By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: CBS News
The Indianapolis Colts crushed the Miami Dolphins and got off to a rough start to the season. The Dolphins lost to the Colts 33-8.
Colts quarterback Daniel Jones stepped up and gave the Colts quite an impression in his first regular-season start with the team. Jones went 22 of 29 with 272 passing yards, three touchdowns (2 rushing), and no turnovers.
The Dolphins looked lost and miserable. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill was visibly upset as the camera focused on his reaction on the sideline. Hill finished the game with four receptions and 40 yards—not an outstanding performance.
It’s not a good sign for the Dolphins, a team that went scoreless in the first three quarters of the game.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 14 of 23 with 114 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The only touchdown came in the fourth quarter when Tua threw an 11-yard pass to running back De’von Achane.
One of the key factors for the Dolphins to succeed in this game was their running game. It didn’t turn out to be that way. The Colts held the Dolphins to only 78 rushing yards. We give credit to the Colts defense for pressuring and blitzing Tua.
The offensive line for the Dolphins must do a better job of protecting Tua, given his injury history. You can’t let the opposing defense get to the quarterback too often this season.
Tight end Tanner Conner should’ve been targeted more often. He is one of the healthiest proper ends in the Dolphins roster. Conner caught 2-of-4 targets for 20 yards. Coach Mike McDaniels should make this adjustment and give him the ball more often for Week 2.
With this win, the Colts snapped the NFL’s longest active opening-day streak at 11 games.
As for the Dolphins, Week 2 must be a different result. They will make their home debut against their AFC East rival, the New England Patriots. The game starts at 1 pm next Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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