Dolphins falter in second half despite strong start against Ravens
The Miami Dolphins’ Week 9 clash with the Baltimore Ravens unfolded as a tale of two halves, with the Dolphins showcasing early dominance but ultimately succumbing to a series of costly mistakes.
Inactives Raise Eyebrows
Before the game even kicked off, the Dolphins’ lineup drew attention. Second-year running back Jaylen Wright was a surprising absence, just days after making his regular-season debut. Rookie Zeek Biggers remained inactive for the eighth time in nine games, while Zach Wilson continued to serve as the backup to Tua Tagovailoa. The team’s injury report also included tight end Julian Hill (ankle) and safety Ashtyn Davis (quad), further complicating their game plan.
First Quarter Highlights
The Dolphins opened the game with a familiar strategy. Utilizing Daniel Brunskill as an extra lineman, they aimed to establish a strong offensive presence. Tagovailoa quickly connected with Jaylen Waddle for a 20-yard gain, hinting at an aggressive start. However, the running game faltered, as De’Von Achane was stifled on his first two carries, leading to a frustrating third-and-6.
On the defensive front, the Dolphins showcased a collective effort in tackling Derrick Henry. Yet, missteps plagued their performance. Tahj Washington’s unfortunate fumble—a result of his first NFL reception—deep in Miami territory proved to be a substantial setback.
Achane rebounded with a productive drive, aided by solid blocking from Aaron Brewer, pushing the Dolphins into the red zone. However, the drive ended disappointingly. A missed opportunity arose when Tagovailoa failed to set his feet, forcing Waddle to adjust for a catch that should have secured a first down. What followed was a false start on Larry Borom during a pivotal fourth-and-1 at the Ravens’ 12-yard line, compounded by a missed field goal from Riley Patterson.
Adding to the Dolphins’ woes, Jaelan Phillips’ inability to convert pressure into a sack allowed Lamar Jackson to find tight end Isaac Likely for a 35-yard completion, leaving the defense scrambling.
Second Quarter Struggles
As the second quarter unfolded, the Dolphins’ struggles continued. A collision between Dante Trader Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick during a crossing route left Mark Andrews unmarked, leading to his second touchdown of the game.
Despite some flashes of brilliance, like Malik Washington’s impressive juke to turn a potential loss into a 7-yard gain, the Dolphins faced another setback. A long completion to Waddle was nullified by a questionable tripping penalty against Ollie Gordon II.
The Dolphins attempted to regroup, devising a screen pass to Achane on a third-and-16, but Jonah Savaiinaea’s inability to block Roquan Smith resulted in another stop for the Ravens. The defensive line showed resilience, with Benito Jones making a notable sack after Bradley Chubb disrupted the play.
Injuries began to accumulate for Miami, as Chop Robinson, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Ollie Gordon II all exited the game, raising concerns for the team’s depth.
Frustration Mounts
Despite the turmoil, Tua Tagovailoa had a commendable first half, particularly during a final drive that featured impressive connections with Waddle. However, the Dolphins’ inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was glaring. A failed fourth-and-2 from the Baltimore 13 highlighted the miscommunication between Tagovailoa and Achane, who seemed out of sync as the quarterback aimed for the end zone while Achane stopped short.
The Dolphins’ first-half performance was indeed a mixed bag. They outplayed the Ravens in stretches, yet their numerous mistakes left them with a nagging sense of what could have been. As the team headed into the locker room, the feeling was palpable: they had fought hard, but the scoreboard told a different story.
