The Miami Dolphins hosted the Baltimore Ravens in what was supposed to be an exciting matchup between the older generation of scramblers and the new generation. Lamar Jackson versus Russell Wilson; which dynamic quarterback could lead his team to victory? Well, the Baltimore Ravens had other plans and their defense played the bigger role in this game. The Miami Dolphins started this game on offense and were able to drive the ball down the field quickly, but they were stopped short on the goal line and settled for a short field goal to take a 3-0 lead. The Baltimore Ravens matched the field goal and the game went back and forth up until just under two minutes left in the second quarter. Russell Wilson and the Miami Dolphins had 1:37 on the clock to drive down the field after Baltimore tied the game at 17. On first and 10, at the 25 yard line, Russell Wilson audibled a passing vertical play to a halfback draw after seeing a weak defensive front. The call to audible the play was a smart decision, but once Salvon Ahmed passed the defensive front, there was a Raven’s defender rushing towards him, and demolished him with a brutal hit. Salvon Ahmed went flying through the air and he dropped the football as three Ravens defenders swarmed the bouncing ball, and Odafe Oweh was there to recover the ball for the Ravens. Shortly after the lost fumble, the Baltimore Ravens were able to capitalize on a quarterback option where Lamar Jackson was left free to run down the sideline for a touchdown. The Ravens took a 24-17 lead, but with just under a minute left, the Dolphins believed they still had time to put points up on the board.
Russell Wilson connected with Jaylen Waddle on the 50 yard line as he ran across the middle of the field. Jaylen Waddle tried cutting up the field and was met by Chuck Clark who sent the dynamic receiver flying with a brutal hit that also made him cough up the ball. DeShon Elliot picked up the fumble and ran it all the way to the other side of the field. The Miami Dolphins were in jeopardy of falling behind rapidly, but a few plays later, Byron Jones intercepted a wobbly pass from Lamar and returned it for a touchdown. The Baltimore Ravens and the Miami Dolphins were tied at 24 heading into halftime. The Baltimore Ravens received the ball coming out of halftime and Lamar Jackson was able to find his full back open wide open down the field after scrambling to the right side of the field for a touchdown. The Miami Dolphins failed to answer on their next drive on 4th and short. Will Fuller ran an out route just before the marker, but came back to the ball, and wasn’t able to get back to the line to gain. The Baltimore Ravens scored again following the turnover on downs, but just when the Miami Dolphins were about to shorten the lead on the next drive, Salvon Ahmed fumbled again on the one yard line. The Baltimore Ravens led the turnover battle 4 to 1 and outright came away with a 52-31 victory.
The Miami Dolphins turned the ball over four times, they lost three fumbles and threw an interception. They fumbled the ball four times this game (lost three) and they fell to 4-4. Coach Fallen had preached in and out about performing in the red zone, but against the Baltimore Ravens, his team had 6 opportunities in the red zone and only converted four of those for points. He was very disappointed with his team’s performance in a must win game, but the Miami Dolphins didn’t just lose the game this week, they also lost two starters on their offensive line. Right guard Robert Hunt tore his labrum early in the first quarter and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz was knocked out of the game with broken ribs. The Dolphins will be without their two starting offensive linemen for three games. Despite being weak on the right side of the line, the Dolphins were able to produce 519 yards of offense this week. Russell Wilson completed 31 of his 40 passing attempts. He threw for 401 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. His interception came on the goalline and was intended for a wide open Will Fuller in the back of the endzone. Fuller stopped running on a dime and the ball was picked off, but Wilson had an opportunity to run the ball in instead. It’s an interesting decision that we are sure he will find himself in again this season. Salvon Ahmed had his best game this season on the ground while carrying the ball 19 times for 97 yards, however, his two fumbles were crucial and his statistical performance wasn’t enough to make up for them. Salvon Ahmed also added 11 receptions for 143 yards, but Coach Fallen is going to have to reevaluate using Ahmed as a three down back.
The Miami Dolphins host the Chicago Bears next week and it will be their last home game until week 16 when they host the New York Jets. It will be imperative for the Dolphins to win this game against the Bears because winning five straight on the road will be an even tougher ask for the team. The Dolphins have very little leeway if they expect to make the playoffs this season. The lost to the Baltimore Ravens last season haunted them up until the end of the season because they were one game shy of making the playoffs. The Chicago Bears are 3-5 and are having a tough season so far, but the Dolphins have to be ready for their explosive offense. The Chicago Bears have a top 10 passing offense and they are one of the better teams at putting points on the board. The Dolphins are going to want to control the tempo and get out front early. Salvon Ahmed’s confidence has to be at an all time low and it will be important for Russell Wilson to instill that confidence back into his young teammate.
