Quick Takes after the Dolphins’ Debacle

35-0… The score of the Miami Dolphins last game. That’s right. The Dolphins worst shutout loss to the Buffalo Bills OF ALL TIME. Although it’s difficult to see anything other than downsides from this game, I will provide 3 of the biggest ups and downs from this past two weeks for the Dolphins.

Let’s start with the 3 worst parts of the past two weeks.

1.      The Offensive Line.

That’s it. The offensive line left nothing to be desired on Sunday. Our O-Line gave up 6 sacks, 12 QB hits, and allowed Tua Tagovailoa to get injured.

2.      Our run defense.

We allowed 82 yards, 1 TD, and a 6.3 average per rush attempt for DEVIN SINGLETARY. Keep in mind, Devin Singletary only rushed for 154 yards all year last year. We allowed him to get more than half of that in just one week. We also allowed Zack Moss to score 2 rushing touchdowns. This week was overall a horrible display of our run defense.

3.      Butterfingers

Over the past two weeks, the Dolphins wide receivers have dropped 6 passes, muffed a punt, and fumbled once. In my opinion, the worst drop of our season so far was Devante Parker’s drop in the end zone. Considering he is arguably our best receiver, dropping an easy touchdown is unacceptable and if he must improve on that.

Continuing with the 3 best parts of the past two weeks,

1.      X MAN!!

Xavien Howard is proving that he’s worth the extra incentives the Dolphins provided for him this season. In week 1, Howard caused a fumble, and in week 2, he got an impressive interception. When the play is analyzed, you can see that Howard somehow perfectly covered a slant route (the most difficult route in all of football to cover), and he also reached in front Stefon Diggs (a top 3 receiver in the league) to pick it off.

2.      Jevon Holland

Through the first two weeks of the season, rookie Jevon Holland is the highest rated rookie of the year. Against the bills, Jevon Holland had three tackles, two quarterback hits, and a recovered fumble. If he can continue to grow, and keep making a large impact, the Dolphins defense will have a star-studded secondary.

3.      Jaylen Waddle

Okay. I know, I know. He muffed a punt. But, the past two games showed major upside for 6th overall draft pick, Jaylen Waddle. In the first two games, Waddle has racked up 10 reception, 109 receiving yards, and a touchdown. Along with how good these stats look on their own, the energy Waddle brings to the game is unmatched.

Even after a shutout loss to the Bills, the Dolphins can still be an elite team as long as some issues are fixed on both sides of the ball.