Bethel had obtained common enjoying time earlier than the Steelers recreation (though Igbinoghene had performed just lately). The cross rush produced two sacks, with linebacker Jaelan Phillips (1.5 sacks) main the way in which, together with defensive sort out Christian Wilkins (.5 sacks). The cross rush produced six quarterback hits however not numerous stress on Kenny Pickett (32 of 44, 257 yards, one landing, three interceptions, 66.2 passer score). Wide receiver George Pickens (six receptions, 61 yards, one landing) was stored underneath management, which is spectacular contemplating the Dolphins’ secondary entered the sport with out cornerbacks Byron Jones (Achilles), Nik Needham (Achilles), Kader Kohou (indirect) and Keion Crossen (knee), and in the course of the recreation they misplaced security Brandon Jones (knee). Guys reminiscent of safeties Verone McKinley, Clayton Fejedelem, Eric Rowe and Elijiah Campbell got here off the bench and made performs. Absolutely wonderful.
Defending the run: B-
Pittsburgh working again Najee Harris (65 yards on 17 carries, 3.8 ypc) is succesful, however he was stored underneath management. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel produced a team-best eight tackles, however Phillips additionally produced eight tackles, sharing the group lead. Fejedelem had a key cease on Harris on third-and-1 early within the fourth quarter. The Steelers had 19 first downs, however solely 4 on the bottom. The Steelers ended with 95 yards speeding on 23 carries (4.1 ypc) however they didn’t have many runs of consequence. This was one more instance of the protection setting the tone for the group however merely doing its job. It wasn’t fancy, however it was constant and efficient.
Special groups: B
It was good to see enchancment right here. Kicker Jason Sanders hit three discipline objectives (24, 42 and 47 yards) to stay an ideal 8 for 8 on makes an attempt of lower than 50 yards. Punter Thomas Morstead was robust once more with six punts that averaged 42.7 yards, together with 4 contained in the 20. Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson made an uneventful debut at punt returner, however he added an alternative choice apart from Holland, Hill and Waddle. Coverage items have been stable. Special groups typically get affected when the damage bug goes across the group because it’s doing with Dolphins, and that’s surfaced just lately. But particular groups have been good towards Pittsburgh.
Coaching: C
That fourth-and-3 name. Yikes. Coach Mike McDaniel rolled the cube at a foul time, whereas clinging to a 16-10 lead with 8:37 left within the third quarter on the Pittsburgh 14-yard line. He ought to have kicked the sector purpose. But it labored out. In the grand scheme of issues, give the coaches credit score for getting guys able to play. That’s big. It’s actually obvious on the protection, but in addition reveals on the offensive line with proper sort out Brandon Shell. Special groups turned in efficiency, and the Dolphins cleaned up the penalty points that haunted them the previous couple of video games. Still, the offense struggled to attain, and that’s a significant difficulty, particularly when you could have Hill and Waddle.
Stock up: Secondary
They returned to their game-changing, game-winning model. Three interceptions, and people ultimate two within the fourth quarter by Holland and Igbinoghene have been completely clutch. They received the sport. These guys proceed to seek out methods to go deep into their ranks and make performs. They’re simply probably the most spectacular group on the group. The secondary is a testomony to gamers, coaches and the entrance workplace. Well accomplished throughout.
Stock down: Offense
You’ve gotta rating extra factors. Mostert was good with 109 yards from scrimmage and one landing. Hill was good with seven receptions for 72 yards, and Waddle was good with 4 receptions for 88 yards. On one hand, there have been accidents, and also you figured it would take the offense half the season to seek out its identification. On the opposite hand, you’ve obtained Tyreek Hill! The protection has gotten the job accomplished. Figure it out.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com