Tua Tagovailoa #1 and Raheem Mostert #31 of the Miami Dolphins celebrate a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The Miami Dolphins lost... again. That makes 6 losses in the last 7 games for the Fins. But unlike many of those losses, there is a silver lining for the Dolphins. This is the NFL- there are no moral victories. However, the Dolphins have some positives to take away from yet another loss. The players looking like they weren't laying down, there seemed to be a clear vision on offense, and Tua had one of his better games as a professional.
The defense has now let the Miami Dolphins down in consecutive games. After giving up points on the final 3 drives of the game against the Cardinals last weekend, the Miami defense allowed Josh Allen's Bills to score on every 2nd half drive. The silver lining for the dolphins is the offensive identity of the team is back.
Silver Lining - A Running Game
The Miami Dolphins finally brought a running game to the field in a big game. Miami ran the ball more times than they threw it. That marks the first time this season where they ran more rushing plays than passing plays with Tua on the field. And it wasn't just a commitment to the running game that was nice to see. The silver lining was also the effectiveness. Miami rushed the ball 31 times for 149 yards and a touchdown. That is more than respectable against a Bills' defense that ranks middle of the back in the NFL for rushing yards/game.
Silver Lining - Efficient Tua
This offense is still fun to watch with an efficient Tua Tagovailoa pulling the strings. 25/28 is not a sustainable completion percentage, but it is more in line with where this offense should be. Dolphins fans love when Tyreek and Waddle can stretch the defense vertically. Buffalo and Sean McDermott have shows consistently that they understand how to take #10 and #17 out of the game. Instead of forcing it, Tua and McDaniel remained patient and featured the running backs, tight ends, and wait for it... Odell Beckham Jr.
Looking Ahead
The Miami Dolphins have an uphill battle to get back into playoff contention, let alone get into the tournament. But looking ahead the Dolphins might have an opportunity to go on a run. Their next 4 games are at the Rams on Monday Night Football, home for the Raiders and Patriots, and at the Packers on Thanksgiving. If the Dolphins can find a way to win against the Rams, they should set up a Thanksgiving night game against the Packers that could be interesting.
