The Miami Dolphins lost 31-23 to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. They were expected to lose but not as closely as the score ended up.
The game did not get off to the best starts, with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing an interception to Seattle Seahawks safety Ryan Neal.
Allowing Yardage
Giving up big plays was once again an issue for the Miami Dolphins defense. Cornerback Xavien Howard gave up big yardage less then a minute after Fitzpatrick’s interception. He allowed Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson to throw from just behind the 40 yard line to DK Metcalf who caught the ball for 1st and Goal.
Howard made up for this in the 3rd quarter with an interception from Wilson in the end zone. However, he did allow Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf to break a tackle with 4:09 left of the game. This secured a first down in the red zone before Chris Carson ran for the touchdown.
It continued to happen all throughout the game, with Jamal Perry allowing Seahawks receiver David Moore for a 57 yard gain to put them in 1st and Goal territory.
This then resulted in a touchdown from running back Travis Homer. We also saw Noah Igbinoghene give up a big play, allowing Tyler Lockett to catch for a 30 yard gain.
The Miami Dolphins Run Game
The running back room in Miami has been an interesting topic this season. The Fins acquired running backs Jordan Howard and Matt Breida but 2019 seventh round pick Myles Gaskin appeared to be the most effective up until the red zone. Jordan Howard has three touchdowns to his name but for very little yardage.
Gaskin didnt make quite make the same impact he made his first three weeks. This time it was Breida who was most effective who made a brilliant reception right at the end of the first quarter for a 26 yard gain.
Midway through the third quarter, Breida made another excellent run, breaking the tackle for a first down.
Matt Breida flattered to deceive the first three weeks but this game he showed what he can do and why the Miami Dolphins went out to get him in free agency.
Encouragement At Wide Receiver
Wide receiver Davante Parker has largely underwhelmed this season, largely due to injury. However, against Seattle, he caught a few catches for gains and made those catches when he was called upon. He caught for 10 receptions from 12 targets and 110 receiving yards before leaving the game with an apparent injury to his right foot.
Miami Dolphins still have issues stopping the run
Once again the run defense was a problem. Miami has particular issues in the third and fourth quarter. The Miami Dolphins allowed Russell Wilson at the start of the second half to make a first down with a rush on 3rd and 7.
This was just the start.
Miami also allowed David Moore a couple minutes later to run on the Jet sweep for a 21 yard gain. Midway through third quarter, Seahawks running back Chris Carson was allowed to run though the pocket and rush for an 18 yard gain.
Seattle Seahawks rookie running back DeeJay Dallas also managed to get crucial rushing yardage to get the first down on 2nd and 8. This would be a play that would result in a David Moore touchdown to ultimately kill the game with just over 5 minutes left.
Whilst the Miami Dolphins kept things close, there was not alot to be positive about. The offense is missing something and it may be time for Tua Tagovailoa to step in. The San Francisco 49ers will be a tough game for Tua to step in to and Ryan Fitzpatrick has been announced as a starter. Should Fitz struggle, then you can see it being Tua time before long.
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