- USF Takes Alabama To The Limit In 17-3 Loss
- USF, McClain Roll To First Win of the Season
- Bobby Bowden dies: Legendary coach built Florida State into college football powerhouse
- ECU hammers USF for first win of season
- Mike Brosseau’s HR off Aroldis Chapman Lifts Rays Past Yankees in ALDS Game 5
- Tom Brady Purchasing $7.5 Million Mansion
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers DT Vita Vea has broken ankle, likely out for season
- Tampa Bay Lightning have placed Tyler Johnson on Waivers
- USF football excited to bring fans back to Raymond James Stadium this weekend
- Tampa Bay Lightning Win Stanley Cup
Dolphins finally show grit in win over Eagles
- Updated: November 16, 2015
“Grit” and “good fortune” are not words often used to describe this year’s Miami Dolphins. Usually, when things go bad early, it quickly snowballs.
But that certainly wasn’t the case Sunday for the Dolphins. Despite injuries, another slow start and a hostile environment, Miami pulled out a 20-19 win over the Eagles. It was the Dolphins’ most impressive win of the season, considering the circumstances.
The grit came in the form of Miami’s comeback from a 16-3 deficit in the first half and numerous injuries. Miami produced just its second double-digit comeback of the season, without defensive playeres Jelani Jenkins (ankle), Brice McCain (knee) and Brent Grimes (illness). Jenkins and McCain were injured in the first half and didn’t return. Grimes got sick Saturday night and was a late scratch.
The good fortune came in the form of a deflected touchdown catch by receiver Jarvis Landry on which the ball bounced high in the air before Landry came down with it and later threw it about 20 rows into the stands in celebration. Miami also got a late interception from safety Reshad Jones in the end zone when the Eagles were driving. Backup quarterback Mark Sanchez was in field goal range, but made a bad decision and ended up throwing away the game. Eagles starting quarterback Sam Bradford was knocked out in the third quarter with a shoulder injury and concussion.
Through it all, Miami (4-5) overcame adversity in a game the team could not afford to lose.
What it means: The Dolphins get closer to .500. They are by no means in a position yet to make a playoff push late in the season. But Sunday’s win at least gives Miami a chance. The team’s slow start has put it in a bad spot. But considering five of Miami’s last seven games are at home, anything is possible.
Another safety? The Dolphins’ offense allowed a safety for the third consecutive game. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill took a blindside hit and fumbled the ball out of bounds. The previous two weeks against the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills the safeties were the result of bad snaps. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Dolphins matched the 1980 Seattle Seahawks and 1970 Pittsburgh Steelers as the only teams to allow safeties in three straight games.
Big game for Suh: Miami’s big offseason acquisition, Ndamukong Suh, is playing his best football of the season. He recorded eight tackles and a sack against the Eagles and was tough to block all game. Suh has at least one sack in three of his last four games.
What’s next: After playing three straight road games, the Dolphins finally get their first home game in a month, facing the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 22. This game is expected to mark the return of Cowboys starting quarterback Tony Romo, who missed the past seven games with a broken clavicle.
