Written by Chad Hahn
Analysis:
Mark Walton got the start instead of Kenyan Drake at running back and Xavien Howard was inactive. The Dolphins allowed 4 first-quarter sacks which affected Josh Rosen’s rhythm. The Redskins started attacking the Dolphins defense with the ground game led by Adrian Peterson. They then used a nice play action pass to rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin for a quick score to take the early lead.
The Redskins continued to get pressure on Rosen which resulted in an interception on a slant intended for Preston Williams. Later in the game, Rosen had time but threw another interception. Lack of time has rattled quarterbacks in the past and it seems to be affecting Rosen now. Replaced by Ryan Fitzpatrick at the beginning of the fourth quarter the team seemingly got a lift as they scored there first second half points of the season with a Ballage 1 yard touchdown run to cut the lead down to 17-10. Followed up by an 11-yard strike to Devante Parker making the ending of this game very entertaining as FitzMagic was in full effect. Coach Flores decided to go for the game-winning two-point conversion but the attempt failed as a quick pass to Kenyon Drake fell to the ground.
The Dolphins as a team were not tanking and it was evident by the effort by the defense and special teams most of the game. A fake punt success and pulling off a struggling Rosen to get a spark in which it did almost lead to a come from behind victory in the fourth quarter. This was the first time we saw this new coaching regime adjust at halftime but it just wasn’t enough to get there the first victory.
The big “X Factor” was missing today and it was evident in having Star cornerback Xavien Howard missing this game as most people will have doubt that rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin would have been able to torch Miami’s secondary for 100 yards and two scores including a critical grab late in the fourth quarter while the Redskins were backed up at there own one yard line if Howard was shadowing him all game. Now after another loss the Dolphins will have to look within and try to improve in all categories as disappointment is mounting after a loss that could have resulted in there first win. No matter what is the plan moving forward it doesn’t change that this team is 0-5 and is a simply a bad team. Some Dolphins fans were hoping for a loss in this game as it improves the teams projected draft status as some other fans were just hoping to get a victory.
The Redskins won the battle of the winless teams focusing in on running the ball with Adrian Peterson and a Dolphins secondary missing their star corner. In addition blitzing a shaky offensive line. A smart strategy that resulted in the team’s first victory of the season. Well played.