After the byein week 7, the Miami Dolphins were back on the field in the not impossible challenge against the Indianapolis Coltsal Lucas Oil Stadium. The match, certainly not spectacular, saw the guests start off on the best foot but then make too many mistakes, which gave the hosts the opportunity to come back and win. Once again, Miami does too little e this is the main problemat this time, for the Dolphins. The fear, in fact, is that Tua’s return (which should be around the corner, with QB1 probably available already in week 8) is not enough to mend the fractures of this franchisewhich appears to have a psychological problem, more than technical.
The story of the challenge
The first possession that brings points is Miami’s second, which came after well three 3 and out consecutivetwo for the Colts and one for the Fins, which immediately make it clear how exciting the challenge will be between two disappointed players in this first third of the season.
Tyler Huntleymore on the ball than in the two previous outings, leans on De’Von Achane e Raheem Mostertentrusting the ball to the rushing game but then, when called upon to throw, he exchanges excellently with the TE John Smith. It is precisely the number 9 who, from 10 offensive yards, receives and gets rid of a couple of tackles to score the first TD of the day. The answer of Anthony Richardson and his passes through the QB’s legs, those of Tyler Goodson and the hands of Adonai Mitchellbut then the defense is good at causing a fumble that Zach Sieler covers.
Miami’s new offense serves to keep Achane and Smith warm, but ultimately Jake Bailey has to punt. Between good defensive actions and too many yellow flags we arrive at a new goal, with a FG by Jason Sanders long 33 yards. These 10 points will be the only ones that the guests will record in Indy, since the attack will then implode, also due to theHuntley’s injury to his right arm. He will play from the middle of the third quarter to the end of the game Tim Boyleclearly not ready to lead this offense. While Miami fans, legitimately, wonder why he should lead the department instead of a QB like Skylar Thompsonwho has been in Miami for 3 years and knows this best playbookat least in theory, the home team’s comeback begins.
Indianapolis never proves convincing, on the contrary, it often disappoints. However, he is capable of do what you have to do to get the W. He gets it thanks to the FGs of Matt Gay (one 55 yards long, one 22 and the third 38) and his two RBs, Goodson e Trey Sermon. The first of these, in the third period of the game, also finds the TDthat for 10 to 10 which directs the challenge in favor of the Colts. In the meantime, guests make a lot of mistakes. Sanders hits the post from 53 yards, Huntley – before going out – runs into the arms of defensive linemenallowing easy sacks on possessions in which he would do well to throw the ball out of bounds, Mustard e Alec Ingold they commit two bloody fumbles. Then there would be the chapter penaltybut a dedicated article would be needed. Let’s just write who they are really too manyevery game, and the situation is getting unnerving. These fouls put you in trouble and are all a sign of a lack of discipline.
Short and long term prospects
The Dolphins have played 6 games, have already enjoyed the week off, and have a score of 2 wins and 4 losses. The situation is bad. There are no other words to describe the moment, especially why we expected this rosterat this point in the season, had accumulated 4 or 5 victories. Instead we are here to talk about a season probably compromisedbecause we are about to close a rather easy segment of the calendar, in which we have met few truly dangerous teams. Now everything will change the competition will become tighter. The fight to gain access to the playoffs has begun and the franchises we will meet will have the knife between their teeth.
Right, Tagovailoa’s return will lead to an immediate improvement in offensive performance. The impact on the spirit of the department will be enormous and the chemistry with Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hillwho have been hibernating since the QB suffered that head injury, will only benefit from it. In the short term, therefore, the Dolphins will get better. Long-term concerns, however, are more difficult to undermine. The difficulties of this team go far beyond the talent of its helmsman. Tua will be able to do little if the line does not protect him adequately or if he finds himself having to continually retreat due to offensive penalties. In the same way, if Mike McDaniel’s playcalling (who in addition to being the head coach is also the offensive caller) will continue to show all the perplexities we have seen so far: from long FG attempts to U-turns between passing and rushing games when the games don’t go, without any apparent underlying strategy. A new QB will hardly be able to change the state of things.
Tua will resume training this week and on Sunday, in all likelihood, he will be on the field. Clinging to him it seems the desperate gesture of a team in an identity crisisbefore results, but, sometimes, a change of perspective can be enough to rekindle a dormant spark. We hope this is the case because, if the insertion of number 1 was not enough to reverse course, we would find ourselves faced with a truth that we are trying to push away but which may just be swept under the carpetready to jump out. If things didn’t change, it would It’s difficult to disagree with those who are already stating that this rebuildingstarted in 2019, it failed badly.
Photo credit: Palm Beach Post.
