Move over Mona Lisa, there is a new GOAT in town. The fact that the “Butt Punt” likely increased Miami’s chances of winning makes it even better. I know we are only through Week 3, but I feel safe in saying we won’t get a better image for the rest of the season. Now back to the Dolphins.
It’s hard not to be impressed with what we saw from the Dolphins on Sunday. Except for Miami’s concussion protocol process of course. That could use some work.
The Dolphins were the first team this year to frustrate Josh Allen, who was under pressure for most of the afternoon. The heat certainly contributed as the Bills’ linemen were dropping like flies, but to not give Miami’s defensive line its due would be unfair. In the secondary, Xavien Howard had a terrific game limiting Stefon Diggs, and the Dolphins defense forced Allen into several bad throws, probably at least four of which should have been intercepted. The Bills did shoot themselves in the foot at the end of the first half, botching an attempt to clock the ball which would have led to an easy field goal, but holding the best offense in the NFL to 17 points after giving up an opening drive touchdown is impressive nonetheless.
The Dolphins offense was not able to replicate the fireworks from Week 2’s comeback win against the Ravens, but Tua and company were able to do just enough to secure the victory. While we are only three games deep, all early signs point to Mike McDaniel being an extremely successful NFL head coach and the Jaylen Waddle/ Tyreek Hill duo is going to be a nightmare for any opposing secondary.
Despite this praise, I am still not sold on the Dolphins as a legitimate title contender. In the short term, having to face the Bengals on the road this Thursday is about as good of a fade opportunity as I have seen this year. Miami’s defense was on the field for 90 plays in 100-degree heat against the Bills and now must face off against Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals high-powered offense on less than five days’ rest. That, combined with Tua still potentially not knowing where he is, is why the Bengals look mighty appealing as a side this week. The line opened Bengals -2.5 but has now climbed to -3.5 and I wouldn’t be shocked if it reached -4 come Thursday.
Looking long term, the Dolphins have one of the toughest closing stretches in the NFL. Four of their last six games are on the road (49ers/Chargers/Bills/Patriots) and one of the two home games is against the Packers. The other is the Jets so I mean, that’s at least one win. 1-5 though is a very real possibility over that stretch, so if the Dolphins are to make the playoffs, two losses over the next seven games are likely all they can afford to not be sweating come January. The Dolphins to miss the playoffs at +300 or better is a bet worth considering before Thursday’s game.
So, are the Dolphins for real? No. Not yet. The AFC East still runs through Buffalo, but it’d be foolish to label what we saw on Sunday as a fluke. I’ve already bet on the Bengals at -3 for this week, but I won’t be betting against the Dolphins becoming a force within the AFC in the years to come.
TLDR: Bengals -3, Dolphins to miss playoffs +300 or better are two plays worth considering.