There’s no need to promote this Sunday’s game or this historic match between one of the biggest bullies in the NFL, Deebo, and an NFL rookie.
There’s no need to remind the Miami Dolphins of the significance of Sunday’s heavyweight matchup for the AFC’s top seed.
After last week’s victory, the team that was taken aback to discover they had secured a postseason berth had no want to hear about it.
Seeking out content for the Baltimore Ravens’ bulletin board or fabricating a degree of disdain to inspire the Dolphins—such as suggesting they are weak and incapable of handling the Ravens’ physicality—is pointless.
Muscle versus finesse? Why even try?
Few people inside the Dolphins’ Miami Gardens stadium are aware that this is a matchup between the top offense and defense in the NFL, a contest between a youthful, creative coach in Mike McDaniel and a seasoned bully-ball mastermind in John Harbaugh.
The route to the Super Bowl
All they know is that on February 11th, the Ravens will obstruct their path to Las Vegas.
Referring to Miami’s 22-20 victory over the Cowboys in the fourth quarter that set up the NFL’s game of the week, which will take place inside M&T Bank Stadium at 1 p.m., coach Mike McDaniel said, “There was a lot of excitement about the win, but once Wednesday started, the Dallas game could have been two or three months previous for all the players’ concerns.” “They are confined to the current task.”
Inspirational talks are not necessary.
With the exception of receiver Jaylen Waddle, who sprained his ankle severely last week and is out, and starting right guard Robert Hunt, who is listed as doubtful despite practicing on his strained hamstring for the first time this week, there is no reason to wonder if injured players will play.
All are aware that it is on time.
“This is what it’s all about. Just being in a big moment with two great teams that are going at it. This is what you live for,” said pass rusher Bradley Chubb, whose 11 sacks leads a unit that has already set a franchise record for sacks produced (52) in a season. “This is what you work so hard in the offseason for. At the end of the day, this is not the end goal. We still have a lot to do and a lot to prove. This is just one step in the right direction.”
Inspirational talks are not necessary.
With the exception of receiver Jaylen Waddle, who sprained his ankle severely last week and is out, and starting right guard Robert Hunt, who is listed as doubtful despite practicing on his strained hamstring for the first time this week, there is no reason to wonder if injured players will play.
All are aware that it is on time.
A new Dolphins era?
For the first time since 2008, when Chad Pennington guided the Dolphins to 11 victories and Tom Brady sustained a season-ending knee injury in the New England Patriots’ opening game, a victory would guarantee Miami the AFC East title.
Since then, Miami has spent a decade looking up at the Patriots and Buffalo Bills in the division. Miami has qualified for the postseason three times — 2008, 2016 and last season — since 2001.
The Dolphins know this is their chance to turn the page on being a second-tier NFL franchise.
McDaniel and crew are convinced this is their time, their season, and has been since the work they’ve put in during the offseason.
A win would also put Miami in the driver’s seat to lock up the AFC’s No. 1 seed, and the bye week that comes with it, which would be a much-needed opportunity to let some bodies heal up. But that would be contingent on the Dolphins beating the Bills next week, or other factors.
But for Miami to concentrate on next week would be uncharacteristic.
This Dolphins squad is only thinking about today. or Sunday, if that’s better. They approach each week with a linear focus, as they always have, their blinders on.
Today is all that matters, and each day builds upon the one before it.
“Everyone is going above and above. That’s what made this team’s culture,” Armstead stated. “The guys in this locker room have that kind of character.”
The tone is set by leadership.
Raheem Mostert is leading Miami’s rushing attack and mentoring all the younger backs in his room by imparting all the knowledge he has about the game and by setting a positive example.
It’s Terron Armstead, who serves as both his unit’s mentor and teacher in addition to being the offensive line’s bookend when healthy. He calls some of them his sons.
Tyreek Hill is the Dolphins’ emotional sparkplug and the team’s lifeblood.
Bradley Chubb’s concentration and Christian Wilkins’s rivalry are the factors.
It’s Xavien Howard’s assurance and Jalen Ramsey’s fortitude.
And Tua Tagovailoa, whose extraordinary work ethic, distinct personality, and modest manner serve as the foundation of this team.
“This changing area is unique. Everyone is concerned about one another. According to kicker Jason Sanders, who made a career-high five field goals last week, “everyone enjoys being around each other.” It’s been an enjoyable year to be a part of, especially when you have a team like that and a coach that genuinely cares about his guys.
And the Dolphins are fully aware of how, where, and which route they want it to take in order to get there.
Baltimore is traversed by that road.
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