Every season has its defining moments. Recently, these defining moments have become disappointment for the Miami Dolphins.
Fortunately for coach Mike McDaniel and his prices, one other defining second awaits at 1 p.m. Sunday at New England.
Actually, we’ll see whether or not that’s lucky.
Right now it seems it could have been extra lucky if the Dolphins (8-7), who’re on a four-game shedding streak, would have performed their most necessary video games of the 12 months 5 – 6 weeks in the past, in November, when their offense and protection have been in sync and their key gamers have been wholesome.
But there’s nonetheless postseason hope. There’s a path out of this doldrum and into the playoffs, in accordance with McDaniel.
“I think it’s the locker room leadership, how much they’ve invested and how much they recognize that even on a specific team, locker rooms change every single year,” he stated. “This one is special to them.”
Or so it appears.
During the follow week one Dolphins participant was instructed as darkish because it appears now, it seems they’ll make the playoffs.
“I’ll hold my tongue,” the participant stated.
Here’s the best method for the Dolphins to earn a playoff berth Sunday; principally it’s a battle of attrition amongst groups headed within the unsuitable path.
If the Dolphins defeat the Patriots (7-8), who’ve misplaced back-to-back video games, and the New York Jets (7-8), who’re on a four-game shedding streak, lose at Seattle (7-8), which has misplaced back-to-back video games, the Dolphins have their first playoff berth because the 2016 season.
If the Jets defeat Seattle, it units up a winner-take-all regular-season finale between the Dolphins and Jets at Hard Rock Stadium subsequent week.
December was a crushing month for the Dolphins, who, thankfully, play their subsequent recreation in January on New Year’s Day.
December, the month through which most severe NFL playoff contenders hit their stride, noticed the Dolphins come to a screeching halt. The offense didn’t rating sufficient factors, the protection didn’t make sufficient stops, particular groups have been spotty, and the teaching workers couldn’t discover options to any of the above points.
Oh, and well being issues re-surfaced.
The Dolphins, who now resemble an inventory ship that’s leaking oil, cruise into Gillette Stadium with out beginning quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) and with a number of different key gamers, corresponding to Pro Bowl left sort out Terron Armstead (toe, knee, pectoral, hip) and Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard (knee) listed as game-time selections. A number of others, corresponding to edge rusher Bradley Chubb, fullback Alec Ingold and cornerback Kader Kohou, are taking part in with casts on one hand or are coping with numerous different illnesses.
And with all that upheaval occurring, there’s an opportunity there’s an offensive line change as Liam Eichenberg, a former starter who’s now again from a knee harm, would possibly exchange Robert Jones at left guard.
At least quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (three touchdowns, three interceptions, 85.6 passer score this season) has wholesome vast receivers in Tyreek Hill (franchise-record 113 receptions, franchise-record 1,632 yards, seven touchdowns) and Jaylen Waddle (67 receptions, 1,260 yards, eight touchdowns).
Hill and Waddle type the premise of the offense and supply hope for scoring factors towards a troublesome Patriots protection, a unit that ranks eighth in whole protection (320.9 yards allowed per recreation), fifth in scoring protection (19.4 allowed per), and options linebacker Matthew Judon, who’s second within the NFL in sacks with 15.5.
Of course, McDaniel should think about opponents appear to have discovered the Dolphins’ now-sputtering offense.
During the Dolphins’ five-game profitable streak, which got here towards a gaggle of sub-.500 opponents, they scored a minimum of 30 factors in every recreation.
But prior to now 4 video games, towards a gaggle of opponents through which three are higher than .500, the Dolphins scored greater than 20 factors solely as soon as.
Opponents have averaged 28.5 factors per recreation in the course of the shedding streak whereas the Dolphins have averaged 20.8 factors per recreation.
These are dire occasions.
A season that started off with a lot promise at 3-0, with rousing victories over New England, Buffalo and Baltimore, seems to be taking place the drain.
Outwardly, gamers are hopeful and optimistic.
Deep down inside, nonetheless, doubt could be creeping into the gamers’ psyche.
At least one participant isn’t sure the Dolphins will make the playoffs, and others would possibly really feel the identical method.
For his half, McDaniel, the rookie head coach, is clinging to his perception that his gamers have religion, and that’s what offers him hope this workforce will make the playoffs.
“I think they’re trying to do right by each other because these relationships are real, and they feel convicted to fight for this team,” McDaniel stated. “So I would say it’s locker room-driven wholeheartedly, and it’s very impressive from top down, leadership captains, leadership council down to really everyone contributing.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com