The WG Sports Corner
By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
We’re not certain if the more than 65,000 Dolphin fans attending the game were aware of what transpired 3 hours prior to kickoff, but those who did probably attributed the desultory first half performance by the team to star receiver Tyreek Hill’s being temporarily detained, dragged out of his car, forced to the ground and handcuffed for speeding on his way to the stadium may have been partly, if not entirely, responsible for their miserable first half performance. The Jaguars dominated the first half, forcing the Dolphins to punt on their first 2 possessions and taking a 17-0 lead before the Dolphins realized they were actually playing in a real NFL game- at home to boot. Devante Achane’s 1 yard TD scamper closed the gap by 10 points, making the score 17-7 as the first half came to an end. In the third quarter with the score 17-7 and the Jaguars on the verge of taking a commanding 24-7 lead, Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence handed ball to running back Travis Ettiene, primed to score when he was stripped of ball by Jevon Holland and recovered in the end zone. resulting in a touchback. That singular play shifted the mentality and momentum of the game. The second of the 2 magical plays that reversed the Dolphins’ fortunes was an 80 yard touchdown pass, catch and run orchestrated by Tua and Tyreek in the third quarter, bringing the Fins closer at 17-14. Obviously, the mercurial Hill by this time had shrugged off the totally unnecessary pregame incident. I can say that with steadfast resolution after viewing the police body cam footage of incident. After shanking an earlier 42yard field goal, placekicker Jason Sanders made good on a 37 yarder to tie the game. Now it was up to the Dolphins defense. Jaelan Phillips, returning after a serious knee injury, sacked Lawrence, forcing a punt. The Dolphins got the ball back with 2:09 remaining in game, controlled the clock and won the game when reliable Jason Sanders kicked the winning field goal, a 52 yarder to close out the Dolphins first victory of the year, an ugly but welcomed one. However, the celebration must be short-lived as they face division rival and nemesis, the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night in prime time at the Hardrock. Go Fins!
A Quick Look at Major League Baseball
In the National League, the San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves and New York Mets are fighting for the final three MLB postseason spots, while in the American League the Baltimore Orioles are in contention for a wild-card bid, along with the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals.
The NL Division leaders are as follows:
NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers (86-57)
NL East: Philadelphia Phillies (86-58)
NL Central: Milwaukee Brewers (82-61)
AL East: New York Yankees (83-61)
AL Central: Cleveland Guardians (82-62)
AL West: Houston Astros (77-66
