Big O and Chris Perkins - The Miami Dolphins Figured Out How to Win Without TUA!

Summary

In this lively postgame analysis, the hosts discuss the Miami Dolphins' hard-fought victory over the New England Patriots, highlighting the team's determination and improvement in the run game. Despite challenges, including key injuries and missed opportunities, the Dolphins showed physicality and resilience. The conversation delves into coaching strategies, particularly Mike McDaniel's play-calling, and debates rule inconsistencies in the NFL. The hosts praise the players' fighting spirit, emphasize the importance of consistency in the run game, and express optimism for the team's potential post-bye week performance.

Takeaways

• 🏈 The Miami Dolphins secured a valuable win, preventing a four-game losing streak heading into the bye week.
• 💪 The Dolphins played physical, 'big boy' football, including a 15-play, 80-yard drive led by key players like Jaylen Wright, Raheem Mostert, and Alec Ingold.
• 👏 Head coach Mike McDaniel simplified the game plan, especially by sticking with the run game, which has been a weakness in previous games.
• 🎯 There were key plays like a video review that helped the Dolphins, continuing a trend of crucial video reviews assisting South Florida football teams.
• 📉 McDaniel has faced criticism for inconsistent decisions during games, but this win highlighted a positive shift with more reliance on the run game.
• 👟 Key runs by Jaylen Wright and Raheem Mostert were crucial, though the team had to overcome some penalties, including a holding call on Julian Hill.
• 🖐️ Some controversial officiating, including a missed touchdown call, sparked debate about rule consistency, particularly regarding toe-dragging catches and breaking the plane of the goal line.
• 🤕 Injury updates: Jaylen Waddle suffered a concussion, while other players like safety Javon Holland also faced injuries but overall the Dolphins came out fairly healthy.
• 🗣️ Criticism was aimed at McDaniel’s game-day coaching and special teams blunders, with issues like a missed field goal and blocked punt causing concern.
• 🏆 Despite these challenges, the team’s perseverance and fighting spirit, especially without Tua, were praised, with hopes to improve going into December.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Dolphins' victory according to the speaker?

The victory was crucial because it helped the Dolphins avoid going into their bye week at 1-4 with a four-game losing streak, which would have caused frustration and negativity.

What aspect of the Dolphins' performance impressed the speaker?

The speaker was impressed by the Dolphins' ability to play 'big boy football,' including a 15-play, 80-yard drive where they ran the ball effectively and executed well in the passing game.

What did the speaker criticize about Mike McDaniel's coaching?

The speaker criticized Mike McDaniel for sometimes abandoning the run game too early in the past, though they gave him credit for sticking with it more in this game.

How did the Dolphins' run game fare in the game?

The Dolphins' run game was effective, with Jaylen Wright and Raheem Mostert both popping some nice runs despite facing challenges like penalties and video reviews.

What rule in the end zone did the speaker find inconsistent?

The speaker expressed frustration with the rule requiring a player's entire foot to land inbounds in the end zone for a touchdown, arguing that this is inconsistent with other rules like dragging toes on the sideline.

How does the speaker feel about the Dolphins' history against playoff teams?

The speaker noted that the Dolphins have historically struggled against playoff teams, pointing out that no matter the coach, quarterback, or team composition, they often underperform in such games.

What injury concerns did the Dolphins face after the game?

The Dolphins had some injury concerns, including a concussion for Jaylen Wright and an injury to Javon Holland, but they otherwise came out of the game in good shape.

What did the speaker say about the character of the Dolphins' players?

The speaker praised the players' fighting spirit, noting that they consistently show determination and refuse to quit, even in difficult situations.

Why does the speaker believe the current Dolphins team is different from previous eras?

The speaker believes this Dolphins team is built to win a Super Bowl, unlike previous teams under coaches like Flo, Gase, and Philbin, which were only built to aim for playoff spots.

What does the speaker think about the Dolphins' offensive strategy moving forward?

The speaker hopes the Dolphins continue to emphasize the run game because it keeps defenses honest and can lead to more success in the passing game, especially against tougher opponents in December and January.