Phins can put to rest a whole bunch of bad optics with a win!
The Miami Dolphins are 6-2 and have pretty much dominated in all of their victories, but have been humbled in their two losses–with a little help from the refs against the Eagles. The current narrative is that the Dolphins haven’t beaten anybody good this year, and when they had a chance against top-quality teams like the Bills and Eagles, they fell flat and weren’t up to the challenge. Well, this week against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, is the perfect moment for the Phins to shatter that narrative!
Phins vs Chiefs is NFL Center Stage!
First off, you only play who is on your schedule and shouldn’t be faulted for winning. Last week was a prime example for the Chiefs who lost to the lowly Broncos, who we put 70 points on. Also, for decades the Dolphins have lost against inferior teams, so it seems a little silly now for the media to complain about Miami’s victories because however you slice it this is an improvement for the franchise. The last time the Phins started 6-2 was over 20 years ago!
With the game in Germany, neither team will have a home-field advantage, which helps the Dolphins. The best bookie website software providers opened the line this week at -2.5 for the Chiefs, and now the line has inched down to -2. Also, the action is coming in more on the Chiefs, which actually is a good sign. In the two games where the Dolphins were underdogs against the Bills and Eagles, there was a lot more action on the Dolphins and both games resulted in the favorite easily covering. When the public is lopsided on the dog, that generally doesn’t work out for the underdog, so this could be a good sign for a Dolphins win.
Don’t sleep on the Phins… or the Chiefs!
The Chiefs are coming off a humbling loss to the Broncos, where they only scored 9 points. Again, yeah that same team we scored 70 points on! However, past history doesn’t guarantee results in future games, especially when you factor in the many reports of Mahomes being sick in that game. His play wasn’t his normal superstar self and not everyone can do a Michael Jordan when sick. A lot of people are betting the Chiefs are not going to lose two games in a row, but those same people were betting the unbeatable 49ers weren’t going to lose 3 in a row… and they just did.
Miami must be disciplined to win this game with attention to the small details, which is as always critical in marquee matchups. Minimizing penalties especially presnap, protecting the football to help win the turnover battle, and running the football so the defense can be fresh are all usual keys, but a little more important against a team like the Chiefs. If Miami’s defense can step up and play up to their potential then they are going to give themselves a really good chance to win this game. Holland has already cleared concussion protocol, which is great news, but Brandon Jones looks like he will probably miss the game. However, there is a good chance Howard plays, which would be the first time Howard and Ramsey will be on the field together. Ramsey already proved in his first game with the fins that he can be a difference-maker. Let’s see what this secondary will look like with Ramsey, Holland, and Howard together! The trio along with Elliot, Needham, and Kohou could be special!
On offense, Armstead was cleared to begin practicing after missing 4 games from being on IR. However, the previous players who came back from IR didn’t play until practicing for a second week, so it will be interesting to see if he plays or not. Connor Williams was active for the Patriots game but he didn’t play, but he’s been practicing and is likely to play on Sunday. Unfortunately, Robert Hunt got injured in the last game and has been ruled out this week. Armstead’s status is a big swing decision for this offensive line and they’ll need to be at their best because the Chiefs are Top 5 at getting pressure on the quarterback.
Phins have a chance to cement their spot with the top teams in the NFL!
Miami must make the most of this opportunity and find a way to beat a good team this season–no matter who plays or who doesn’t. Losing to the Bills and Eagles doesn’t matter if the Dolphins can beat the Chiefs because that will get them to 7-2 with a tiebreaker against the Chiefs in their back pocket for the elusive #1 seed. Yeah, 6-3 isn’t terrible at all heading into the Bye Week, but 7-2 sure sounds a whole lot nicer! Doesn’t it?!
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans’ thoughts on whether or not Miami can finally knock off a top-tier team this year?
We are very good team, but not elite! Must ultimately get better TE play. Either through draft or FA. Most championship teams have good TE play. We rely on our WR’s too much! More quality depth on OL, especially LT is needed! Armstead’s career is over!
Nice article. I agree and appreciate your work! Overall the past 4 or so years Chris Grier has done a very nice job. However, I said earlier, that I dont think he did enough to strengten and build quality depth on the OL. I don’t understand why we can’t bring some people in for the practice squad that are veterans and proven performers? Batch LT/G just got released from the Jags. Armstead is great, but he will miss again more than half the season. We need to have another answer there next season. May be Lamm? We also play Baltimore and Dallas too. If we don’t beat some of these teams then the critic are correct. Miami is a strong team, but not elite. Not there yet and the problem is the OL! After this season we need to cut ties with Armstead, Ogbah, Cedric Wilson, and possibly Howard. All have big contracts and are either often injured or just not earning their pay on a regular basis. Your thoughts. Thank you both!
We are very good team, but not elite! Must ultimately get better TE play. Either through draft or FA. Most championship teams have good TE play. We rely on our WR’s too much! More quality depth on OL, especially LT is needed! Armstead’s career is over!
Jimmy/MJ,
Nice article. I agree and appreciate your work! Overall the past 4 or so years Chris Grier has done a very nice job. However, I said earlier, that I dont think he did enough to strengten and build quality depth on the OL. I don’t understand why we can’t bring some people in for the practice squad that are veterans and proven performers? Batch LT/G just got released from the Jags. Armstead is great, but he will miss again more than half the season. We need to have another answer there next season. May be Lamm? We also play Baltimore and Dallas too. If we don’t beat some of these teams then the critic are correct. Miami is a strong team, but not elite. Not there yet and the problem is the OL! After this season we need to cut ties with Armstead, Ogbah, Cedric Wilson, and possibly Howard. All have big contracts and are either often injured or just not earning their pay on a regular basis. Your thoughts. Thank you both!