The Dolphins went the full 12 rounds with Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, but they were unable to deliver the knock out punch to the former AFC Champs. The fact is that the Broncos are a Super Bowl contender and have a strong possibility of representing the AFC again in this upcoming Super Bowl, and the Dolphins showed they are a quality team that can hang with the big dawgs, but they are not a big dawg yet.
The Dolphins were able to actually come out of the gate and play well in the first half scoring 21 points, all touchdowns, and holding the Broncos to 17 points. Even in the 3rd quarter they were able to out score the Broncos 7-0. However, that last crucial 4th quarter where championships are won and lost, the Dolphins could not stop C.J. Anderson, Peyton Manning and Demaryius Thomas from putting up 22 unanswered points and completing a 15 point comeback. I was impressed with the Dolphins start, but as soon as they scored that first touchdown in the 4th quarter, the highlights of this old movie came flashing before my eyes and it was like watching a train crash in slow motion, because I knew a loss was going to be the outcome. The biggest thing that killed the Dolphins in this game, was actually their inability to stop third string C.J. Anderson in the running game.
Phin fans can complain and moan all they want, but I think it is evident to all sports gambling fans out there that the Dolphins have a good football team, and can compete against any team in the league. Tannehill threw 3 touchdowns and ran for one, which helped the Dolphins put up 36 points, and allowed the Dolphins to go punch for punch with Manning. I thought the whole team played their hearts out and I am proud of them, and so should the rest of phin fans. The sad part is, that we do have a good football team and I believe that we have shown countless times this season that we are worthy enough to be in the playoffs, but there is a strong possibility that we still do not make the playoffs.
This game showed sports gambling fans that the Miami Dolphins are a talented football team that can play on the road against one of the best teams in the league and be able to play them tight for 60 minutes. However, this game also showed sports gambling fans that the Dolphins are still not one of the elite teams in the league, and at this time, they are not a legitimate contender for the Super Bowl. But the pieces are definitely there.