3 things we learned from the Miami Dolphins eye opening loss to the 49ers
By Matt Serniak
![Dec 4, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) is wrapped up by Miami Dolphins players during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports Dec 4, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) is wrapped up by Miami Dolphins players during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fphinphanatic-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F19565932-850x560-3341d09dcc911fbdd84a94eff5f7d3946258ee40dd709ebe3759761dd12c3372.jpg)
I don’t have a ton of Miami Dolphins game notes here since I didn’t take any down due to being a b-day party. But here’s what I recall and how I feel now.
The offense is legit, in case anyone didn’t know. I already wrote how the scheme worked against the 49ers’ #1 ranked defense due to all the receivers who were open. Tua didn’t hit them like he usually does but they were open.
Brock Purdy getting that 4th and 1 sneak when Sieler had him stuffed. It would have been nice if other players came in and you know did something to stop Purdy from rotating and getting used over the line.
I wanted Durham Smythe to get more playing time over Mike Gesicki due to the offensive line being weakened but I don’t think Gesicki played 10 snaps all game. Not great. No chance he’s back next year.
The refs weren’t good but I’ll be damned if I’m going to complain like I’m a sorry Bill’s fan. Nope, I won’t do it.
Christian Wilkins may have had his best game of the season. That guy is playing like a man possessed.
Nice to see Xavien Howard get his first INT of the season.
Man if Tua could have thrown a better pass to Jef Wilson Jr., he’d still be running. It still should have been caught but the ball was slightly off, especially for a running back.
I enjoyed the ballsy call McDaniel for going for it on 4th and 1 at his own 19. It really showed he didn’t have a ton of faith in Josh Boyer’s defense.
Speaking of which, Josh Boyer’s seat is getting hot.
I really hope Jaylen Waddle will be good to go on Sunday. I feel like he should be but I bet he’ll have an injury designation. That guy is tough and can take punishment.
For the love of God, can Tua learn how to take a sack? The last sack of the game where he fumbled he once again tried getting himself broken in half. I’m starting to think he likes it.
Turnovers turnovers and turnovers. Turnovers kept the Dolphin’s offense at bay. All were on Tua. Can’t happen against good teams. As I’ve said, he knows and needs to learn from it. I expect that he will.
How awesome were the 49ers’ linebackers? Dre Greenlaw enforced his will on the Dolphins and Miami couldn’t deal with him or Warner. Must be nice having linebackers like that.
Now it’s about how the Dolphins respond. That’s the next test. They’re going to hear all typed of noise from all the usual suspects and then they play in front of the world on Sunday night football against Justin Herbert and the Chargers. It will be another fascinating game where Tua and Miami can get everyone thinking they’re legit again or they can spiral some more as they then go to Buffalo and play on Saturday night. I hope the former happens.
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