The Miami Dolphins got their first win of the season on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game full of twists and turns. The Dolphins got off to an uncharacteristic slow start, having to come back from a 14-0 deficit and only scoring their first points right before halftime. The game's biggest moment came when Jevon Holland knocked the ball out of Travis Etienne's arms right as he was about to cross the goal line to make the score 24-7 with 2 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Instead, it remained 17-7, and on the very first play of the drive, Tua found Tyreek Hill across the middle of the field, who then used his speed to run down the sideline and into the end zone.
It was a huge momentum swinger in the game, and you could see the stadium erupt when Hill evaded the last tackle. The Dolphins, shortly after, had the opportunity to tie it at 17-17 with a 42-yard field goal, but Jason Sanders missed it badly. Luckily for them, the Jaguars could not capitalize, as they were shut out in the second half. Later, with the game on the line, Sanders drilled a 52-yarder to secure the victory for the Dolphins 20-17. It wasn't the prettiest victory, but the Dolphins won't mind. For Jacksonville, they'll be wondering how they let this one slip.
Backfield Mayhem
In my season preview for the Dolphins, I stated that I expected Raheem Mostert to start the season with a more considerable bulk of the carries and that Achane would overtake him as the season went on. It seems that shift could be happening earlier than I expected, as Achane was on the field for 52% of the offensive snaps to Mostert's 44%. Achane also had ten carries to Mostert's six.
More significantly, however, is the way Achane was used. As a motion man, he had many screens go to him and even lined up out wide at times. Achane also notably stayed in for the goal line work, punching in a one-yard touchdown for the Dolphins' first touchdown of the season. He ended the game with seven receptions for 76 yards on seven targets.
The Dolphins ran the ball inefficiently, totaling just 81 yards on 25 carries, as Jacksonville's defensive line did an excellent job of stuffing the trenches. With rookie Jaylen Wright being a surprise healthy scratch, Jeff Wilson Jr. came in on the last drive and helped the Dolphins get into field goal range so Sanders could knock in the winner. It'll be interesting to see how the backfield setup will be in the coming weeks, but one thing is for sure: Achane will be heavily involved in the receiving game.
Who Can Stop the Cheetah?
I've run out of adjectives to describe Tyreek Hill. If he's not the best receiver in the game, he has to at least be in the top three. He may not be the most well-rounded or have the surest hands compared to the other top wideouts, but his speed is so game-breaking that it makes up for it. He can turn a simple five-yard screen into a touchdown at any given moment.
Looking at his touchdown play, it's a good throw from Tua, but it has no business being a touchdown. Few receivers in the league, if any, could do what Hill did on that play. It's not only the speed but also his agility and the angles he takes when running that makes him so hard to tackle. Hill finished the game with seven receptions and 130 receiving yards, the second most out of any player in week one. Hill was detained by the police right outside Hard Rock Stadium less than three hours before kickoff, which led many Dolphins fans to believe he would not play, but it did not affect his status for the game.
Not to be forgotten is Jaylen Waddle, who caught a deep ball for 63 yards and ended the game with 109 receiving yards. Waddle left the game to be evaluated for a concussion but was quickly cleared and made his presence felt. The Dolphins got next to no production from the other receivers, and TE Jonnu Smith also only had a 28% snap share, but when you have possibly the best 1-2 receiver duo in the league, it's not necessary.
Defense Stepping Up
The Dolphins' defense struggled early on, as Etienne and especially Tank Bigsby achieved some success. Brian Thomas Jr also proved to be a thorn in the side, forcing Jalen Ramsey into a P.I call that led to Etienne's first touchdown. Thomas Jr. later caught a touchdown, making the game 14-0. The defense only had one sack in the first half, which was by Calais Campbell on the Jags' first offensive play.
At halftime, it seems like the Dolphins flipped a switch. They held the Jags scoreless in the 2nd half, with Trevor Lawrence only having 37 passing yards. Travis Etienne Jr. ended the game on a pedestrian 3.7 yards per carry, and his fumble out of the end zone probably cost Jacksonville the game. Christian Kirk and Evan Engram also had quiet games, totaling only 35 yards on two receptions between them.
On the Jags' final drive, Emmanuel Ogbah and Jaelan Phillips came up with clutch back-to-back sacks to force 4th and long. It was a massive moment for Phillips, who looked fully healthy after returning from his Achilles tear. The Jags punted away and trusted their defense to try and send the game to overtime, but they could not stop Tua and Co from getting into field goal range. If the Dolphin's second-half defense can show up for whole games, they'll be in the mix in the AFC.
Bet Recap from Preview
Unfortunately, I missed the cover by half a point. It happens, especially in the NFL. Hopefully, you could get it at -3 or took an alternate spread. However, we hit on the Tyreek Hill anytime TD, so it's not all bad.
Up Next: Buffalo Bills
The Dolphins have a short week as they take on the Bills on Thursday Night Football next in a divisional matchup. The Dolphins were 0-2 vs the Bills last season, and they'll be playing with a chip on their shoulder.
The Bills are coming off a tough win of their own, but Miami knows that they'll have to play better than they did vs the Jags if they're going to beat Buffalo. Thursday Night should be a real barn burner.
Final Score: Dolphins 20, Jaguars 17
Souza's Three Stars
1st Star- Tyreek Hill (7 receptions, 130 yards, 1 TD)
2nd Star- Jevon Holland (3 tackles, 1 PBU, 1 FF)
3rd Star- De'Von Achane (7 receptions, 76 yards, 10 carries, 24 yards, 1 TD)
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