Dolphins Limp into Cincinnati In Search for Morale Boost
By Sean Denison
Playing under the bright lights on Thursday Night Football, the Dolphins have the chance to prove to the rest of the league that Sunday’s poor performance against a terrible Browns team was a fluke.
If this past weekend is any indication on where the Miami Dolphins currently stand among NFL teams, then they better pray things change—and fast. Limping into Paul Brown Stadium, the Dolphins are tired, crippled by injuries, and in desperate need for a morale boost.
More from Dolphins News
- 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
- Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
- 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
- Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
- The Miami Dolphins should not take a running back in the draft
Just four days ago, the Dolphins escaped with their first victory of the season over a lowly Cleveland Browns team in their home opener at Hard Rock Stadium. But despite the outcome, they left a lot to be desired. Against what many people thought to be one of the worst teams in the league, the Dolphins failed to capitalize off the golden opportunity. They were outgained, outplayed, and squandered an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, which eventually sent the game into overtime.
Let’s not kid ourselves, if it weren’t for three missed field goals, including a 46-yard attempt that would’ve sent the Browns home Sunday with the victory as time expired, the Dolphins would be playing in tonight’s game winless. But as we’ve learned over the years from great sports philosophers, “a win’s a win.”
Tonight, however, the Dolphins face an uphill battle and will need more than just luck to come out of tonight’s game victorious. Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey will miss his fourth straight game of the season, and backup center Anthony Steen, who hasn’t fully recovered from a high ankle sprain, will likely be a game-time decision. More than likely, the Dolphins will have to turn to eight-year veteran Kraig Urbik who will be making his first start at center this season.
After missing the team’s walkthrough practice, left tackle Branden Albert is a game-time decision. “It looks better today than it did yesterday, so that’s encouraging to us,” Adam Gase confirmed yesterday, via ESPN.com. If Albert can’t go, the Dolphins will move players around and try to find the best set of lineman to play—certainly not ideal, especially on such short notice.
With several linemen either out, hurt, or playing status up in the air, the offense may be in for a long night against a talented Bengals defense. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Adam Gase and offensive coordinator Clyde Christiansen rely more on the running game tonight than they have in previous games this season.
Adding to the list of injuries is running back Arian Foster, tight end Jordan Cameron, and linebacker Koa Misi. Around the NFL, Foster has had the reputation of being made of glass. And since coming to Miami, he has confirmed these allegations by rarely, if ever, playing on the field in a Dolphins’ uniform. Donald Butler, who was signed by the Dolphins two weeks ago, will replace Koa Misi and make his first start of the season tonight as kickoff nears.
No one knows what Dolphins team will show up tonight. Right now, the Dolphins are in a current state of confusion. But maybe tonight is the night they can turn it around and find themselves. A win in Cincinnati will certainly help in their quest.