‘Phins Finish Philly

The Miami Dolphins have shocked the world (again)! No, the Dolphins didn’t upset a Super Bowl contender in the Philadelphia Eagles, but this victory is still sweet. Very sweet. The Philadelphia Eagles were supposed to kickstart their run to the postseason by coming into Miami, taking care of business and pulling into a tie with the Dallas Cowboys atop the NFC East with a 6-6 record.

Philadelphia owned a notable talent advantage in just about every critical spot on their roster. Quarterback, offensive line and defensive line? The Eagles own significantly better talent at every turn. But none of that mattered today as Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick pieced together his first “Fitzmagic” performance of the 2019 season, playing an outrageously good game in willing the Dolphins to an upset, defeating the Eagles by a final score of 37-31.

It wasn’t easy, although Miami’s offense made it look that way down the home stretch, scoring 23 consecutive points at one point in the 2nd half. Miami’s defense had to play a lot of bend, but don’t break defense along the way — they yielded 386 yards but stiffened when they needed to on several possessions down near the red zone. Miami forced a missed field goal after a sack from LB Sam Eguavoen on 3rd and 7 in the 3rd quarter and forced the Eagles to kick another field goal after reaching Miami’s 13-yard line on their second to last possession while trailing by 9 points courtesy of a strip sack from DE Taco Charlton.

Offensively, the day belonged to WR DeVante Parker, who logged a career high in receiving yards (159) and scored two touchdowns on 10 targets, abusing DB Jalen Mills in coverage for most of the day.

The victory moves the Dolphins to 3-9, a result that will undoubtedly be upsetting to some of the folks who have bought into the “draft 1st-overall or bust” crowd. But even with the result of today’s contest, Miami is slated to pick 4th overall — with games left remaining against the 2-10 New York Giants (picking 2nd) and the no longer winless Cincinnati Bengals (picking 1st). But the draft order is secondary to what we’re seeing out of Brian Flores and company in South Florida.

Player development is the key for Miami’s future hopes, not layups in the draft. And the Dolphins still have the ammunition to do whatever they’d like. So sit back, relax and enjoy the progress Miami is showing after being announced the worst team in the history of the NFL after their Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots.