Miami’s historic victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday felt like a sport of Madden towards the pc on rookie mode. Whereas placing up 70 factors (essentially the most ever by a Dolphins crew) on the scoreboard, the Dolphins systematically dismantled a crew coached by a former Tremendous Bowl winner in Sean Payton — the identical coach who infamously predicted Tua Tagovailoa can be benched for former Dolphins’ quarterback Teddy Bridgewater final season.
The Mike McDaniel led Dolphins put up 376 passing yards (309 by Tagovailoa) and 350 dashing yards — the mixed 726 yards leading to essentially the most yards gained in a single sport since 1951. Miami scored 10 touchdowns on Sunday — 5 by the air and 5 on the bottom.
They fairly merely couldn’t be stopped. In truth, if it weren’t for Mike McDaniel trying to show good sportsmanship by taking a knee on 4th down late within the sport with the Dolphins in area aim vary, Miami might have kicked the ball by the uprights and set a brand new single sport scoring mark. Because it stood, just one crew within the historical past of the Nationwide Soccer League has ever scored extra factors in a single common season sport — the 1966 Washington Redskins who put up 72 towards the New York Giants that season.
Savor the second, Dolphins followers. It was a sport that can be remembered for a really, very very long time.
And it feels rattling good.
Now, let’s check out the nice, unhealthy and ugly from Miami’s 70-20 drubbing of the Broncos on Sunday.
GOOD
Dolphins run sport exhibits the remainder of the league they aren’t only a one trick cheetah
Miami’s beginning working again Raheem Mostert ran the ball 13 occasions for 82 yards (6.3 yards per carry) and three dashing touchdowns.
Their undrafted rookie out of BYU, Chris Brooks, toted the rock 9 occasions for 66 yards (7.3 yards per carry).
But it surely was rookie third spherical choice De’Von Achane who had the breakout efficiency in Miami’s backfield. Achane carried the ball 18 occasions for 203 yards (11.3 yards per carry) and two dashing scores.
Each Achane (2) and Mostert (1) additionally reached the endzone by way of receptions, but it surely was their efforts on the bottom that got here as a shock to some contemplating how a lot consideration the Dolphins’ passing assault receives by nationwide media members weekly.
If Miami’s offensive line can proceed to maneuver our bodies within the run sport, and their backs can proceed to search out daylight and activate the afterburners, the Dolphins will proceed to be the league’s most full offensive unit because the 2023 season progresses.
BAD
Dolphins lose key contributors on either side of the soccer to harm
Whereas the Dolphins gained large on the scoreboard Sunday, there have been a couple of accidents that stored the victory from being a flawless one. Dropping key gamers on each offense and protection to harm is rarely a superb factor, but it surely turns into a a lot greater deal heading right into a key showdown with the reigning and defending AFC East champions — the Buffalo Payments — subsequent weekend.
On protection, veteran cornerback Eli Apple left early with a doable concussion. Apple was signed to fill the void in Miami’s secondary after Jalen Ramsey’s offseason knee surgical procedure, however the Dolphins could also be compelled to show to rookie second spherical choice Cam Smith — a participant who was a wholesome scratch towards the Broncos this week.
Jaelan Phillips — who missed final week’s sport towards the New England Patriots with a again challenge — left Sunday’s contest with an indirect harm. Mike McDaniel didn’t have a well being replace concerning the younger cross rusher throughout his publish sport presser.
On offense, middle Connor Williams departed Sunday’s sport with a groin harm. Liam Eichenberg stuffed in for Williams for the remainder of the sport, however clearly, Miami’s line is a a lot stronger blocking unit when #58 is suiting up.
We’ll monitor the crew’s observe studies all through the week, however for now, let’s cross our fingers and hope that these key contributors are okay and will have returned to the sport if it weren’t such a lopsided contest.
UGLY
Vance Joseph’s Denver Broncos protection
For each optimistic factor I’ve mentioned about Miami’s offense on Sunday, it was the precise reverse for Denver’s protection in South Florida throughout week three.
There’s no have to retype the Dolphins’ offensive stats, but it surely’s protected to surprise if the Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph will survive the week or if he’ll be relieved of his duties after Sunday’s dismal displaying.
Oh properly.
That’s not our concern. The Buffalo Payments are on the horizon.
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Miami went on the street in weeks one and two and secured victories towards the Chargers and the Patriots earlier than lastly coming house and treating the hometown followers to a fireworks present towards the Broncos. Do you suppose they’ll maintain the momentum going and defeat the Buffalo Payments on the street this Sunday? Let me know within the feedback under or on Twitter at @MBrave13. Fins up!
