The Miami Dolphins have played very well this season, especially on offense, but some have wondered if they’re for real as far as being potential Super Bowl contenders.
This past Sunday, they had an opportunity to prove those doubters wrong when they faced the Philadelphia Eagles on the road. However, they lost to the defending NFC champions, 31-17, and it seemed to give their critics plenty of ammunition.
Commentator Colin Cowherd said that all five of the Dolphins’ wins so far this season have come against weak teams, but versus the Eagles and Buffalo Bills, the two teams they have lost to, they have gotten handled. Cowherd essentially said the Fins are fake contenders by comparing them to men in Miami who pretend to be rich but aren’t.
In addition, Fox Sports 1’s Skip Bayless called the Dolphins “fraudulent” and even had some criticism for head coach Mike McDaniel.
It should be noted that, while it wasn’t an excuse for their loss, the Dolphins were without three key players. Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard, their two starting cornerbacks were out, as was rookie standout running back De’Von Achane, who had been having an outstanding year until a knee injury shelved him after Week 5.
Ramsey hasn’t played for Miami yet after it traded for him during the offseason, while Howard was a late scratch due to a groin injury. As a result, wideout A.J. Brown had his way with the team, tallying 10 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown.
The Dolphins, who are still first in rushing yards and touchdowns on the season, were never able to get their running game going as they mustered a meager 45 yards on the ground.
If they’re going to prove they’re in the same class as the Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, they’re going to have to get a couple of wins versus quality teams. They will have an opportunity to do so in Week 9 when they visit the Chiefs.
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