The Miami Dolphins have won again.
It is their fourth straight win, though it is their fifth win of the season.
Dolphins’ defense was worth the chips and the dip again dominating quarterback Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers in a 33-10 win leaving the Panthers scoreless in the second half.
The Dolphins were impressive on offense, defense, and special teams, as they should go against a 5-6 Panthers team entering the game.
Rookie wide receiver Jaylen Waddle had nine catches for a season-best 137 yards and a touchdown, and the Dolphins defense contributed five sacks and three interceptions.
Myles Gaskins provided the wildcat offense for the Dolphins, scoring two touchdowns.
Dolphins Duke Riley blocked a punt on special teams, and teammates shoved Justin Coleman inside for a touchdown, an impressive scheme.
Tua Tagovailoa completed 27 of 31 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown.
“The Waddle” made a season debut.
After one of Newton’s interceptions, Waddle had a touchdown catch from Tagovailoa set up a 9-yard drive — punctuated by Waddle doing a waddle in the end zone.
Dolphins are now 5-7; four straight wins following seven consecutive losses. They became the 6th team in NFL history to accomplish that and the first since 2009 Cleveland Browns.
The Panthers started the season undefeated at 3-0 and now have lost in their past nine games for the seventh time.
The Panthers are 0-7 when allowing 21 or more points this season, 5-0 when allowing less.
Newton was benched in the fourth quarter after completing just five of 21 passes for the Panthers (5-7).
Newton finished with 92 yards passing, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. It all added up to a quarterback rating of 5.8, by far the worst of his career. He has Carolina’s only touchdown, a 1-yard run in the first quarter.
Unfortunately, the injury woes continue for RB Christian McCaffrey, who rolled his ankle in the first half.
The Tua and Waddle connection is growing stronger. Waddle is on pace to set NFL’s rookie reception record and franchise rookie record for receiving yards. He is becoming the complete package as an NFL wide receiver.
Coaches deserve some of the credit; the players deserve most of the credit. Defensively Emmanuel Ogba, Xavien Howard, Jerome Baker, and rookie Jevon Holland have been fantastic for the improving Miami defense. The defense is blitzing; they are fast and playing their best in the NFL right now.
It is not fair to talk playoff now; however, the dolphins are back in the hunt. This streak is an impressive turnaround after a 1-7 start. Head coach Brian Flores and his staff deserve credit, especially Tua, who weathered adversity from injury and speculations regarding the trade for Deshaun Watson. He is a resilient player.
The beat goes on.
Dolphins host the New York Giants next.
Panthers host the Atlanta Falcons.
Photo/MiamiDolphins/mediarealtions
