Dolphins Diary Week 7: Wasted Times
The 2021 season will ultimately be a wasted year for the Miami Dolphins as they have regressed badly to the team that was a mess three years ago under Adam Gase. For two decades, the Dolphins have been in an endless cycle of mediocrity as they have missed on every quarterback and have failed to build a team capable of competing consistently in the NFL. Making matters worse, they already traded their first-round pick to the Eagles to trade up after trading down in the 2021 draft. The confusing yo-yo move to see the Dolphins draft Jaylen Waddle left the Dolphins with the 49ers' pick while their own pick was sent to Philadelphia. The Niners will be in playoff contention, leaving the pick in the second half of the first round, while the Eagles will get a top-five pick. In the end, this means the Dolphins would have used two top-five picks and got a late first-rounder and Jaylen Waddle in return. It is this type of management that has left the Dolphins in this situation.
The offensive line continues to be the Dolphins' most significant issue, as they have given no protection to Tua Tagovalioa and have been among the most penalized units in the NFL. It seems like at least once each drive, they are flagged for a penalty, whether holding, false starts, or illegal man downfield, they are often disorganized and lost as the Dolphins' offense is facing third and long situations. This was to be the season where the Dolphins learned if Tua could be the quarterback of the future. They have not put him in the best situation, but the more he plays, it becomes clear that Miami needs to start over and find a new quarterback. Tua Tagovalioa did have four touchdowns on Sunday, but he also had two ugly interceptions, one that took away a scoring chance in the end zone and one that led to a Falcons' score. When you lose by two points, those mistakes are magnified.
Like the previous two weeks, the Dolphins started well, using a long drive to score on their first drive. However, as they did against the Colts and Jaguars, Miami could not add to the lead despite dominating the first quarter. The second quarter which has been a disaster all season, was again on Sunday as the Falcons outscored Miami 13-0. The Dolphins left ten points on the field, as Jason Sanders had a 49-yard field goal blocked, and Tagovalioa was picked off in the end zone.
The Falcons continued their momentum in the third quarter, marching down the field and scoring to make it 20-7. The Dolphins answered but found themselves playing catchup the rest of the game. In the fourth quarter, Xavien Howard picked off Matt Ryan, but on the next play, Tua threw a careless pass that was picked off and set up a Falcons' touchdown. Down 27-14, the Dolphins went 90 yards and got back in the game. The Dolphins defense then stripped Matt Ryan, allowing the Dolphins to take a 28-27 lead on Mack Hollis touchdown reception. However, the Falcons got the ball, drove down the field without breaking a sweat, and won the 30-28 on a 36-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo.
At 1-6, the Dolphins' playoff chances are gone, they don't have a high pick coming, and they have no prospects for improving any time soon. The trade deadline is eight days away, and decisions have to be made. Do they begin the process of rebuilding again? Should they recoup the draft picks they wasted by trading Xavien Howard and Mike Gesicki players? Those will be valuable additions to any contending team. However, knowing the Dolphins' philosophy of quantity over quality, it will only get worse as it has the past two decades.
One thing is clear; a logo change is due because they need to go back to the past and go full-time to the throwback logo. After all, this candy-ass logo symbolizes failure and disappointment. Change is needed; the Deshaun Watson deal is intriguing but risky, as nobody can predict his ability to play. Watson will be the quarterback the Dolphins have sought since Dan Marino retired, and passing up on him could be like letting Drew Brees get away again. However, if the charges lead to an indictment and a conviction, Deshaun Watson will never be allowed to play. There are no quarterbacks out there to help this team, and a total blow-up will be needed if they opt not to roll the dice with Watson. Hopefully, they can bring the right people in this time, leaving Chris Grier behind. Brian Flores' future will be up to whoever comes next, as this team needs to go back to the past, and it starts with that fucking weak-ass logo. Bring back the throwbacks.