The three-game dropping streak is over, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and left sort out Terron Armstead are again, and now the Dolphins can give attention to piling up a couple of wins. Well, that’s what folks thought earlier than the Dolphins’ 16-10 victory over Pittsburgh.
Actually, the thought stays the identical, however now folks understand these victories is likely to be a bit more durable. Yes, the subsequent two video games are in opposition to 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, rejoice their defensive prowess, hope higher days are forward for the offense, and hold it shifting.
Passing recreation: C
It was so-so. The greatest 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 in opposition to Pittsburgh. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (21 of 35, 261 yards, one landing, no interceptions, 92.7 passer ranking) was OK, however nothing particular. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill (seven receptions, 72 yards) and Jaylen Waddle (4 receptions, 88 yards) had been productive. But working again Chase Edmonds had yet one more drop. Pass safety was excellent, marked by the return of left sort out Terron 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 broad receivers. It’s a bunch 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 could take some time, they usually nonetheless is likely to be on schedule. After all, Mostert has proven indicators of springing to life because the Cincinnati recreation, averaging 78 yards per recreation. But they want it now.
Defending the go: A+
The depth within the secondary continues to impress. Three interceptions, together with two within the last 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 lately). The go 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 go rush produced six quarterback hits however not plenty of stress on Kenny Pickett (32 of 44, 257 yards, one landing, three interceptions, 66.2 passer ranking). Wide receiver George Pickens (six receptions, 61 yards, one landing) was saved 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), presumably for the season. No drawback. Guys corresponding to 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 saved underneath management. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel produced a team-best eight tackles, however Phillips additionally produced eight tackles, sharing the crew lead. Clayton 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 dashing on 23 carries (4.1 ypc) however they didn’t have many runs of consequence. This was yet one more instance of the protection setting the tone for the crew 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 another choice except for Holland, Hill and Waddle. Coverage items had been stable. Special groups typically get affected when the damage bug goes across the crew because it’s doing with Dolphins, and that’s surfaced lately. But particular groups had been good in opposition to 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 sphere purpose. But it labored out. In the grand scheme of issues, give the coaches credit score for getting guys able to play. That’s large. It’s actually obvious on the protection, but in addition exhibits on the offensive line with proper sort out Brandon Shell. Special groups turned in an excellent 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 subject, particularly when you will have Hill and Waddle. But general, nothing to see right here, which is likely to be a small subject.
Stock up: Secondary
They returned to their game-changing, game-winning model. Three interceptions, and people last two within the fourth quarter by Holland and Igbinoghene had been completely clutch. They gained 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 crew. The secondary is a testomony to gamers, coaches and the entrance workplace. Well completed 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’d take the offense half the season to seek out its identification. On the opposite hand, you’ve received Tyreek Hill! The protection will get the job completed. Figure it out.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com