While the Dolphins lost to the New England Patriots, it’s safe to say that they are miles ahead of where they were from the 59-10 ordeal that opened the season against the Baltimore Ravens. While Patriots quarterback Tom Brady posted 11-for-13 and more than 100 passing yards with a touchdown in the first half, the defense only gave up 13 points going into the locker room at the break.
With all the struggles everyone heard about during the week with Minkah Fitzpatrick demanding a trade, one would think the defense would be the issue going into this week’s contest. The final scoreboard reading 43-0 would suggest that it was — it’s easy to think so.
But what about the offense? They allowed 7 sacks up front. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw three interceptions with two taken back to the house. Josh Rosen chalked up a red zone turnover of his own in the game’s closing seconds when the ball was batted at the line and hauled in by New England’s Jaime Collins.
How is the defense supposed to prevent an offense from going for -14 points, let alone battling against a future Hall of Famer in Tom Brady with two of the league’s best receivers in Josh Gordon and Antonio Brown at receiver? And that’s without mention of Julian Edelman, James White, and Philip Dorsett. For the Dolphins’ sake, thank goodness TE Rob Gronkowski retired.
With all the trades for picks that are taking place, it is assumed that the Dolphins are looking for their next franchise passer in the 2020 NFL Draft. But with Laremy Tunsil now in Houston, they better have something in mind for the offensive line as well.
At days end, give cornerback Xavien Howard, linebacker Jerome Baker and rookie defensive tackle Christian Wilkins credit. They are playing their hearts out and doing so at a high level of play for a team that appears to be tanking to rebuild. Hopefully, Head Coach Brian Flores and the Dolphins front office can build an offense in 2020 that can reward their tenacity.
Because as bad as 43-0 was, it was hardly the fault of Miami’s defense.
