This summer, the Miami Dolphins were introduced to the “takes no talent” wall in Miami — a creation of head coach Brian Flores meant to hammer home the little things that can help establish the divide between wins and losses on a weekly basis. With a mental error came a trip to the “TN” wall. It was well established as part of the deal.
And in Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins once again seemed to forget all the lessons Brian Flores hoped to teach them.
Rookie defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was ejected on the opening drive for getting chippy with a Bills offensive lineman, throwing a punch that landed high. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick led an impressive drive to open the second half and needlessly put the ball in harm’s way versus tight coverage — the ball was intercepted and the upset bid would soon be over. Wide receiver Preston Williams was stripped with the Dolphins trailing by 3, setting Buffalo up on a short field to make it a two-possession game and shortly thereafter the Dolphins seemed totally lost on trying to defend a slant/flat two man pattern for the critical score.
Oh, and Miami’s last gasp was cut down as the Bills returned Miami’s onside kick attempt for a touchdown and a 31-21 defeat.
The Dolphins showed improvement in Week 7 — but real improvement at this point would come in the way of a victory. Miami still doesn’t have one of those, and if they continue to play as sloppy as they did yesterday in the second half of tight ball games, it will be hard to envision this team locking up any wins along the way this season.
The Dolphins don’t have the talent on the roster to survive self-inflicted wounds like this. So here’s hoping there are a few trips to the “takes no talent” wall this morning when the Dolphins reconvene.
