Miami Dolphins welcomed breakout performance sets remaining tone
Welp, the Miami Dolphins (8-5) lost. Moving them three games behind the Buffalo Bills for the AFC East lead, planting the Dolphins in the sixth seed with three games to go. It wasn't all bad though. QB Tua Tagovailoa had his best statistical game in below freezing weather. Completing 17/30 (56.7%) for 234 yards and […]
Welp, the Miami Dolphins (8-5) lost. Moving them three games behind the Buffalo Bills for the AFC East lead, planting the Dolphins in the sixth seed with three games to go.
It wasn't all bad though.
QB Tua Tagovailoa had his best statistical game in below freezing weather. Completing 17/30 (56.7%) for 234 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions. Which is a good return to normalcy after back-to-back poor offensive performances. Ironic that it would come in the cold.
Seemingly eradicating the narrative that Tua and the offense can't play in cold weather. As that will be the route for them to attempt to get to Phoenix, AZ in February.
However, the real showstopper was RB Raheem Mostert. Running through the Bills defense in the blistering cold.
Mostert's most rushing yards of the season (136) & 2nd-highest yards per carry effort (8.0) are a welcomed dimension to the offense. Having gone over 100 yards for only the fifth time as a team all season.
This is important because the of the Miami Dolphins remaining schedule.
The Green Bay Packers rank third against the run. Allowing 5.0 yards per carry and 15 touchdowns on the ground.
Even though the Dolphins were unable to run the ball against the New England Patriots in their week one matchup but are giving up 4.2 yards per carry for the season.
Finally the New York Jets. It will factor in if the Jets are still fighting for a playoff spot. Allowing just over 4.1 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns on the ground.
It was obvious that even in the cold how much the effectiveness of the running game helped Tua and the Miami Dolphins offense.
A simple formula for success, but this is the best they are playing in the last three weeks and needs to continue. Potentially giving Mostert his first 1,000 yard season.
If the Dolphins really want to push for a playoff spot, this needs to be the blueprint.
Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
