The Miami Dolphins have a reputation, and it’s one that even their own players – both current and former – have acknowledged and fans and media have complained about for years: that this Dolphins teams isn’t tough enough to beat the better and more physical teams in the league.
It might not have looked like it in the records and the standings, but the Dolphins finally took a baby step away from that “soft” stigma they’ve earned, coming out on top of a physical 29-17 contest against the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Miami’s offensive line, with Isaiah Wynn stepping in for Liam Eichenberg in the starting lineup at right guard, paved the way for the Dolphins’ ground game, which rolled up 166 yards on 30 carries (5.5 ypc). That was more than double the Niners tallied on the ground (81 yards on 18 carries). It wasn’t perfect – guard Robert Jones was flagged for two drive-killing holding calls – but it was undoubtedly improvement for a group who’s justifiably received a heavy dose of the blame this season for the offense’s respective struggles. The unit also didn’t allow a sack to Nick Bosa or anyone else on San Francisco’s talented defensive front.
On the other side of the ball, the Dolphins managed to generate decent pressure, especially in the second half when San Francisco was playing catch up. Chop Robinson and Zach Sieler both had sacks, and Calais Campbell’s pressure up the middle forced an errant throw that Kader Kohou picked off inside of 2 minutes left in the game.
There were still some bad moments – such as when Deebo Samuel fought through both of Miami’s starting safeties to work his way into the end zone in a truly regrettable moment in the first half.
However, it was still improvement overall, and as much as Miami has been lashed by the media – again, rightfully so – they deserve credit when they actually play good, physical football.
Chris Grier still has questions to answer on this roster, to be clear. That wasn’t solved in a day. Miami has to get better starting and depth options in some spots on the offensive line. Still, for one day against a team that was a play away from winning the Super Bowl back in February, Miami looked like a team that fans had hoped to see in 2024.