MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. _ The operative cliche after Sunday's game against Miami was supposed to be that a win is a win, and they never ask how, just how many. Even as the game got ugly, it seemed inevitable the Eagles would find a way to get past the 2-9 Dolphins.
Well, time to find a new cliche.
How about this one: If it smells like a dog, it's probably a dog.
The Eagles shot their postseason scenario into pieces in losing 37-31 to Miami. They were inconsistent on offense, probably good enough to win a lot of games, but utterly awful on defense.
The Dolphins hadn't scored this many points since a 44-26 win over Houston on Oct. 25, 2015. It really doesn't matter if the Eagles are capable of being that bad or whether they took Miami lightly. Either way, this is a team that should need to buy tickets if it wants to attend a postseason game.
The Dolphins came into the game ranked 30th in offense and 30th in defense, and with a quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was ranked 34th among NFL quarterbacks.
Regardless, Miami equaled its previous high for points scored this season _ 26 _ by the end of the third quarter. Fitzpatrick, often under duress, was able to pick apart the Eagles secondary, having particular luck against Darby and Jalen Mills. Receiver DeVante Parker had seven catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns.
Miami Dolphins safety Montre Hartage (41) celebrates as Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) gets up after time expired. The Eagles lost 37-31.
