The Miami Dolphins rattled off back-to-back wins for the first time this season in Week 11, defeating the Washington Commanders in Madrid by a score of 16-13.
It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t fun. But in a season from hell, you take what you can. Here’s three reasons why the Dolphins were able to come away with the win.
1. Special Teams, Special Plays
The Dolphins have been so-so on special teams this season, but that was not the case on Sunday.
To start, how about kicker Riley Patterson?
He was perfect against the Commanders, successfully converting 3 of 3 field goal attempts, including the game winner in overtime. It’s been a good season for Patterson, as he’s made 14 of 16 attempts this season (87.5%), and is 8 for 9 (88%) on field goals from 40 yards or more.
And though it didn’t lead to any points, how about the play from Ethan Bonner to recover a muffed punt late in the fourth quarter? At the very least, the play swung all the momentum Miami’s way, and kept Washington’s offense off the field for a few minutes.
A game in which you score the majority of your points off field goals AND recover a muffed punt, is a game where the special teams unit played well. They did their part, and that’s all you can ask for.
2. Trench Warfare In Madrid
Despite being riddled with injuries, Miami’s offensive line has looked better and better with each week, and Sunday was the latest installment in a slew of good performances. Particularly on offense, they won the battle in the trenches, and it led them to victory.
On the ground, Miami’s offensive line created massive lanes for De’Von Achane, and when Achane sees daylight, good things usually happen. Achane rushed for 120 yards on the day, and as a result, the Dolphins rarely found themselves behind the sticks on 2nd and 3rd down. In turn, that also opened up the playbook for head coach Mike McDaniel.
Win the battle up front, don’t force yourself into negative plays, and you’ll win football games. Against the Commanders, the Dolphins did exactly that.
3. Bend, Don’t Break
Though the Dolphins allowed 379 yards of total offense to the Commanders, they didn’t break when it mattered most.
On multiple occasions throughout the game, Miami’s defense either forced a turnover on downs, forced an actual turnover, or forced the Commanders to settle for a field goal. In fact, the Commanders finished the game 0/3 in the red zone, settling for field goals on two of those attempts, and turning the ball over on downs on the other.
One key moment stands out in particular, late in the fourth quarter, with the scored tied at 13. With 6:06 left, the Commanders were on the Dolphins’ 1-yard-line, facing 4th-and-1. However, Miami’s defense held strong, and forced a turnover on downs. After that, the Commanders possessed the ball for just one minute and 37 seconds for the rest of the game.
Now, I’m sure nobody will confuse this unit with the ‘85 Bears, but as with the rest of the team, they did one thing right on Sunday—their job.
Next Week
Next week, the Dolphins are on their bye week. They are one of the last teams in the NFL to do so, but the break couldn’t come at a better time. Following their flight home from Madrid, the team will get 2 weeks to rest and recover. After that, the Dolphins will host the now 2-8 New Orleans Saints in Week 13.
What did you think of the Dolphins win over the Commanders? Can this team sneak themselves into the playoff hunt?
This article was written by Sumeet Jena, who can found on X at @flameosumeet.
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