By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Reality smacked the Dolphins square in the face on Sunday in Houston as the Texans ended any Miami Dolphins playoff hopes, suffering a 20-12 loss to the playoff bound Texans. The cold facts indicate that the Fins are still very much a work in progress, highlighted by a weak running game, an average offensive line, and a gifted but limited quarterback in today’s game of phenomenal, duel-threat athletes playing the position such as Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Pat Mahomes, Kyler Murray, Bo Nix, Jordan Love, et al.
The defense, under first year coordinator Anthony Weaver, has improved steadily and shows promise led by underrated Zach Sieler, first round draft pick Chop Robinson and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
The Dolphins remain in the NFL middle of the pack, unable to beat more talented or up and coming teams like the Houston Texans, a replay of last year’s unceremonious playoff dismissal by the Buffalo Bills. Don’t want to nor should we lay all the blame on Tua, but it’s obvious that when he doesn’t perform up to expectations, the Dolphins aren’t the same team. We witnessed an inspired road performance versus Buffalo and needed basically to win out. Another tough road loss to Green Bay left no room for error. The simple fact is that we consistently failed to compete or defeat the best teams in the NFL. The road victory over the L A Rams was an anomaly. Additionally, teams have virtually eliminated the deep threat posed by Tyreek Hill and the gifted cadre of receivers. The question begs: What will the management/ hierarchy do to improve an obviously flawed team.
The Dolphins lost the game because of turnovers ( 3 Tua picks) and injuries to 3 offensive linemen. The Texans pressured Tua consistently, forcing him to make throws while scrambling, placing him in untenable situations. This is especially undesirable and difficult for an offense based on timing and execution.
The one thing that offers some consolation is the effort and professionalism of the team, which I’m certain will be on display in the remaining 3 ball games. There are better days ahead.
Please to report that wide receiver Grant Dubose, injured on a vicious blow to the head while attempting to catch a pass over the middle by a Texan defender, has full movement in all extremities and as of this writing, remains in a Houston hospital.
The Florida Panthers are enjoying an excellent season, currently sitting in first place in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, a half game in front of the Toronto Maple Leafs after defeating the team they played in the finals to win last year’s Stanley Cup, the Edmonton Oilers 6-5. A group of hockey experts have them ranked 6th at this point in the season. Their next game is away versus poll setter, the Minnesota Wild. Go Panthers.
The Miami Heat, still trying to find their identity, presently sit in 6th place in perhaps the most competitive conference in the NBA behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Orlando Majic and Milwaukee Bucks, the team playing in NBA Cup final versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. Players on the winning team each receive an additional $500,000 bonus unrelated to their regular salaries. The Heat with a 13-11 won/lost record still have time to right the ship and compete for the NBA title, a constant goal for the proud franchise and their leadership! Let’s Go Heat.