Miami Dolphins Find a Way to Lose Against Undefeated Arizona Cardinals

Sept. 30, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Ryan Williams (34) runs the ball against Miami Dolphins cornerback Richard Marshall (31) in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Dolphins 24-21 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE

You know that saying “the better team won”? Well this is absolutely true, but in exception to Miami’ Dolphins’ loss against the Arizona Cardinals 24-21 on Sunday.

Joe Philbin’s squad came out firing all sides of the turf, from the passing game to the defensive line. In observing the first half, the Miami Dolphins took charge and led the way early with terrific consecutive drives by rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who finished with career highs across the board- 431 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

Dolphins’ defensive end Cameron Wake had a stunning performance in the first half of play tallying three sacks, 4.5 total. His ability to get to the quarterback was relevant as Miami sacked the Cardinals quarterback eight times.

The second half was mind blowing to say the least. Throughout the game, wide receiver Brian Hartline was incredible, in his ability to create his own real estate within the secondary of the Arizona Cardinals. The former Ohio State Buckeye finished with 253 yards and one touchdown.

Defensively, the cornerbacks of the Dolphins were tight on their opponent’s wide receivers. Incomprehensible numbers across the board from finishing tackles to catching interceptions (yes I said catching in the duration of the three quarters).

The fourth quarter was a story in itself. Right from the get-go, the Arizona Cardinals scored first with a 46-yard touchdown to Andre Roberts.

Miami realizing that there was no room for error, saw a strong tandem in the making as Tannehill and Hartline connected with a 80-yard bomb down the sidelines. With little time left on the clock, Joe Philbin’s team felt comfortable with their 21-14 lead.

Kevin Kolb, who produced 324 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, showed his poise and composure down the stretch as well as in the pocket. His friendly receiver throughout the game was Andre Roberts. Subsequently, the experienced wide out scored with less than 22 seconds remaining on the clock.

With nothing else to do but down the ball, Miami was hoping the same string of events in week three would not happen, but they were most certainly wrong. The case of the Dolphins season so far, not being able to close out games.

After a three and out display by the Dolphins tight and tough defense, Ryan Tannehill and company had the ball on their own 30-yard line. Arizona, being one of the toughest defenses in the NFL thus far in the 2012 season, presented their true colors in pressuring the first-year quarterback and forced a bad throw into an interception.

Arizona has been dominant in conclusions when they go into overtime, and the same can be said with their kicker. Jay Feely, a former Dolphin, lined up and kick the ball through the uprights to end the everlasting game.