This season, the Miami Dolphins have been the subject of numerous media storylines, some of which are justified and others not.
Following Monday night’s dismal loss to the Tennessee Titans, one such narrative emerged.
“Without Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins offense is nonexistent.”
Early in the game, Tyreek Hill hurt his ankle, which prevented him from playing until much later. Even then, he only played sporadically. The Titans were able to reenter the game and score on back-to-back drives because the Dolphins offense faltered when it had a chance to seal the victory in the fourth quarter.
The Dolphins lost at home against a team with a lower than.500 record for the first time this season. The media grabbed the loss and ran with it during the week, claiming that Tyreek Hill is the reason the Dolphins win or lose and that Tua and McDaniel are worthless without him.
The Declaration That Was Issued
The Dolphins required a victory, a comeback, and a game to make a statement. This past Sunday against the New York Jets, they had that chance. Ninety minutes prior to kickoff, Tyreek Hill was declared inactive due to a game-time decision. In the absence of the top pass catcher in the league, Tua and McDaniel had an opportunity to excel.
The Jets arrived in Miami with a 5-8 record and the season hanging in the balance thanks to Aaron Rodgers’ return. On their route to a resounding 30-0 victory, the Dolphins made care to completely block out all hope and block that light.
With 21 of his 24 throws completed for 224 yards and a touchdown, Tua was almost flawless. While Hill was down, Jaylen Waddle showed great improvement, collecting seven of eight receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown.
After a stunning 60-yard pass for the touchdown, Tua strolled to the sidelines and said, “Talk to me.” In addition, Raheem Mostert contributed two touchdowns through the air, setting two franchise records that had been held by Ricky Williams and Mark Clayton, respectively.
After a costly penalty in the Titans game, Bradley Chubb led the defense in what may have been the most important day of the season. The Dolphins needed this victory as a cohesive unit.
The Verdict Still Awaiting
The Dolphins will host the Dallas Cowboys at 4:25 p.m. on Christmas Eve, marking their third straight week at home. The idea that they cannot compete with physically stronger teams or defeat skilled teams has plagued the club throughout the whole season.
These are the two things that the Cowboys are. Micah Parsons is in charge of their physical defense, and they have a 10-4 record. Like every other team that has defeated the Dolphins this season, the Cowboys are also coming off a loss.
Buffalo humiliated Dallas on Sunday, winning 31-10, and letting James Cook run for 179 yards and two scores (one through the air, one on the ground).
Now is the time for the Dolphins to go serious and take charge of their future. There will be a playoff vibe to all three of their games. The Dolphins’ first step toward their ultimate goal will be accomplished if they defeat the Cowboys.
The Baltimore Ravens have not secured the top seed, and the Buffalo Bills are still vying for the AFC East championship. It’s simple: the Dolphins get a first-round bye in the playoffs if they win. If Miami can put on a show in the remaining three games, they’ll advance through the AFC. Hopefully, the Dolphins can give themselves a very special Christmas present.
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