The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Miami Dolphins 16-10 yesterday in Lucas Oil Stadium, a win to put the Colts above .500 and move the Dolphins record to 2-4. Below I will breakdown the game’s flow and just how the Colts gutted out a win late in the game to beat Miami.
The game started off hot for the Dolphins, it was the story of the whole game but Miami shut down Anthony Richardson and the Colts passing attack on the first drive. The Colts went three and out and punted to the Dolphins. The Dolphins punted back and so did the Colts, but it was the Dolphins third drive where they found the endzone.
Behind the run and play action game the Dolphins were able to drive into the redzone. Jonnu Smith and Devon Achane were featured heavily this drive in the run and pass game. On 3rd and goal, Dolphins QB Tyler Huntley found Jonnu Smith on the tight end screen for 6. It was a long sustained drive with 3rd down conversion success for Miami, so it was refreshing to see they had it in them.
The teams exchanged punts, however the Dolphins put some more points on the board with a field goal from Jason Sanders with about 25 seconds left. The Colts responded with a throw on a rope from Richardson to Michael Pittman, and hit a field goal to send both teams to halftime at Miami 10 Indianapolis 3.
Both teams exchanged punts on their first drives of the second half, but the game shifted in the Colts favor when the Dolphins were driving and Raheem Mostert fumbled in the red zone. This was unusual to see, as the veteran is known for his consistency and not making mistakes like that. The Colts scored right away off Miami’s mistake. Tyler Goodsen got in the endzone on a 7 yard touchdown run.
The next two drives, each team traded punts. Good defense by Kader Kohou and Kendall Fuller were on display the whole day. They each had multiple PBUs. This time it was captain fullback Alec Ingold who fumbled. Ingold is one of the highest paid fullbacks in the NFL and one of the rare ones who has serious receiving and rushing work for his squad, this was another head scratcher.
Once again, both teams traded off punts after this drive. But the Colts had a field goal drive after they received the ball back. Anthony Richardson targeted Alec Pierce multiple times this drive. The Dolphins once again punted back and the Colts went up 6 points on another Matt Gay field goal. The stage was set for Tim Boyle to lead a 2 minute drill for Miami.
Boyle came into the game earlier due to a Tyler Huntley injury. Boyle did the same thing for Miami when Skylar Thompson got hurt in the Seattle game. Boyle had no luck however. He was able to drive to the 30 before keeping the ball in bounds on a checkdown to Devon Achane. He then had to burn a down and time spiking the ball. On 4th down with 11 seconds left, Boyle threw the ball out of bounds.
It was not clear if the ball was intended for WR Malik Washington on a go route or if Boyle was trying to throw the ball away. Either way, it was a failure of a play and the game was over.
The Dolphins lost this game for a multitude of reasons. Mike McDaniels inability to change his ways was a killer. Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill combined for 2 receptions the entire game. That is utterly ridiculous, they are both extremely talented wide receivers who can take over a game. Those two need the ball in their hands as much as possible, so the fact that McDaniel cannot figure out a way to get them the ball is absurd.
Another reason was the Dolphins shooting themselves in the foot. It is a usual occurrence, but all the procedural penalties adding up and two fumbles gave the Colts a chance to stay in and win the game. Should Raheem Mostert not fumble the ball, it is very possible the Dolphins have a win this game.
Third reason, Jason Sanders. Sanders went 1/2 on field goals, if he makes his field goal in the 4th quarter the Dolphins tie up the game and only need another field goal to send the game into overtime. Sanders’ inconsistency is simply unacceptable at this point, and if Mike McDaniel is a good coach the Dolphins should have a new kicker by next year. It is clear McDaniel has neglected special teams in his time here and that has clearly impacted his football team.
The Dolphins have a chance to bounce back next week against the Arizona Cardinals at home, they should have starting QB Tua Tagovailoa back then.