Season’s Beatings

By: Mike Rifkin

On Sunday the Miami Dolphins seven game winning streak was snapped with a 34-3 loss to the Titans, and later in the day the Dolphins were officially eliminated from Playoff contention.  For the second consecutive season the Dolphins entered week 17 in a Wild Card spot and got thoroughly handled by a team that is going to the playoffs. 

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa who entered the game with a 70 percent completion percentage was 18 – 38 for 205 yards and an interception. He also had three fumbles in the game. Yes Tua wasn’t good, but the other flaws on the Dolphins offense really showed up. Tua was sacked four times and as a team the Dolphins ran for 74 yards, yes the score dictated the play calling but the Dolphins don’t have the weapons on offense to put up 30 points per game. On offense the Dolphins average 19.3 points per game with one game left to play, so the biggest thing they have to do this offseason is improve on that. 

The major catalyst for the team’s recent performance has been the defense. In six of the seven games during the streak the defense has allowed 17 points or less and held teams to under 300 total yards. The defense which last season feasted on turnovers and having a +9 turnover differential, during this streak they have forced  14 turnovers. After eight sacks of Saints quarterback Ian Book last night, Miami now leads the NFL with 45 sacks. Against the Titans the Dolphins had one sack and did not force a turnover. The defense gave up 198 yards rushing WITHOUT DERRICK HENRY. For the season teams averaged 4.4 yards per carry against the Dolphin defense, on Sunday the Titans averaged 5.0 yards per carry. The Dolphins defense tried to keep them in the game but the inability to get off on third down was also a factor as the Titans were 7-15 on third downs. The offense’s inability to continue drives with the Titans run game caused the defense to tire out. 

For the second straight season with the playoffs in their grasp the Dolphins didn’t show up. They were overmatched by a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Yes the seven game winning streak was fun and saw a lot of things but this team needs to take a step forward. With one game remaining before the offseason the ultimate question is what happens primarily with Tua? Do they go out and get Deshaun Watson? Do they look at Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers or do they feel Tua is the guy and they have to build around him. Those are offseason questions but the team will look to play spoiler against the New England Patriots who can win the AFC East.