With the exception of the three-game losing streak the Miami Dolphins suffered earlier this season, the team has looked like one of the best in the NFL so far.
The Dolphins started out 3-0 on the year, fell to 3-3 and are now back to three games over .500 with just one game left to play prior to their midseason bye week.
The success that the Dolphins have enjoyed has been a culmination of many different factors, and a high-ranking NFL personnel evaluator recently predicted that the Dolphins will be one of three teams in the AFC East to advance to the playoffs this season.
Along with the Dolphins, the evaluator pegged the Buffalo Bills, whom the Dolphins defeated earlier this season, and New York Jets as the teams from the division that will advance to the playoffs.
“[Outside of Buffalo], I think both the Dolphins and Jets get in the playoffs,” the personnel evaluator told ESPN. “Miami has speed to kill and a great system for Tua [Tagovailoa], who is playing well. Can’t take that away from him. He doesn’t have the biggest arm, but he’s putting the ball where it needs to be.”
It’s not hard to understand why the personnel evaluator is high on the Dolphins at the moment. Ever since Tagovailoa returned to the field after missing some time with a concussion, the Dolphins offense has been electric.
In Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears, Tagovailoa passed for 302 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. He had a passer rating of 135.7.
It was the second week in a row in which he passed for over 300 yards, three scores and zero picks. His completion percentage over the past two games is an eye-popping 75.8 percent.
Interestingly, it’s been the team’s defense that has struggled more recently. Over the last few seasons, defense had been the strong point for the Dolphins. However, injuries have taken their toll this campaign, especially in the defensive backfield.
Still, the Dolphins did what they could to help on that side of things. Prior to the trade deadline earlier this month, the Dolphins added star pass rusher Bradley Chubb. He should make life harder for opposing quarterbacks and easier for his team’s corners and safeties.
In Week 10, the Dolphins will host the 3-5 Cleveland Browns and should get the win in that contest. After their Week 11 bye, they’ll face some sturdy competition from both the NFC and AFC.
They’ll look to go 2-0 versus the Bills this season on Dec. 18 and try to avenge a loss from earlier in the season against the Jets on Jan. 8. It’s looking like both games will have serious playoff implications.
