Dolphins Defense Dominates Saints

The Miami Dolphins defeated the New Orleans Saints, 20-3, using the formula that has been effective in their 7-game winning streak: short passes, a high number of rushing attempts, and a defense that uses confusing blitzes and coverages to force sacks and turnovers.

Against Ian Book, that formula worked. Eight sacks and two interceptions was more than enough to win for Miami. With the exception of one or two plays the defense contained Alvin Kamara. Tua Tagavailoa just had to avoid the big mistake, which, minus one overthrow to Jaylen Waddle, he did. The defense, led by Jerome Baker, Christian Wilkins, and Emmanuel Ogbah, did the rest.

Brian Flores Deserves Praise for Team Keeping Faith

No team would want to try to climb out of a 1-7 hole, but the Dolphins have now done it after their seventh win in a row. Maybe the team still had faith in Flores’ vision since this isn’t the first time Miami has had an in season turnaround under him: his first season, after the Dolphins started 0-7 they finished 5-11. That was considered remarkable because Miami was trying to stockpile draft picks for the future, trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick, Laremy Tunsil, and Ryan Tannehill in the process.

Last year the Dolphins fell one blowout loss to Buffalo short of making the playoffs after starting 1-3. They finished 10-6 and many considered them ahead of schedule, despite missing the postseason.

As preseason predictions rolled in there was a split among the prognosticators: Miami would either make the wild card or take a small step back record wise. Through the first eight weeks and a 1-7 start, questions about the Dolphins trading for Deshaun Watson, and even some whispers about his job security, Flores still believed in his team. His tone was optimistic and upbeat after every loss. His faith in his team, and their belief in him has paid off, to this point.

What’s Next For Miami

The seven game winning streak is nice for the Dolphins, but now comes the real challenge: at Tennessee and home against New England. The offensive line cannot have three holding calls that kill drives. The 259 yards of offense will not be enough either. Two or three big plays on offense will not win against the Titans, especially. Miami will have to find more balnce against them and a stout Patriots defense.

The good news is the Dolphins are currently the seventh seed in the AFC. They still have an outside shot at the AFC East division title. Keeping those chances alive will not be easy, but neither was climbing out of a 1-7 hole to get back over .500.

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