The Miami Dolphins have been actually the crew the NFL was speaking about heading into Week 3 — for all of the unsuitable causes. Coach Mike McDaniel was on the new seat as Miami misplaced in a blowout style to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 and to the New England Patriots in Week 2. Two poor losses questioned the longer term in Miami, sending the Dolphins right into a must-win scenario in opposition to the Buffalo Payments.
Miami did not get the win in Buffalo, however the Dolphins put up a valiant effort earlier than falling to 0-3. The Payments improved to 3-0, having a commanding lead within the AFC East simply three weeks into the season.
The Payments have been examined, however they proved why they often is the crew to beat within the NFL this season. The Dolphins did not appear like a catastrophe, in order that’s a win in Miami.
There have been loads of overreactions from the Payments’ win over the Dolphins. Which of them have been certainly overreactions and which of them held true?
Mike McDaniel ought to stay the coach of the Dolphins
Overreaction or actuality: Actuality
Irrespective of how poor the Dolphins appeared the primary two weeks, and regardless of how sizzling of a seat McDaniel is on — he should not be fired after the Dolphins fell to 0-3. The Dolphins performed laborious on a brief week, taking the Payments to the brink in Buffalo. That is no straightforward activity.
The Dolphins have been tied with the Payments within the fourth quarter, and had an opportunity to tie the sport for the third time with 3:06 left. Miami acquired all the way in which to the Buffalo 21-yard line earlier than Tua Tagovailoa’s interception basically sealed the win for the Payments, taking away a valiant efficiency by a Dolphins crew that wanted one.
The 0-3 report seems unhealthy, so does the 1-14 report in opposition to groups that entered with a successful report after Thursday’s loss to the Payments. The Dolphins nonetheless proved they have not given up on McDaniel but, so he purchased himself extra time as coach. However Miami cannot lose to the New York Jets at dwelling on 10 days relaxation.
Tua Tagovailoa isn’t the franchise QB in Miami
Overreaction or actuality: Overreaction
There’s numerous criticism in relation to Tagovailoa, particularly given his concussion historical past. Even with all the pinnacle accidents, Tagovailoa has been a superb quarterback in Miami — having an 10+ passer score in three straight years, whereas main the league in landing fee (6.3%) and yards per try (8.9) in 2022, passing yards (4,624) in 2023, and completion fee (72.9%) final yr.
This yr hasn’t been an ideal begin for Tagovailoa, as his fourth-quarter interception with 3:06 left was his fourth in three video games this season. Tagovailoa threw for simply 146 yards and averaged simply 4.3 yards per try within the loss, numbers which have been uncharacteristic for him. The 2 interceptions within the fourth quarter hasn’t helped Tagovailoa’s trigger both (80.2 score within the fourth quarter).
The Dolphins aren’t good, however they do not have an opportunity with out Tagovailoa. They may do higher, however it may get an entire lot worse as effectively. Is Tagovailoa elite? No, however he’s good.
Anthony Weaver shall be fired earlier than Mike McDaniel
Overreaction or actuality: Actuality
How unhealthy has the Dolphins protection been by three video games? The Dolphins have allowed 30+ factors in all three video games, which included a season-low 31 in Thursday’s loss to the Payments. Their 32.3 factors per recreation allowed is highest within the NFL, and the 370.3 yards per recreation allowed are twenty fifth within the NFL.
The move protection continues to get picked on, has the Dolphins have allowed 8.9 yards per move try (twenty eighth in NFL) and the 128.9 passer score allowed is amongst the worst within the league (thirty first in NFL). They allowed the Payments to attain on 5 of seven possessions (not counting the tip of half), and a kind of non-scoring possessions was a missed subject purpose.
Miami’s protection has considerably regressed from final yr. A part of that’s personnel, however Weaver hasn’t confirmed he can alter to what he has. The way in which this seaosn goes, his seat could also be hotter than McDaniel’s proper now.
Payments will not lose till November
Overreaction or actuality: Actuality
When will the Payments lose once more, in the event that they lose? After surviving Thursday’s win in opposition to the Dolphins on a brief week, the schedule will get considerably simpler. The Payments get 10 days off earlier than internet hosting the Saints, then they host the Patriots in Week 5, and journey to face the Falcons in Week 6. These are all winnable video games.
After the bye week, the Payments journey to Carolina to face the Panthers. There is a sensible likelihood the Payments are 7-0 by the tip of October, heading into that November showdown with the Chiefs, who they often beat within the common season. Buffalo goes to be favored in loads of its video games, particularly after surviving Baltimore in Week 1.
It is laborious to see the Payments shedding a recreation any time quickly, as their solely powerful video games aren’t till late-November are each dwelling — in opposition to the Chiefs and Buccaneers. The Payments may very effectively be the final unbeaten crew within the NFL.
