Dolphins WAKE up and pull out win over the Bengals
What I liked
Cameron Wake – What more can you say about this guy? I mean, he won the game with a safety in overtime. He had a total of 3 sacks in the game including a strip sack which caused a fumble that he recovered himself. Wake has been dealing with injuries this season, but he took over the game last night, created constant pressure and ultimately won the game with the walk-off safety.
Ryan Tannehill – He didn’t turn the ball over folks. In fact, he played a very efficient game going 20 for 28 for 208 yards (92.6 QB rating). What impressed me most was his control of the offense in the 2 minute drill. Before the half, the Dolphins got the ball at the Bengals 39 yard line. Tannehill moved them 22 yards down the field and positioned them for a field goal to stretch the lead to 10-3 before half. Then, the final drive over regulation was a thing of beauty. With only 1 timeout and about 50 yards to go, Tannehill moved the team down the field and into position for the game tying field goal.
Defense – The Dolphins defense missed a lot of tackles, I get it. They wilted in the 3rd and 4th quarters. But that was because they were on the field for 26 plays in the 3rd quarter without a break. All they did was play for 40 minutes, cause 5 sacks, create 4 turnovers, and score 9 points. GREAT job by this defense.
Caleb Sturgis – I know he missed his first field goal. But to see this kid come back and hit field goals in the final minute of each half, was huge. I think his confidence has been restored. He really showed guts on the game tying field goal, but that’s what you expect a 5th round kicker to do, right?
Paul Soliai – Soliai was BEASTING last night. He was blowing up running plays, getting into the backfield, picked up a sack, and even swatted a ball down at the line of scrimmage.
Lamar Miller – Miller rushed for a career high 105 yards on 16 carries (6.6 ypc average). He broke 10+ yard runs and did a great job, especially in the first half, of making things happen.
Mike Wallace – Wallace was used as effectively as I’ve seen him used by the Dolphins. He caught 6 balls for 82 yards (13.7 ypc). He also runs like a penguin…not sure why, but it just look like he’s waddling when he runs….but he runs fast so it’s okay. The most impressive route by Wallace was on a ball that he didn’t catch. It was the long bomb in overtime on which he got tripped and Trufant was called for pass interference. He beat the defender and had 4-5 yards of separation….if he isn’t tripped, that’s a touchdown on a perfect throw from Tannehill.
Brian Hartline’s Catch – You know, the tip-toe catch at the end of regulation? Perfect throw and great route and catch by Hartline. A thing of beauty. (continued on page 3, CLICK HERE)