You know it’s a fun season when each week the “first time since…” category gets updated.
For the first time since 2001, the Dolphins started 9-3 this time around. Miami’s victory margin of thirty points was the most it had been on the road since 1978.
The Dolphins have a 79-28 overall record and are currently 2-0 after Thanksgiving. Miami is well on its way if the objective was to reach peak stride in the last month of the calendar. These three conclusions stem from Miami 45, Washington 15.1. Take out the bombs
The Dolphins completed a nine-minute drive to cap off a convincing victory last week at MetLife Stadium. Miami’s ability to out-physical a team known for its tough ball style was demonstrated during that march. Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins offense demonstrated at FedExField on Sunday why they are the league leaders in numerous categories.On two third downs, Tagovailoa uncorked two long passes to Tyreek Hill, resulting in two scores and rewriting some history for the Dolphins. This season, Hill is the only player with two receptions of 60 yards or more in a single NFL game. He’s done it twice, too. Since at least 1978, he is the only NFL player to have achieved that accomplishment.
With his eighth game of the season with 100 receiving yards, Hill tied the franchise record set by Mark Duper in 1986. Hill would break that franchise record and tie Irving Fryar for the most straight 100-yard games (four) if he scored 100 yards against the Titans the following week.
Tango is a two-person sport, and Tagovailoa was fully engaged in the dance. He was the quarterback with the highest average of 1.18 projected points added per play in a game this season. Despite another week of changing offensive linemen, his pocket management skills (no sacks and two QB hits) allowed Miami to score 38 points offensively on just nine plays.On throws of twenty or more air yards, no one has produced more. With 901 yards and nine touchdowns on deep passes, he leads the NFL.2. Van Ginkel spearheads a crushing defensive assault.
The Miami defense last gave up more than 17 points against Philadelphia on October 22 (a total of 21 points were scored by Kansas City’s defense against them). The Dolphins’ recent hot streak has seen them top the charts in a number of areas, particularly with their pass rush.~Miami now has 41 sacks on the season, good for third place in the league, after three additional sacks on Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers are the only team with 90 quarterback hits. With one of those sacks, Andrew Van Ginkel was once again in the spotlight, but it was his interception returned for a score that shifted the tide of the game.
In his three NFL touchdowns, Van Ginkel has altered his route every time. He’s already scored on a fumble recovery, a punt block recovery, and now his first career pick-six.
The Dolphins are now allowing just 22.2 points per game and rank sixth in total defense.3. Tidy functioning
There has been a recurring pattern in all three of the Dolphins’ losses this season. Both have taken place outside of Hard Rock Stadium and against some of the top teams in the NFL. Miami turned the ball over four times and racked up 24 penalties for 213 yards in those contests. After conceding six goals in the previous two games—both wins—it was reasonable to question whether Miami could turn things around.
A loud yes was given to that query. Miami was penalized only two times for 15 yards and did not commit a turnover. When the self-inflicted wounds aren’t impeding the NFL’s most entertaining offense, Miami’s capabilities have been demonstrated. In this game, they scored 38 points on nine different possessions.
This season, Miami hasn’t turned the ball over for the second time. In games where they don’t turn the ball over, they score 57.5 points on average.Get the Travis Wingfield-hosted Drive Time Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or any other podcast app for additional insights, conclusions, and breakdowns.
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