The Miami Dolphins played a gritty game this past Sunday, and it took a game winning 52 yard kick from Jason Sanders to pull off the 20-17 victory. It was a tough game between 2 of the better teams in the AFC, and there was a lot to take away from both teams’ performances.
The Jaguars got off to a hot 14-0 start, rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr broke onto the NFL scene early. They got on the board to go up 7-0 from an intended pass to Thomas Jr where Jalen Ramsey committed pass interference in the endzone. Travis Etienne then punched it in from the 1 yard line on a halfback dive. Later, Trevor Lawrence threaded a beautiful ball over Dolphins safety Jordan Poyers head and Thomas Jr made a tip toe catch in the back of the endzone.
It was looking rough for the Dolphins offense and defense at this point, on the offensive side of the ball the Dolphins were uncharacteristically sloppy. Tua was missing some open receivers early, this is something that does not happen often. Multiple Dolphins weapons were dropping the ball as well. It was rough specifically for all three Dolphins tight ends (Jonnu Smith, Durham Smythe, Julian Hill). Smythe was targeted three times and brought in zero catches, he also had a false start penalty. Jonnu Smith was targeted twice, one of which was dropped on a screen pass; the other was brought in for a seven yard gain. Julian Hill also had a false start in the first half, and ended up bringing in one catch for six yards.
All hope wasn’t lost however, the Dolphins offense got on the board largely thanks to DeVon Achane. He had a big day in the receiving game and punched in a one yard rush to cut the Jaguars lead to 14-7. The Jaguars quickly responded however, and kicker Cam Little nailed a 53 yard kick to give the Jaguars a 17-7 lead at half.
The second half was a completely different story, the Dolphins came out with poise, conviction, and attitude. It all started in the 3rd quarter, the Jaguars were marching, with potential to put this game out of reach. Travis Etienne broke off a run, but superstar safety Jevon Holland forced a fumble where Kader Kohou recovered in the endzone. It’s very possible the Dolphins lose by double digits if Holland doesn’t make this play. This was the last thing that could have happened for the Jaguars, because the very next play the cheetah broke loose. Tua Tagovailoa found Tyreek Hill downfield on a crossing route, and Tyreek Hill broke loose from 2 defenders to score the touchdown.
The energy in the stadium was apparent at this point, immediately after the Dolphins forced the Jaguars to a 4th and 1. The Jaguars went for it, they handed it off to Travis Etienne to the left but it was fully blown up. Etienne sprinted to the opposite side of the field, but was ultimately met by a pack of Dolphins defenders. The Dolphins were immediately in field goal range, and decided to settle for a 41 yarder, but Jason Sanders missed the kick. It was a huge blow to the Dolphins who had built up big play after big play.
However, the game was far from over. The Dolphins forced a stop by sending the blitz. Jacksonville recognized it and picked it up, Lawrence had an open Christian Kirk but the ball was dropped. It was certainly within reach for Kirk, but he had no luck.
The Dolphins then gained possession, and leaned on the run game from some different names. The Dolphins were able to chew clock and take off nearly 7 minutes of clock. They used veteran back Jeff Wilson Jr, who might be the best power back on the team, and captain Alec Ingold to move the chains. Ingold is one of the league’s best fullbacks, and powered his way to 2 rushes for 8 yards. The Dolphins settled for 3 and the game was all tied up.
Trevor Lawrence and company had their chance to secure a game winning drive, but the Dolphins defense had other plans. The Dolphins stopped a 1st down run up the middle thanks to thumping linebacker David Long Jr. They then secured 2 sacks with fan favorites Emmanuel Ogbah and Jaelan Phillips. Ogbah sacked Lawrence on 2nd down to make it 3rd and 14, then Phillips had the massive 3rd down sack. The crowd erupted for the former Miami Hurricane, who played his first game back since tearing his achilles on Black Friday last year against the New York Jets. Phillips’ play was remarkable considering how quick his rehab process was, he was disruptive and explosive.
The Dolphins took over on the 35 yard line, they drove down the field with the run game and a play action pass to Jaylen Waddle. They put the game in the hands of Jason Sanders, who missed a kick earlier in the game. That kick was out of Sanders’ mind however, and he nailed a 52 yard kick to win the game. Bounce back for Jason Sanders? You bet.
Overall there were many players who stood out. One player I did not mention was Dolphins punter Jake Bailey who was outstanding. He flipped fields for the Dolphins multiple times and also pinned the Jaguars within the 15 yard line multiple times. I thought Calais Campbell is going to be a good interior defensive lineman for the Dolphins this year, he has some juice left in the tank.
Lastly, I think some players such as Storm Duck and Liam Eichenberg deserve praise for their performances. Duck played briefly in relief for Jalen Ramsey who has been dealing with an injury. Duck stood out in run defense, and he played with great energy. It is very possible Duck ends up being a breakout player at the cornerback position, which is something that is not uncommon with the Dolphins. Nik Needham and Kader Kohou were two undrafted free agents who made names for themselves developing with the Dolphins. Eichenberg played a great game for the Dolphins at right guard, the Dolphins have invested a lot of time into Eichenberg. It is possible he solidifies himself at guard after bouncing around multiple positions and not succeeding.
One player who had an impressive performance for the Jacksonville Jaguars was Tank Bigsby, who in my opinion looked better than presumed starter Travis Etienne. He ran with decisiveness and good vision. Bigbsy was exceptionally good running when his team was pinned back from the Dolphins punting unit.