Even though the Miami Dolphins didn’t take long to lose their first game of the Adam Gase era, something was different. Miami might have lost the game, but it was barely in Miami fashion. Looking back at the game, Miami forced six punts to their 7. Both Russel Wilson and Ryan Tannehill were under a ton of pressure. Miami even went up in the fourth quarter after huge play after huge play. So before losing hope, realize this isn’t the same Dolphins team they were last year. So what went wrong?
On Offense the Dolphins looked asleep at the wheel at times. Kenny Stills’ first quarter drop was a momentum killer early on. A deep bomb from Tannehill that was placed perfectly over the shoulder bounced right off his hands. Against Seattle’s tough defense those types of plays can’t happen or against elite defenses, it’ll be tough to bounce back. Tannehill was 6/6 at the time then went on a one for nine that included a couple more dropped/tipped passes. He finished 16/29 for 185 yards. Arian Foster looked like his old self, gaining 100 total yards on offense, 38 rushing and 62 in the passing game.
After a quiet first half, Jarvis Landry came up big when it matter finishing with seven catches for 59 yards. Tannehill never shied away from his receivers. Even after the drop, Tannehill looked to Stills a couple more times. In the 4th quarter, the Dolphins scored the game’s first touchdown. Miami might look a little better on offense when they get starters Devante Parker and Mike Pouncey back healthy.
On defense, Miami showed up. A unit that underperformed last year, was the highlight of the day. Isa Abdul-Quddus notched his first interception. Mario Williams, Jordan Phillips/Jason Jones, and Ndamukong Suh all received credit for sacks. Kiko Alonso even recovered a fumble. Miami clearly won the turnover battle.
If the offense could’ve got into more of a rhythm, the defense would’ve gotten more rest. Wake was situational, used mostly on 3rd down or guaranteed passing plays. Jordan Phillip, Earl Mitchell and Mario Williams all went down late in the game. With key players in, Miami’s lineman was held time and time again.
If not for penalties and a speedy Russel Wilson, Miami could’ve walked away with close to 10 sacks. Even the run defense was a pleasant surprise. The Dolphins allowed 112 yards rushing. However, they made Seattle earn every yard they took. Eventually a tired, injured, banged up team gave up chunks of yards down the stretch. Don’t give up on the defensive unit, Dol-fans. This team played their backsides off for you. Seattle was held to 5/16 on third downs forcing the Seahawks, who were down, to go for it on 4th.
In the end, Miami got beat on the road against one of the NFL’s elite teams. As a fan, you can be disappointed, but respect the heart this team gave you. As of right now, the Bills lost as well as the Jets, both to AFC teams. Miami lost a non-conference game on the road. Sure there’s work to be done, however, the season isn’t over.
The Dolphins have a ton of upside that shows up on tape. These Dolphins didn’t get outcoached, they didn’t get outplayed, they got outlasted. That’s what happens when you play elite teams. Miami wasn’t elite today, but it doesn’t mean they’re not on their way.