The Miami Dolphins offense entering the Atlanta Falcons game looked horrendous it improved slightly during the game. Dolphins left Atlanta with a win over the NFC defending champions moreover were able to put the “line coach” controversy behind them. It was not the time to push the panic button yet.
“They got to stop doubting us man. This team has been through everything this year. We have been through hurricanes; we’ve been through 16,000 miles wide receiver,” wide receiver Jarvis Landry stated. “ To be down two weeks in a row and do it like this, I can’t be proud enough of this whole organization, all my teammates and the city of Miami.”
Doubt did not exist when Jay Cutler was out with an injury in the 3rd quarter. As Cutler was helped off the field; Dolphins fans were cheering. Matt Moore is whom they wanted all along.
They got more than expected.
Moore threw two touchdown passes in the final 12 minutes of the game; Bobby McCain stepped in front of a pass intended for Jermaine Kearse to give Miami the ball at the Jets 27 with 39 seconds left. Cody Parkey kicked a 39-yard field goal with 22 seconds to go for the Dolphins’ first lead of the game. Parkey has not missed all season he is eight for eight in field goals made.
The Dolphins 31-28 comeback victory over the New York Jets was complete. As bad as the offense looked going into the Falcons game they rallied from a 17-point deficit to shock the Falcons. Against the Jets, this was the best the offense looked all season especially since they scored a touchdown in the first quarter and they rallied down 14 this time.
“It’s about us. It is a brotherhood we bleed, sweat together and we cry together,” Landry stated. “We always have each other’s back. That’s what we do every time we take the field. Sunday to Sunday. That’s what we do. We stick together.”
Landry was a moving train when he had the ball in his hands in the second half. He had seven catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. He gained 17 yards on a catch and run that included a leap over a defender, helping to fuel the comeback.
The offense looked right at the start finished looking their best with their backup quarterback. Cutler’s MRI revealed cracked ribs. Unlikely, he plays Thursday when Miami visits the Baltimore Ravens.
Dolphins have won three in a row; they’ve won 12 games in a row when the margin is seven points or less. The NFL record is 14 consecutive games. Miami is now 4-2 their best record after six games since 2003.
“You are never out of the game regardless if you are down two scores, three scores, just keep fighting that what we pride ourselves on here,” McCain stated.
Miami avenged a loss to the Jets in Week three. Cutler may have the history in Denver and Chicago with head coach Adam Gase, but Moore has a better feel of the offensive play system. There seems to be better chemistry with the offensive skill positions on the field. Moore appears to know the system better.
“These guys just keep going, they keep fighting coach Gase has an unbelievable message about what’s done is done,” Moore stated. “You can’t do anything about it. Let’s move forward.”
Last time dolphins won back-to-back games when trailing by 14 plus points was 1980.
The fact that the Dolphins have been playing better in the 2nd half of games is a good problem to have overall. There is not an explanation however when they have their backs against the wall. The intensity has been through the roof on both sides of the ball.
“We are never out of it. We have so many playmakers on the offensive side and the defensive side,” Kenny Stills stated, “we know we can put points on the board.”
Lost in the recent success is the running game. 23 carries, 51 yards rushing needs to improve to not only prevent comebacks, however but also add success moving forward. Jay Ajayi at this point is having a below average year with just two games over 100 yards rushing out of the six games played.
He has not had a lot of running room. The run blocking has not been at the best level to give Ajayi room to run and succeed in the running game. Losing your offensive line coach is a big blow. No pun intended.
The offensive line has had injuries, to say the least. The mix of playing different guards on the line, Anthony Stein and Jesse Davis. Mike Pouncey has missed time. The offensive line has not had continuity coaching wise or in the lineup. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffering a knee injury in the game adds on to the concern of the line.
Dolphins fly out Wednesday and play on Thursday. It will not be an easy week. The confidence and edge go to the Dolphins at this moment.
