By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
If the Dolphins’ overarching goal is to win the Super Bowl, then they are ascending in the right direction. The 45-15 demolition of the Washington Commanders wasn’t earth shattering, but it demonstrated their skill and ability to summarily dispose of an inferior opponent. Losing has a way of demoralizing a relatively talented team that was initially on the rise; however, it appears that the Washington experiment with head coach Ron Rivera and OC Eric Bieniemy has come to a sadly un- predictable ending. Losing miserably at home can create that combustible atmosphere. My point: the Dolphins didn’t defeat a really good football team on the road, but they performed superbly as if they had higher heights to climb. And that’s how a SB contender should think and perform. To put in perspective the 9-3 record at this point in season hadn’t happened since 2001, and the 30 point margin of victory over an opponent last occurred in 1978. The 79-28 margin of victory in the last two wins indicates that they’re peaking at the right time. Tyreek Hill, the most dominant receiver in the NFL, combining speed, quickness and an unorthodox catching style ( appearing to control most balls against his chest, a coaching no no) is the only player to have two receptions of 60-plus yards in an NFL game this season, the first since 1978 to accomplish that feat. On the verge of a record breaking season, if he accumulates 100 receiving yards against the Titans, Miami’s next opponent, he will break the 8 game record held by Mark Duper and tie Irving Fryer’s record of 4 consecutive games with 100 yards or more receiving.
Of course, Tyreek needs a partner in crime and Tua is a willing accomplice. His ability to navigate the pocket, avoid pressure and throw perfectly placed, catchable balls is a special talents, placing him in a unique position. As long as he utilizes all of his offensive weapons, records will be broken.
Defensively, Andrew Van Ginkel’s game changing INT. for a touchdown shifted the momentum in Miami’s favor, a position that would not be relinquished. The Dolphins continue to improve defensively with each outing, and as long as that trend continues, the Fins must be considered a top contender to represent the AFC in the Supet Bowl.
Tua Tagovailoa threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns of 60+ yards to wide receiver Hill, securing the Dolphins 31-7 halftime lead. The final score- 45-15- was indicative of a team on the rise.
Hill finished with five receptions for 157 yards (31.4 avg.) as the Dolphins moved to 9-3 for the first time since 2001.
Lightening fast De’Von Achane, who returned from a knee injury setback, contributed 73 rushing yards and two touchdowns while linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel totaled five tackles (four solo), two passes broken up and a pick-six in his first start since Week 7.
If the Dolphins’ defense plays as well against the likes of Dallas Prescott and Josh Allen as they did against Sam Howell, ( held to career lows in passing yards -127- completion percentage -52.2- and passing first downs-5-), Commander’s quarterback who entered the game as the NFL’s leader in passing yards, that is another positive trend worth noting.
The Dolphins next play the Tennessee Titans in a Monday Night Football contest on ESPN, 8:15 p.m. start. Go Fins!!!
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