By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
Little did we know that the very first offensive play from scrimmage, a 54 yard touchdown pass to meteoric wideout Tyreek Hill, would foreshadow a record setting offensive explosion that only true diehard Dolphins fans could have envision. The final 70-20 score perhaps provides a more definitive view of Miami’s dominance over a surprisingly inept, unfamiliar and unfocused Denver Bronco team reeling from two opening season losses prior to today’s debacle. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is certainly the undisputed leader of a team destined to accomplish great things in 2023-24. His performance Sunday – 4 touchdown passes for 309 yards on 23 of 26 attempts, having completed 17 in a row before finally throwing an incompletion, is a testament to his work ethic, command of the offense under head coach and offensive guru Mike McDaniel, and determination to achieve greatness. Coach McDaniel said of his offense, “We have a lot of players executing a lot of things to a standard that’s unrelenting. We have all the right people to do some pretty cool things on a football field. Shame on us if we put a ceiling on what we’re capable of.”
The key for Tua is staying healthy and getting the ball out quickly. The proof is in Coach McDaniel’s offensive design and scheme, predicated on speed, quickness, and deception. In the past coaches used the run to set up the pass. That day is long gone, ancient history with the innovative spread offenses prevalent with numerous college and professional teams. Miami’s improved running attack has added to its offensive potency. Here’s proof: Rookie running back De’Von Achane rushed for 203 yards, Raheem Mostert scored 3 rushing touchdowns and the running backs averaged 8.1 per carry.
Historically, the Dolphins became the first team in NFL history to score 5 rushing and 5 passing touchdowns in the same game. The 727 total yards in a single game places the Dolphins second behind only the 1951 Los Angeles Rams, who totaled 735.
The receivers, sans Jaylen Waddle, were their usual phenomenal selves. Led by Tyreek Hill’s 122 yards receiving with 1 TD, Chosen aka Robbie Anderson made his debut interesting, catching a touchdown pass from backup Mike White. His presence makes the Dolphins receiving corps, arguably the team’s best talent wise, even stronger when you consider the contributions made by Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, and Durham Symthe.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, however. Football games are won or lost on the line of scrimmage where often forgotten gladiators engage in ferocious battle. The Dolphin offensive line has improved immeasurably with each outing. Competing in silent anonymity until Tua gets sacked, they are the invisible engine overshadowed by the outwardly spectacular. Terron Armstead, Lester Cotton, Liam Eichenberg, Robert Hunt, Austin Jackson, Kendall Lamm, Kion Smith, Connor Williams and Isaiah Wynn have all been stellar in their play.
Defensively, the team seems to thrive when their backs are against the wall as evidenced in Chargers’ victory. Xavien Howard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Bradley Chubb and Christian Wilkins lead the charge.
The suddenly highly anticipated match against division rival Buffalo Bills on the road next week will go along way in determining playoff pecking order and team superiority. The tough and talented Bills and quarterback Josh Allen have seemingly righted the ship after a surprising overtime loss to the New York Jets in which Allen threw 4 interceptions. Present division standings have Miami first with a 3-0 record while the Bills remain a solid second with a 2-1 record after demolishing the Washington Commanders 35- 7 on Sunday. A trip to Germany to play Kansas City will provide even greater clarity. Meanwhile, let’s enjoy the mesmerizing and exciting football gifted to all of us by your/our Miami Dolphins.
