By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
The New England Patriots provided the perfect elixir for the reeling Fins. A four game losing streak heading into a bye week was circumvented by a 15-10 victory over the Patriots in Foxboro, usually a predictable, certain loss in normal times. But these are anything but normal times for the Patriots, rebuilding and dealing with a coaching change, and the Dolphins, still hemorrhaging from the loss of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Or better yet, a tale of 2 teams. New England drafted North Carolina qb Drake Maye, #3 overall, in the first round but opted to start journeyman Jacoby Brisette because of a weak, unstable offensive line, coupled with other deficiencies. The Patriots are clearly rebuilding. The Dolphins were expected to compete for the East Division title in ‘24 after failing miserably against the Titans and Bills at the HardRock in ‘23. This season a come from behind victory against Jacksonville had the Dolphins feeling confident. Three consecutive losses and Tua’s injury had the pundits, naysayers, doubters and critics questioning the team’s direction. Here’s my question Dolfans: Are we good enough to compete for the East Division title or should we consider rebuilding like the Patriots?
The win over the Patriots served as a temporary salve, making the Dolphins the only East Division winner this week as they defeated the Patriots, the Bills lost to Houston and the Jets succumbed to the Vikings overseas. leading to head coach robert Saleh’s dismissal. Tyler Huntley showed remarkable progress from his first start last week and should be even better after a bye week and more intense preparation. There are so many questions to answer despite the victory against New England, the most important one surrounding Tua and his concussion issues. If he decides to play again, does that guarantee a division championship or a playoff spot. Is the defense capable of similar performances moving forward, and how do we get more production out of Hill, Waddle, Achane and the other offensive playmakers?
Now back to the game. Led by running backs Jaylen Wright and Raheem Mostert, the Dolphins rushed for 193 yards with Wright carrying the ball 13 times for a career-high 86 yards on 13 carries (6.6 avg.). Running back Raheem Mostert was pivotal as well, carrying the ball 19 times for 80 yards (4.2 avg.), his first appearance since Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Defensively, Zach Sieler is a monster to deal with. He plays with reckless abandon, leading the defense along with his partner Calais Campbell. I also loved the pressure applied by DC Anthony Weaver when game was still in doubt. Emmanuel Ogbah and Jalen Ramsey were also key defenders. The next 13 days will determine the Dolphins’ destiny, getting injured players back and resolving Tua’s situation. Until we beat a good football team in our division, it’s just talk and conjecture. The Dolphins return to action in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts in an away game. Go Fins!
