Miami Dolphins Open Season 2-0
By Brian Miller
Sep 15, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross celebrates after defeating the Indianapolis Colts 24-20 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins couldn’t simply go out and win a football game they had to put Miami’s fans into a tense 4th quarter that required a major defensive stand. In the end the Dolphins secured a 2-0 record to open the 2013 season.
The Dolphins opened up a 14-3 lead early before once again surrendering the points to go behind late in the first half. Unlike previous games, the Dolphins opted to move down the field and attempt to tie the game going into half-time. They did on a 52 yard field goal by Caleb Sturgis. With the score tied at 17 the Dolphins readied for a second half that would prove to be a bloody knuckle brawl.
Entering the game the Dolphins were expected to use their “speed package” on defense to pressure and harass Colt’s QB Andrew Luck all day. Instead they barely got to the crafty QB. When they did, Luck managed to get out of the attempted tackles and turn 3rd and longs into first downs. Without pressure from Miami’s defense, Luck worked the field and stayed in the game but a strong defensive secondary for Miami held the Colts to only three second half points.
The 2-0 start for Miami is their first since 2010. The win also ends a four game losing streak to the Colts that dates back to the Peyton Manning days.
Hero’s of the game:
Brent Grimes – Grimes gave up one deep completion to TY Hilton that led to the Colts first TD. He made up for that with several other knocked down passes but it was his end-zone interception late in the game that not only saved the Dolphins chances of winning but cleared rookie Dion Jordan of a very costly mistake.
Charles Clay – Clay has been much maligned since the loss of Dustin Keller but there is no question that he has stepped up play. Clay caught five passes for 109 yards and rushed one yard for the eventual winning score. Clay looked very solid in this routes.
Mike Wallace – If Wallace is going to complain about anything this week it may be that Brian Hartline didn’t see more looks. Wallace was targeted often in the game and finished with 9 catches for 111 yards and his first TD as a Dolphin.
Lamar Miller – A sluggish non-existent start in week 1 rebounded in week 2. Miller rushed 14 times for 69 yards and one TD. It was his 3rd and 8 rush with just over minute left in the game that sealed the Dolphins victory. Taking the snap and gaining the first down.
Brian Hartline – Again making the tough catches, Hartline added 68 yards on his five receptions today.
Phillip Wheeler – Wheeler had the final sack of the game ending the attempted go-ahead game winning drive for the Colts but it was his 8 tackles that led the team and he was very solid in coverage breaking up two passes.
Dogs of the game:
Dion Jordan – Jordan was in the game on several plays and got to the QB twice. It was the second attempt at a sack that lands him squarely on the top of our DOGS list. Facing a 3rd and long late in the game Andrew Luck faced a rushing Jordan who was untouched. Instead of wrapping up the QB, Jordan actually tried to push him down. Luck never came close to falling over and ran for the first down extending the drive. He was avenged for his stupidity later on the drive when Brent Grimes got his end-zone pick.