The Miami Dolphins have lost another game this past weekend, this time thanks to the Atlanta Falcons. The Dolphins have now lost six straight games after starting out 1-0. In back to back weeks, the Dolphins have lost on last-second field goals, and the team simply looks lost.
Brian Flores Officially on the Hot Seat
This is Flores ‘third season in Miami. Last year was impressive as they finished 10-6 after starting out 1-3. They just missed the playoffs, but had high expectations coming into this season. With a lot of the returning cast, and Tua Tagovailoa entering his second year, all signs were pointing up. Now almost halfway through the 2021 campaign, Miami has been one of the worst teams in the league. No identity on offense, their play calling is questionable, and their defense has been torched.
Defensive Struggle for the Fins
The Dolphins were a top ten defense last season, and Flores is a defensive minded coach. This year, they have completely fumbled. They are allowing 415 yards a game, the most by any defense so far, and are also allowing 29 points per game. There seems to be no veteran presence on the defensive side of the ball, but do have some good players. Xavien Howard, who had 10 interceptions last season has had a bit of a rocky start. He does have two interceptions in six games, but he has not had quite the impact as he did last year.
The pass rush for Miami has not been there either. They only have 12 sacks through seven games. They need to get rookie first-round pick Jaelan Phillips more involved. His potential is through the roof, but the Dolphins can’t seem to utilize their top draft picks to their fullest potential. Though the season may already be a wrap, it’s important to see what this defense can do the rest of the season. Will they finally change, or will it be the same old Miami Dolphins?
Tensions Brewing in South Beach
After their loss to the Falcons on Sunday, it was reported by CBS Sports that Brian Flores has ‘lost’ the locker room. It first happened last year when Flores would take then rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa out of critical parts of the game for veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. Despite still winning ten games, some players in the locker room didn’t appreciate what Flores was doing to their rookie QB.
Fast forward a year later, and players are not happy the way the organization is being ran. According to CBS sports, ‘a lot of players don’t trust Flores’. “Flo thinks he’s a players coach with an open door policy, but I know a number of players who would tell you they don’t really think he’s approachable enough or flexible’.
It is still not clear who gave them that information, but it’s no surprise that players aren’t happy. Things don’t look bright anytime soon either, as Miami is set to travel to Buffalo this week to play the Bills. Something has to change this week against Buffalo, or Flores could be on his way out.
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