By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Perhaps, just perhaps, I was premature in my assessment of the Dolphins as a team: ‘Just Not Good Enough’. Based on Miami’s valiant effort on the road against the division leading, formidable Buffalo Bills, and the Arizona Cardinals’ dominance of the Chicago Bears, a reassessment is in order. With the season almost at its halfway point, unless something miraculous occurs, the Bills will win the East, leaving the Dolphins, Jets and Patriots to ponder their futures. It is still possible for the Jets to earn a wildcard birth, but the more important and urgent question for the Fins is assessing the team as currently constructed. The one thing I won’t question is the effort on the field which, despite the 2-6 record, is indicative of character, commitment and leadership. The Dolphins could conceivably win out, end the season with an 11-6 record and make the playoffs. We shall see.
The Dolphins unquestionably are a better, more efficient offense with Tua, who played an exceptionally well in an overtime 30-27 loss to the Bills. Of course, the passing and rushing game has been effective because of improved play from the offensive line, ( Terron Armstead, Rob Jones, Aaron Brewer, Liam Eichenberg , and Austin Jackson), a group that has remained intact, healthy and cohesive during the last two crushing losses to Arizona and Buffalo. Again winning teams make plays at the critical times in a game, something the Fins have yet to master. On the game’s final drive. Miami had the Bills precariouly on the ropes, a third-and-14 with under two minutes to play; however, a neutral zone infraction and personal foul gave Buffalo life and a fresh set of downs. That is the difference between winning and losing. Given new life, the penalties gave the Bills a first down just shy of the fifty yard line, allowing a great team like the Bills to kick a 61 yard winning field goal.
When the Dolphins start making those plays instead of being victimized by them, only then will the team’s fortunes change.
My antenna flared up after seeing Tua go headfirst to secure a first down and extend a drive. I guess with his competitive instinct, it’s something we must become familiar with, although the last thing we want to see is Tua being cartied off the field because of another concussion.
The Dolphins next opponent is the Los Angeles Rams. A victory could certainly change the Fins’ fortunes. Go Dolphins!