Is the Nightmare Over ???

By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson

Or is it the beginning of the end. The Miami Dolphins traveled to Buffalo full of confidence and bravado. Rightfully so after a 3-0 start and a 70-20 shellacking of the Denver Broncos. However, reality smacked them squarely in the noggin’ midway in the second quarter.  Initially, it was a competitive offensive display by both the Bills and Dolphins as neither defense could stop the other. Tua threw for 282 yards and 1 touchdown pass to Braxton Berrios while first year rising star De’Von Achane rushed for 101 yards on 8 carries, averaging a laudable 12.6 yards per carry and 2 rushing touchdowns. However, if you’ve ever coached the game on any level, statistics become less meaningful after a loss.

A closer scrutiny at Bills QB Josh Allen’s brilliance says it all. He threw for 320 yards, 4 touchdowns passing and 1 rushing. The competitive nature of game – 14 -14 tie – with 12:47 remaining in the first half in which Allen was 14-14 and Tua was 9-10 for 126 yards after four possessions – turned quickly. The Dolphins managed a measly 35 yards with no first downs the rest of first half. But the Buffalo offensive efficiency continued. The first half ended 31-14. The Dolphins opened the second half with an impressive drive that ended in a touchdown pass to Braxton Berrios. A two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score momentarily at 31-20 and some hope of a possible comeback. However, a comeback was not in the Dolphins‘ future. The final score was 48-20, an overwhelming, dominating display of complete football by Buffalo.

I’d like to offer a few takeaways and observations from game. Informed that center Connor Willams was ruled out injured only to be replaced by starting OT Liam Eichenberg foreshadowed disaster. Then the oft injured OT Terron Armstead hurt his knee, preventing his  return in the second half, which  added to the offensive ineffectiveness In second half. Tua had been sacked only once in the prior 3 games. The Bills not only sacked him 4 times, but consistently got their hands up to blocked passes when they couldn’t get to him. Tua’s lack of a threat running is a detriment in today’s game. Much of Dolphins’ offensive success is based on keeping him clean and getting the ball out of his hands quickly. The Bills’ defensive game plan was brilliant.

The Dolphins, conversely, never completely stopped Allen or the Buffalo offense. I can understand a receiver catching a pass but a defensive back or linebacker should be in position to defend, deflect pass or at least make the tackle. When is Jalen Ramsey going to play?  Too often Bills receivers were allowed to catch passes and turn up field with no Dolphin in sight. It’s like they were covering air. Did the Dolphins even touch Allen in pocket? Obviously Jalen Phillips is missed, but where is Chubb and the other D-lineman? If they are truly going to be SB contenders, the defense has to be better. The Bills seemed hungrier, more aggressive, mentally prepared with more fight and intensity.

When Waddle and Hill were on sideline with game decided, why was Tua still out there?

The title (Is the Nightmare Over?) is sarcasm intended.    The Dolphins have a really good but flawed football team. Sometimes a loss like Sunday’s may prove fruitful if you learn from your mistakes and weaknesses, stick together and get better. I believe that Sunday was an aberration. Real Fins fans will show up Sunday to see the Dolphins rebound against a New York Giants team still trying to find its way. What about you?