By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
When your competitors are the Super Bowl reigning champions, it stands to reason that you would be ready to play the moment of the opening kickoff. I like making comparisons based on common opponents because it serves as a reasonable barometer of expectations. Affirming that well coached teams improve weekly, the Bronco’s victory over the Kansas City gave inspiration that the Fins had a really great chance of defeating the Chiefs based on our game against Denver. As I’ve come to realize, on any given Sunday, any NFL team can lose to another regardless of record, division standing or whether you‘re at home or away. So it was in Frankfurt. Falling behind 21-0 in the first half, the Dolphins were unable to drive the ball to a game-tying score in second half, perhaps forcing overtime. On a fourth and ten, either an errant snap or Tua’s inability to handle snap, sealed the 21-14 victory for the Chiefs. Until the Dolphins can elevate their play and defeat teams with winning records like the Eagles and the Chiefs, our expectations must face a reality check. The really good teams don’t get penalties or make mistakes in execution when the game is on the line. There is a cohesion, a intuitive drive, an undeniable will in all eleven on the field and those on the sidelines which speaks to them all: we will win! No matter circumstance, we won’t be denied. The Dolphins’ schedule after the bye is challenging but not unattainable. They will face a rejuvenated Raiders team on the road, then deal an improving New York Jets and Buffalo at home. Another conference rival, the Baltimore Ravens, lurk in the not too distant future. Winning these games sets them up a playoff home game. I have been a strong Tua proponent but there are areas where improvement is immediately needed: changing the play at line when the defense is obviously prepared to defend i. e., the Tyreek fumble and corner blitz. Film study, positioning and scanning the entire defensive scheme, not just one side, can remedy some of those mistakes.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa finished 21-of-34 for 193 yards and one touchdown while running back Raheem Mostert ran for 85 yards on 12 carries (7.1 avg.) and added his 11th rushing touchdown of the season.
Defensively, the Dolphins didn’t allow a score in second half, certainly something to build on. Many of the projected starters at year’s beginning played in Germany so there are many positives to build on. With the season at the midway point and a bye week, the future looks promising. We still control our own destiny. Go Dolphins
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