Miami, Florida – What a season it’s been for the Miami Dolphins! What’s more, today’s game vs the Cincinnati Bengals was a microcosm of this wild season. QB, Tua Tagovailoa overcame a halftime deficit, but before that, just after the half, there were rumblings if he’d be benched again. The Fins dealt with injuries and players being disqualified for multiple altercations. And for good measure, Xavien Howard got yet another interception!
A Slow Start
The Fins entered this game a 10.5 point favorite. However, in the 1st quarter, after that aforementioned Weapon X interception, Miami couldn’t capitalize. They went five plays for 16 yards and were forced to punt yet again. On the very next drive, Brandon Allen found Tyler Boyd for a 72-yard screen pass, putting the Nati up 7-0. If you’ve been known to place a wager or two, you know that for Miami to cover the spread, they now need to score 18 points and keep Cinci at seven. Spoiler alert, they won 19-7.
The @MiamiDolphins defense gets bit on a screen pass to Tyler Boyd for a TD.
The Fins trail Cinci 7-0 in the 1st.#FinsUp #CINvsMIA pic.twitter.com/qY9ciZOZmC— Lemon City Live (@LemonCityLive) December 6, 2020
Miami would march right back down the field, 68 yards, but had to settle for yet another Jason Sanders field goal. He would add another just before the half. At the half, Miami trailed 7-6. Leading into this game Miami had outscored their opponents by 71 combined points through halftime. That led the NFL.
Proof of Life
There were rumblings that Coach Flores would once again bench Tua if he didn’t come out in the 2nd half and play well. That’s exactly what he did. On their very first drive of the 2nd half, Tua led Miami on an eight-play, 75-yard drive capped off by a five-yard TD pass to Mike Gesicki. The biggest play of the drive came the same way Tua started off his NFL career, scrambling to his left. On the run, he found a wide-open Myles Gaskin for 35 yards. Tua thrives when he can improvise, especially going left. It throws off the defender as they’re not used to seeing the ball leave a lefthanded on that side of the field.
Fight Night!
There’s something about this Miami Dolphins squad. They literally fight for each other. No really, punches were thrown. Players were disqualified. Even Coach Flo got fired up! In the postgame presser, he said that he’ll “be better”, and show more poise, but that every player on the team is like one of his kids, and he’s a protective Papa.
In all, five players were ejected from this game from both teams. The Fins’ Xavien Howard returned a punch thrown by Cinci’s Tyler Boyd in the 2nd quarter. Both were ejected.
Then, Late in the 4th, after Cincinnati’s Mike Thomas gave out a dirty hit on Jakeem Grant Sr. for the 2nd time, players took exception. Cincinnati made it a point to attack Jakeem Grant Sr. on punt returns. The speedster had 319 return yards leading into this game. That also led the NFL. Miami WR’s DeVante Parker and Mack Hollins had Jakeem’s back and got in the face of Bengals players, notably safety Shawn Williams. An altercation ensued. All were ejected.
Brian Flores wanted a piece of that. pic.twitter.com/T78VQyunPi
— Will Manso (@WillManso) December 6, 2020
The Journey Continues
It’s been a season full of roadblocks, but the best ones stand up and fight. After Inter Miami CF clinched their playoff birth, they said “Solo los duros”, “Only the tough”. That’s where this Miami Dolphins team is headed if they keep fighting. However, we can do with less ejections though.
This is the 1st time Miami goes 8-4 since 2003. It looks like the house cleaning of 2019 is paying off! This team is more disciplined, grittier, and creating a culture much like that of the Miami Heat. Also, much like the Heat, they’re focused 1st on the defensive side of the ball. Xavien Howard leads the NFL in interceptions with 8. Kyle Van Noy had a three-sack night and five tackles for loss! Shaq Lawson had two sacks of his own and Zach Sieler had another. Nik Needham also contributed with an interception.
That feeling when you’re the best corner in the NFL…#FinsUp #CINvsMIA #WeaponX pic.twitter.com/hBbZMc4dt6
— Lemon City Live (@LemonCityLive) December 6, 2020
What’s Next
So far, Covid-19 couldn’t stop them. Players opting out of the season couldn’t stop them. The AFC East couldn’t stop them. A veteran/rookie QB controversy couldn’t stop them. Also, today, the Cincinnati Bengals couldn’t stop the Miami Dolphins.
The Miami Dolphins defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 19-7, fighting for the top of the AFC East with the Buffalo Bills. Next up, Miami hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. KC are the favorites to win the Super Bowl and their QB, Patrick Mahomes is having another MVP caliber season. It’s set to be the biggest test of the season for this Miami Dolphins defense.
📸 Credit: Kathy Hitchcock
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