{"id":21750,"date":"2025-10-28T09:42:17","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T13:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/10\/28\/dolphins-dominate-falcons\/"},"modified":"2025-10-28T09:42:18","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T13:42:18","slug":"dolphins-dominate-falcons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/miami\/2025\/10\/28\/dolphins-dominate-falcons\/","title":{"rendered":"Dolphins dominate Falcons"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to the Dolphins’ Dominant Win<\/h2>\n

The Miami Dolphins finally put together a complete game while dominating the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Mike McDaniel believes that performance is only repeatable, though, if his team moves on from it as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

Understanding the Coach’s Perspective<\/h2>\n

\u201cI think the main factor is you don\u2019t live in yesterday, good or bad,\u201d McDaniel said Monday. \u201cThe formula was that we were prepared for the opponent that we were playing that week, and prepared to do our assignments collectively and focused on the ways not to beat ourselves.\u201d McDaniel credited the Dolphins\u2019 improved efficiency in both running the ball and stopping the run \u2014 which had been lacking in recent weeks \u2014 as key factors in the win.<\/p>\n

Looking Ahead to the Next Matchup<\/h2>\n

But as much praise as he had for the way the Dolphins (2-6) responded to an embarrassing rout against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7, McDaniel was equally ready to turn his attention to Thursday\u2019s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. \u201cThis week, if we focus all our time, energy and everything that we\u2019re doing attacking the Baltimore Ravens and nobody else,\u201d McDaniel said, \u201cit gives you an opportunity to be able to have a game like that every week. We\u2019ve learned a lot as a team through a lot of hard lessons.<\/p>\n

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward<\/h2>\n

\u201cThere were positive lessons that we learned in how we prepared as well. It\u2019ll be very important that we take it for what it was, and that was a complete and total isolated focus by a team on an opponent. And that\u2019s your only chance to replicate that moving forward.\u201d Last week, both McDaniel defended embattled quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who entered Sunday with consecutive three-interception outings. Tagovailoa said the two had \u201ctough conversations\u201d over the past week in search for solutions, especially after Tagovailoa was benched in the fourth quarter against Cleveland.<\/p>\n

Tagovailoa’s Performance<\/h2>\n

He responded with his best performance of the season, throwing for 205 yards and four touchdowns despite waking up Sunday morning with one of his eyes swollen shut. \u201cProbably one of the worst experiences I\u2019ve had in terms of waking up, and that happens on a game day,\u201d Tagovailoa said. \u201cMy eye was swollen shut, and thanks to the medical staff, they ended up helping with antibiotics. I\u2019m just glad I was able to go out there and play.\u201d<\/p>\n

Potential Turning Point<\/h2>\n

Tagovailoa indicated Sunday\u2019s performance could potentially mark a turning point in the season if the Dolphins respond the right way. \u201cIt kind of gives us the flow back a little bit,\u201d he said. \u201cBut it\u2019s also what we\u2019re looking to do with this. We get to enjoy the win, but after tomorrow, we\u2019ve got to get back to work. It\u2019s a short week. Do we want to feel like we did the other week or do we want to continue to build off of a game like today?\u201d<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Working<\/h3>\n

The Dolphins used all three of their running backs for 141 yards rushing. Two of Tagovailoa\u2019s four touchdown passes also went to running backs. De\u2019Von Achane led the group with 67 yards on 18 carries with a 3-yard touchdown catch, while rookie Ollie Gordon added 46 yards on 10 carries and hauled in a 20-yard scoring reception.<\/p>\n

What Needs Help<\/h3>\n

The Dolphins improved a lot of their issues that led to last week\u2019s sloppy performance, but they can still clean up some of their operation on offense. Offensive lineman Larry Borom was flagged for an illegal formation on Miami\u2019s second drive, and left tackle Patrick Paul was penalized for a false start.<\/p>\n

Stock Up<\/h3>\n

LB Jordyn Brooks. The veteran leads the NFL in total tackles (85) and had his best individual performance of the season against the Falcons, finishing with three tackles for loss, a sack and a quarterback hit. Brooks, a captain this season, has been praised by teammates for his leadership, especially during the Dolphins\u2019 losing streak.<\/p>\n

Stock Down<\/h3>\n

WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. The veteran receiver has yet to carve out a prominent role in the Dolphins\u2019 passing game, even as the receiving unit has been hit with injuries. Westbrook-Ikhine caught one of three targets for 18 yards on Sunday and had a drop in the red zone in the first quarter.<\/p>\n

Injuries<\/h3>\n

Tagovailoa\u2019s eye ailment does not appear to be a long-term issue, McDaniel said Monday. \u2026 Second-year CB Storm Duck suffered a season-ending knee injury during the game. \u2026 S Ashtyn Davis left with what McDaniel indicated was a minor quadriceps injury, but his status Thursday is in question because of the short week.<\/p>\n

Key Number<\/h3>\n

45 \u2014 The numbers of yards rushing the Dolphins\u2019 NFL-worst rushing defense allowed Sunday. Miami had not held an opponent under 100 yards rushing in the first seven weeks.<\/p>\n

Next Steps<\/h3>\n

The Dolphins host Baltimore on Thursday night, but it\u2019s unclear if the Ravens will start Lamar Jackson, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The Dolphins’ dominant win over the Falcons marks a significant turning point in their season, with improved performances from key players like Tua Tagovailoa and the running backs. However, the team must maintain focus and not get complacent, especially with a short week ahead and a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n