Led by the Defense, the Dolphins Squeak by the N.O. Saints
New Orleans came into Miami in what fans were hoping was another tune-up to get things right and continue their recent winning ways. While the game was very much in doubt for the last 5 minutes or so, the Dolphins were able to solidify when needed, catch a couple of breaks, and make just enough plays to extend their season-high winning streak to 3 games.
With one more game on the schedule in which they are favored, the Dolphins continued to hold on to their bleak (although in the hunt) playoff aspirations. If only they were able to close out the games against the Chargers and Patriots, we could be looking at a fairly decent 7-5 record, instead of the reverse.
Let’s review the numbers that led to the victory.
9 – Chop Robinson, for the first time since the opening game of the season, showed signs of life while providing a spark to the defense, contributing four tackles, 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss, and three quarterback hits, exceeding his season high in impactful plays.
10 – Not to be outdone, Minkah Fitzpatrick has his best game of the season, which consisted of 10 impactful plays (and what turned out to be the game-winning additional 2 points). He recorded his first career sack, forced a fumble, had seven tackles, and had the 98-yard interception return, which stretched the lead to 4 points. This led to him being named Defensive Player of the Week.
1 – Fitzpatrick’s pick-2 was the first in the history of this franchise.
5Â – Jordyn Brooks continued his dominance, adding 12 more tackles, which has him now at 792 in his first six seasons, which has him in 5th place (since 2000).
17 – The resurgent Dolphins defense in its last five games has allowed 17 or fewer points, masking many of the offensive miscues that plague this team.
176.7 – The Dolphins, since week 10, lead the NFL in rushing yards per game at 176.7. With the focus on controlling the ball, reducing turnovers while at the same time attempting to cover the inept passing game, this has changed the focus of this team, completely changing its offensive outlook and at the same time, turning around the season. Can coach McDaniel keep this up?
14 – Quarterback for these Miami Dolphins has been quite the roller coaster ride this season, long gone seem the days of deep outs, slants, 50 yard + plays to where they simplified the passing game to a ball control, safety-first approach for their once accurate quarterback who now is 1st in the NFL with 14 interceptions.
4 – De’Von Achane is the 4th running back for this franchise that has run for over 1,000 yards in the first 12 games, adding himself to the list of Miami legends Larry Csonka, Delvin Williams, and Ricky Williams.
30 – With his 29-yard rush touchdown, Achane has now achieved 30 career touchdowns in his first 36 games, showing the league and its fans that he is just beginning to scratch the surface of what he is capable of.
3 – After passing 1,000 yards rushing on the season, #28 is now 3rd in the league in rushing yards, behind only Jonathon Taylor and James Cook. He is on pace to have just over 1,500 yards, which would put him 2nd behind Ricky Williams’ magical 2002 season that set a team high of 1,853 yards.
0Â – Moving to the next game, which is at MetLife, taking on the Jets. The temperature at game time is projected to be 38 degrees to which Tua has never won a game when the temperature was less than 46(0 for 7). Will the recent high volume, high-flying rushing attack contribute to his first win? We will certainly find out in a few days.
