The Dolphins held on to beat the Bears 35-32 in an exciting game to go to 6-3 on the season. Outside of a couple of plays in the 4th quarter, the Dolphins’ offense was very good once again. On the flip side, the Dolphins’ defense played maybe their worst game of the season letting Justin Fields break an NFL record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a game.
Let’s start with the negative and that would be Miami’s defense, clock management, and placekicker.
Jason Sanders missed a 29-yard field goal before the half and it was almost a missed kick that came back to haunt Miami. Sanders now has 4 missed field goals this season and ever since signing a new contract a few years ago hasn’t been particularly good. I think we may be at the point where Miami may have to consider working out new kickers and have a “PLAN B” ready to go in case Sanders doesn’t turn this around. Did the missed kick hurt them today? No (fortunately)…..but can’t be so sure the next time.
Mike McDaniel’s clock management at the end of the first half and then again late in the game where he used two timeouts with 8 minutes left, and failed to pick up a 1st down, was poor. Again, did it cost Miami today? NO. But Miami’s opponents are gonna go up in class soon. The Lions and Bears the past two weeks are two of the worst teams in the league. Soon, Miami will be facing the 49ers, Chargers, Bills, heck even Cleveland next week is no cakewalk. McDaniel has to value timeouts, use them more wisely, and be a better game manager.
Last but not least the Dolphins’ defense was atrocious today. Missed tackles, not being able to slow down (let alone stop) Justin Fields, and letting Chicago go 10 of 16 on third downs. This defense has serious problems right now that are going to be exposed vs better quarterbacks and better teams. You can beat the Lions and Bears playing this poorly because the level of quarterback and skill position players they are playing.
There was a lot of good from this game though, don’t be mistaken.
For one Jeff Wilson stepped into the #2 running back role and had himself a nice game. He led Miami with 51 yards rushing, 5.7 YPC, and he had 21 receiving yards and a touchdown. He was head and shoulders better than Chase Edmonds has been in recent weeks.
Tua as well had another nice game. Outside of the underthrow to Waddle in the 4th quarter and his miss of Durham Symthe on 4th down, he was spectacular. 302 yards passing and 3 touchdowns is a performance all Dolphins fans will take from him each and every week.
And last but not least, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle continue to dominate and show the NFL world they are the best WR duo in the league.
A win is a win, but being honest this was an ugly win. You don’t give it back or appologize for it but things have to be cleaned up soon.
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