The Phinsider
Well, the Miami Dolphins did that thing again. You know… the thing where they go on primetime television and embarrass themselves for the whole world to see. Or maybe that thing where they play in cold weather and look completely inept on the offensive side of the football. There is also that thing where they play against an above .500 squad and prove why they don’t belong in the conversation of best football teams in the National Football League.
Pick your poison.
After a deflating 28-15 loss on Monday Night Football to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Dolphins are officially eliminated from playoff contention — which means no more “in the hunt” graphics for us. Sad face.
Oh well. There’s always next year, right? And in this writer’s opinion, next year better look a lot different than this year… in more ways than just the quality of the product displayed on the field.
Up until the final Steelers drive of the first half, the Dolphins defense was pitching a shutout while engaging in a tackling clinic against Pittsburgh. Defenders were flying around the ball, laying solid hits on their opponents, and showing that they didn’t come to the frigid north to be frozen out of the playoffs.
Cornerbacks Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones were even getting in on the action on running plays where Steelers’ backs were trying to bounce the ball to the outside. Of course, linebacker Jordyn Brooks continued to show why he is Miami’s best defensive player — totaling 13 tackles, including two tackles for loss, a sack and a pass defensed for the contest.
Unfortunately, with no help from Miami’s offense, the Dolphins defense began to unravel at the end of the first half, and their poor performance snowballed in the blistering cold of a Pittsburgh night during the final two quarters of play.
The Dolphins’ slim chances of a playoff berth were dashed on Monday night, but to add insult to injury, two former Miami players contributed to their former team’s demise while the football world was watching.
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey’s time in Miami ended unceremoniously this past offseason when rumors of his poor attitude surfaced following his trade to Pittsburgh. Tight end Jonnu Smith also fell out of favor with Miami’s front office when he demanded big money after his quality first season with the Dolphins. Both players were sent to Pittsburgh ahead of the regular season, along with a seventh round draft pick, with Miami acquiring safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and fifth round draft selection in return.
On Monday Night Football, Ramsey had a sack of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, plus a semi-viral moment when he laughed at tight end Greg Dulcich dropping a pass during a failed two-point conversion attempt late. The boisterous defensive back then proceeded to call Dulcich “f**king weak” while looking directly into the camera.
Jonnu Smith would contribute to Miami’s embarrassment...
