As I stated in my last blog on the Dolphins and Jets, the Baltimore Ravens were a team that need not be taken lightly, despite their (3-4) record. Anyone who has followed the Ravens for the past 10 years or so should know that the Ravens is never a gimme game.
Miami came into the game on a two game winning streak, in which they came from behind in both games, heading into Thursday night. I felt good about our team momentum and believed the team would use it to propel them past the Ravens. A team who has given the Dolphins just as many problems as the Patriots have over the years.
Matt Moore started the game over the injured Jay Cutler but could not find the same rhythm he had in the Jets win. Moore, who was under continuous pressure from the 11th ranked defense, attempted 44 passes and only completed 25 of them for 176 yards. Moore did not throw a touchdown but two interceptions. Those two interceptions were both returned for touchdowns by the Ravens defense. One by linebacker C.J. Mosley and the other by cornerback Jimmy Smith.
The Miami Dolphins could not get the passing game and the run game did not produce any better. Jay Ajayi and Kenyon Drake only combined for 45 yards and no touchdowns. There was no daylight as the Ravens played good gap control defense and dialed up some pretty impressive blitz packages. The offensive line, with all due respect, did not show up and is the main reason for Miami's shut out.
The Dolphins defense is not off the hook either. Miami's defense, who has fallen to 12th in the league, gave up 26 points to the Ravens offense. That included ten points from "automatic" kicker, Justin Tucker. Matty Mornhinweg's offense, who was ranked last in the league in passing coming into the game, played lights out football despite losing Joe Flacco.
Flacco went down after a questionable hit by linebacker Kiko Alonso as Flacco scrambled for a first down before sliding, Alonso meeting him on the way down. This created a chain reaction as offensive line, Ryan Jensen hit and laid on Alonso. Ndamukong Suh then hit Jensen and, with cornerback Bobby McCain, rolled on him as he did Alsonso.
More players joined the scuffle and penalty flags were thrown. Alonso, Suh, and Jensen stayed in the game but will most likely be receiving fines. This was about the most passion the Phins showed in the game. Even with Joe Flacco going into concussion protocol, Miami's defense allowed a second string quarterback to come in and control the tempo of the offense.
Ryan Mallet entered the game and was able to slow the Dolphins defense down by understanding his role and making the plays he needed to make. Mallet did not try to go above and beyond to be the savior Thursday night. He only threw 3/7 for 20 yards and one touchdown. Other than that, he handed the ball to running backs Alex Collins and Javorius Allen who, together, ran for 174 yards. Credit the coaching staff for being able to adapt to losing Flacco.
The only thing I could appreciate from this game was the fact that although a vicious hit, the result was seeing teammates stand up for each other. I wish Joe Flacco well wishes as he is a good and model player but I liked the effort Alonso showed trying to prevent the first down. He was playing for his job just as Flacco was. Hats off to Suh as well for protecting his teammate as well.
Adam Gase and the Miami Dolphins have a lot to think about this week. From fines to possible suspensions, and having to answer for all the things that went wrong on Thursday. Miami is back home this Sunday against a struggling Oakland Raiders(3-5). But after Thursday night, who is to say the Raiders are the ones struggling and not the Dolphins.
Oakland Raiders @ Miami Dolphins
Sunday November 5, 2017
Hard Rock Stadium
Kickoff: 8:30 pm
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