Chris Perkins: Dolphins face the ugly reality that their problems are deeper than Tua’s absence

Written by Fort Lauderdale Mortgage Syndicated User on October 28, 2024. Posted in Fort Lauderdale Mortgage, Fort Lauderdale Mortgage Rates, Latest Headlines, Miami Dolphins, NFL, Sports.

MAIMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins’ worst fear, the nightmare scenario they never wanted to admit to or confront, became harsh reality in Sunday’s 28-27 loss to the Arizona Cardinals — their problems go beyond quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s absence.

The Dolphins are now 9-8 in Tua’s past 17 starts.

Tua has 24 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in that span.

This team needs more than Tua to win games.

Realists always knew this was the case. I always knew this was the case. It’s been the case since coach Mike McDaniel took over in 2022.

These Dolphins (2-5) are somehow 0-2 after the bye, a time when most coaching staffs do self-scouting and figure out what ails their team and get it corrected.

Not these Dolphins.

This team isn’t detail-oriented.

Cornerback Cam Smith said miscommunication led to the Cardinals’ passing game successes Sunday.

This team isn’t well-coached.

One player told me that the Cardinals made second-half adjustments. He told me that the Cardinals knew where to find the holes in the Dolphins’ zone defense.

This team thinks its past accomplishments (leading the league in offense, having a quarterback lead the league in passing yards and passer rating, getting contract extensions, being good on social media, having lively touchdown celebrations, etc …) qualifies them as a legit title contender.

And this team, for some insane reason, still thinks it can run its way to victories.

The Dolphins rushed for 150 yards Sunday and fell to 1-4 when rushing for more than 100 yards this season.

The Dolphins’ run game is there for balance, not for delivering victories. They don’t score enough touchdowns. I don’t want to hear about all the yards. I want to hear about all the touchdowns — and they don’t exist. I like the Dolphins’ run game as a contributing offensive factor, but not as the main offensive factor.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Is Miami’s season over? Perkins, Furones break down loss to Cardinals | VIDEO

Let me repeat this for the 100th time: this team wins on big plays from its passing game. When Tua can’t connect with wide receivers Tyreek Hill (six receptions, 72 yards Sunday) and Jaylen Waddle (four receptions, 45 yards) on big passing plays, the Dolphins will struggle to score, and most times they’ll lose.

This was the issue when Tua was playing before his most recent concussion.

The Dolphins knew it and they failed to confront it.

That’s unforgivable.

This team is finding out that it must be more precise in its preparations.

This team is finding out its must be more precise carrying out its game plan.

Those who choose to live in the world of make believe, where teams skip steps on their way to greatness and think that’s OK, are in a state of shock right now.

This is a team that has issues with its one-dimensional offense (they can’t score or win if they don’t connect on deep passes), issues with its bend-and-sometimes break defense (two Arizona receivers surpassed 100 yards Sunday) and has issues with coaching (McDaniel can’t harness some of the best talent in the league).

Tagovailoa contributed to the madness.

He had three fumbles, the last one hit him right in the hands on a shotgun snap. Tua blew it. He fumbled. He wet the bed.

The ball glanced off his hands and behind him. He had to bat the ball backward and it barely made it out of bounds for a safety before the Arizona defensive players could pounce on it for a touchdown.

Tua wasn’t alone.

I’ve told you many times before that this team’s top players haven’t come through in big games on a consistent basis.

On Sunday, Tua, Tyreek, Waddle and cornerback Jalen Ramsey all had their bad moments.

And being without defensive lineman Zach Sieler (orbital bone fracture), perhaps the team’s best big-game player, and slot cornerback Kader Kohou (neck) were huge defensive losses. Huge.

At one point the Dolphins will realize they’re a fundamentally flawed roster.

Until that time, however, the losses, mostly against good teams, will continue to mount and the Dolphins, I guess, will continue to misunderstand the reasons.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) runs for s first down against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

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