The Miami Dolphins got their biggest win of the season Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson and company came into South Beach where everybody expected them to win. However, Miami had other plans, and they’ve now won back-to-back games.
Miami Dolphins Defense Shines in Primetime
In the 22-10 victory, it was the Dolphins defense that really stood out. The Ravens only had three points heading into the fourth quarter, and Jackson could not find his rhythm. Miami had eight players in the box all night, with various blitzes, and it worked.
On the offensive side of the ball, Jacoby Brissett ended up getting the start. with second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa nursing a fractured finger. Brissett ended up going down early in the second half with a knee injury, leaving no choice but for Tagovailoa to come and finish the game. He did not disappoint, as he finished 8/13 for 158 yards, while Brissett was 11/23 for 156 yards.
The defense really was the story of the night. In a season where they rank nearly last in every defensive category, coach Brian Flores designed a perfect game plan. The Ravens did not score a touchdown until the fourth quarter where it was too little, too late. Miami would end up getting another touchdown with 2:20 remaining on a QB sneak to put Miami up by 12.
The Dolphins defense had three turnovers in this game including a fumble returned for a touchdown. Xavien Howard, who led the league in interceptions last season with ten, made an incredible play on receiver Sammy Watkins.
The @MiamiDolphins defense has SHOWED UP on #TNF!
📺: #BALvsMIA on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/GXF9Y7Vktppic.twitter.com/ixgGqQPwP7— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) November 12, 2021
This is the Dolphins defense fans know and wanted to see all year. They played smart, fast, aggressive, and they contained the most electrifying quarterback in the NFL to just 39 yards rushing. Rookie safety Jevon Holland, a second-round pick, had the best game of his young career, and he looks to only be getting better.
Jevon Holland has the potential to be a special player.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 12, 2021
Holland blitzed 21 times according to Next Gen Stats, which is the most by any DB this season.
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Late Season Run
The Dolphins now sit at 3-7 on the year, and while the season may still be over, these next few weeks could change that course for the rest of the season. They are set to play the Jets, Panthers, Giants, then their bye week, then the Jets again. Those are all winnable games and if they do, Miami will be sitting at 7-7 after starting out 1-7.
This win could be the turning point this team needed. As for the quarterback situation, Tagovailoa needs to stay healthy the remainder of the season in order for Miami to fully evaluate him. The Dolphins will get much-needed, ten-day rest after the game, Tagovailoa admitted that his finger was not feeling the best.
Miami will travel East Rutherford next Sunday to play their division rival the New York Jets for the first time this year. After this mini bye week, let’s see how much fight this Miami team has the rest of the way.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
