Ross returns and Flores comes to town in must win against the Steelers
The Miami Dolphins dropped a winnable game at home against the Minnesota Vikings with sloppy play on offense and poor discipline. It’s a shame to waste an excellent performance by the Phins defensive front who lights out most of the day. There’s no use crying over spilled milk, so Miami must find a way to win this week against the Steeler and avoid going sub .500 on the season. With the New York Jets and New England Patriots winning, the Phins are in 3rd place in the division and only a half a game from 4th place. There is very little wiggle room left for Miami. Good new is there are still plenty of games left in the season, Tua looks to return to the lineup, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are a beatable team with tons of injuries.
Still, it’s the return of Tua AND Terron that will be key to turning the season back around in the right direction.
Miami has it all on offense… except an O-line
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are elite receivers and weekly rack up gaudy numbers. But, Miami has had their QBs knocked out 4 times in 4 games and struggle in pass protection and run blocking. Terron Armstead has been injured for 3 weeks now and his absence is felt in a big way.
Connor Williams has played very well. While he’s still getting the snaps down, his play has been a bright spot. And while Robert Hunt had some struggles this week, he is playing like a top guard in the league. The problem is everyone else on the line has played poorly or horrendous so far this season. Liam Eichenberg is the worst left guard in the league and Greg Little is the worst tackle. The ugly truth is Austin Jackson isn’t very good, but at least he’s an upgrade to Little and Braden Shell. Sadly, we should be cheering for his return.
The good news for Miami is J.J. Watt is out and the Steelers pass rush isn’t the same without him. Also, former Dolphins Minkah Fitzpatrick is likely out as well. I normally don’t get like opposing players being out, but I’ll take anything I can get at this stage. We need every bit of help to make this 2022 Season something other than a let down.
Tua returning is big, but he needs blocking
Tua has a quick release, ability to navigate the RPO progressions like few ever, and has top notch throwing anticipation. All of these traits enhances the offensive line protection and will make the return of Tua a big asset to help out their struggles at protection. But, nothing Tua does will help the protection like the return of a healthy Terron Armstead.
Tua needs time and protection and if he gets these two elements he’s shown he can hurt defenses bad with Hill and Waddle. Fans must be clear on this: the offensive line makes the NFL world go around. Miami has plenty of fix: penalties, the run game, and coverage. But, this team is based on offense with great assets spent on Hill and Waddle. Tua is the steering wheel and Hill and Waddle the engine, but the body is the offensive line… and Terron is the frame.
If Tua AND a healthy Terron returns, its a good bet with the pay per head services that Miami will beat the Steelers and rip off a few wins in a row to heading into their Week 11 Bye. If the Phins do this all things will be possible for the 2022 Miami Dolphins… and wouldn’t that be sweet! Go Phins!!!