By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
The Miami Dolphins lost decisively and convincingly to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday 24-3, and in the process lost Skyler Thompson, Tua’s backup, injured while attempting to throw a pass after hurting his shoulder earlier in the game. The untenable, dire situation forced third teamer Tim Boyle to finish the game, and I thought he actually acquitted himself quite well. The Dolphins appear on the brink of imploding for several reasons. After falling behind at home to the Jaguars, they made just enough plays to win against a team that has yet to win a game. A favorable schedule then had the Dolphins playing at home against division rival Buffalo. Expectations of winning were summarily doused against a team the Fins had defeated only once in the last 11 contests. Tua’s injury, another concussion, illuminated one of several issues with the team, including calling into question Chris Grier’s drafting acumen and Mike McDaniel’s head coaching ability. The Bills, despite losing several key components from last year’s team, didn’t miss a beat, looking every bit like Super Bowl contenders.
Then the Dolphins travel to Seattle, play atrocious football and after only 3 games appear to be preparing for next season. Losing invites criticism, critiquing and self-evaluation. The Dolphins, if nothing changes soon, are spiraling toward that inevitability. And even before the Dolphins quarterback injury concerns took center stage, the whale in training room focused on loss of key players, i. e., offensive lineman Tyron Armstead and Robert Jones, RB Raheem Mostert. the stability of Jaelan Phillip’s knee, the return of Bradley Chubb and Odell Beckham, and the most recent injury to linebacker David Long. So many unanswered questions. In hindsight, was Brian Flores right all along? Did the Dolphins ownership make a mistake in firing him? Should they have signed Christian Wilkins to a long term contract instead of allowing him to sign as a free agent with Las Vegas? Wilkins and Zack Sieler were the heart and soul of the defense. Injuries to Tua and Skyler have also limited the effectiveness of the team’s strength, namely Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. If the Dolphins are to turn the season around, a competent, reliable quarterback must emerge and the team must get healthy.
Major League Baseball anticipates competitive division and wild card races. In the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies ( 93-64) have clinched the Eastern Division for the first time in 13 years. The LA Dodgers (93-63) and the Milwaukee Brewers (89-67) are positioned to win their respective divisions, Dodgers in the west and the Brewers in the Central.
The Padres (90-67) have a 3 game advantage over the Diamondbacks (87-69) and Mets (87-69) for NL wildcard spot. The other team realistically in contention for a wildcard spot is the Atlanta Braves( 85-71) 2 games back.
In American League, the Division leaders are the New York Yankees (92-64) AL East, the Cleveland Gaurdians (90-67) AL Central, and the Houston Astros (85-72) in ALWest.
The AL teams contending for Wildcard spots are the Baltimore Orioles (86-70), the Kansas City Royals (82-74), and the Detroit Tigers ( 82-74).
Minnesota and Seattle are in the playoff hunt with identical (81-75) records 1 and 1.5 games back respectively.
THE WNBA PLAYOFF CONTENDERS
Eight WNBA playoff teams have been decided as the playoffs have begun.
The New York Liberty are in pole position to be the No. 1 overall seed in the postseason with the Minnesota Lynx close behind in second. The Atlanta Dream round out the top eight as the final team to qualify. The other five in order of finish include the Connecticut Sun, the 2-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces, the Seattle Storm, the Indiana Fever featuring rookie sensation Caitlin Clark and 7th seed Phoenix Mercury.
My pick to win it all is the New York Liberty.
No. 8 Atlanta vs. No. 1 New York
No. 7 Phoenix vs. No. 2 Minnesota
No. 6 Indiana vs. No. 3 Connecticut
No. 5 Seattle vs. No. 4 Las Vegas
