The Miami Dolphins went into Sunday’s contest with a six-game win streak. Could they make it a seventh? No matter how good the Dolphins are or aren’t they’ve always struggled against the Baltimore Ravens. Even when they’ve won its come late in games and never in dominating fashion.
Against the number one defense in the NFL, Miami was handed a wake-up call. For the past six weeks, the team looked unstoppable. Then came the Ravens who have struggled to be consistent all season. The Dolphins were overmatched, outplayed and out coached.
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Miami could do nothing right this game or anything to stop the Ravens. They mustered only six points but let up 38. While the team has a promising future, there are still plenty of holes to fill to make them true contenders. Late in the season is when you’ll find where you’re lacking on both sides of the ball. December football often is a highlighter for the seasons draft preview. If teams can’t win down the stretch it’s often from one or more positions being exposed. The Dolphins got a good idea of where they need to start first against the Ravens.
Ryan Tannehill looked like the Tannehill of old today throwing for just 226 yards, 1 TD, and 3 interceptions. Not the kind of game that makes you look like you’ve turned a corner in your career. Every quarterback has bad games and if Adam Gase has anything to say about it, he’ll be back on track next week when the Dolphins take on the Cardinals.
The Dolphins got healthier but still were struggling. Brandon Albert and Laremy Tunsil were back in action. Devante Parker was a game-time decision but suited up as well. However, just because the team put them on the field doesn’t mean they were at full game strength. Against a good Ravens defense, almost every player on offense needs to be 100% or you’ll have outcomes like the one on Sunday.
Hopefully for the Dolphins and their fans this was a minor setback. The team needed a wake-up call to stop playing sloppy football and this was it. Not only is it a moment of clarity for the team, but also for Adam Gase. If not for a loss the Dolphins wouldn’t have the heartbreaking moment that keeps them fighting against tough teams when it comes time for the playoffs. December football is a whole different animal and nothing about Miami screamed playoff contenders on their impressive run. Luckily for the Dolphins there’s plenty of tapes to review their mistakes. Miami needs to get healthy, get back on their grind and not let this game decide their season. Next week they face a tough Cardinals team who is struggling themselves. Both teams need a statement game, let’s see which lives up to the challenge.