Welcome back to CLUB DUB! The Miami Dolphins move to 2-0 after defeating the New England Patriots 24-17 on Sunday Night Football. Today we will be recapping the game including what went right, what went wrong, and areas of improvement heading into next weeks home opener against the Denver Broncos (0-2)
Original Prediction: Dolphins 27-17
Result: Dolphins 24-17
Passing Game
The passing game was a tale of two halves. The first half was once again a surgical performance from Tua Tagovailoa as he threw for 181 yards on 15-20 passing and one touchdown. The second half was less than ideal as Tagovailoa as he completed 3 of 10 passes with an ill-advised interception on a deep shot to Tyreek Hill (Still made the NFL let the Patriots get Christian Gonzalez). It was a quiet day for Tyreek having only 5 catches for 40 yards (and a touchdown) but Jaylen Waddle had a solid day recording 4 catches for 86 yards. Now we just have to hope he is okay after taking a helmet to helmet shot in the 4th quarter. A solid day for the passing game overall as Cracraft and Berrios both continue to contribute in key situations.
Hello running game! Last week I noted why it was pretty clear why Miami chased so many running backs this past off-season with the stagnant run game. This week it is pretty clear why Miami stuck to their price and refused to budge. Raheem Mostert ran hard and was able to break off a huge TD run thanks to big Robert Hunt and Connor Williams. It was nice to see Achane get a few touches (one called back via penalty) especially with Ahmed sidelined with a groin injury. I think you will still hear some chatter about Jonathan Taylor after week 4 but if this OL and run game can continue to shine, Miami will be able to be balanced like it was on Sunday night.
The Defense:
Now this was more like it for the Dolphins defense! After getting destroyed by the Chargers running game, the Dolphins defense stepped up big time shutting down the Patriots run game. Raekwon Davis had perhaps his best game as a Dolphin and the unit as a whole was able to record 8 tackles for loss. The pass rush finally came alive too recording 4 sacks of Mac Jones. Bradley Chubb played his best play as a Dolphin and David Long played like a missile. I know it was the Patriots but this defensive improvement was impressive and here's hoping they can keep stacking solid performance in the front seven.
Up Next:
Miami hosts the Denver Broncos who just blew a 21-3 lead to the Washington Commanders at home. Our week 3 preview will come out later this week!