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Was the Miami Dolphins' Victory a Fluke or the Start of a Run?
Written by: Blake Korn
The Miami Dolphins pulled off one of the most surprising results of the NFL season — a
dominant 34-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Heading into the matchup as massive
underdogs, few expected Miami to control the game the way they did. Yet from the opening
kickoff, the Dolphins dictated the tempo, outplaying a Falcons team led by veteran quarterback
Kirk Cousins.
Offensive Line Finally Shows Up
So what changed? Why did Miami’s offense, which has sputtered for most of the year, suddenly
look sharp and explosive?
The answer is simple — the offensive line played well.
For an offense built around rhythm, timing, and precision, protection is everything. When Tua
Tagovailoa can trust his blockers, he can execute those quick three-step drops and fire
confidently off his back foot. That’s exactly what happened Sunday. The Dolphins racked up 140
rushing yards, opening up the play-action game and keeping Atlanta’s defense guessing all
afternoon.
It’s no coincidence that Miami’s best offensive performances this season have come when the
run game is working. When the Dolphins are able to establish balance, everything flows more
naturally — and that was on full display in this win.
Tua’s “Flu Game” – Or Something Deeper?
In what’s already being dubbed his “flu game,” Tua played through a case of pink eye in his left
eye — essentially relying on one eye for vision. And somehow, he looked as sharp as ever.
While that’s impressive, it also raises questions. If Tua can perform at a high level while barely
seeing out of one eye, is that a testament to his instincts — or an indictment of how much the
Dolphins’ scheme relies on Mike McDaniel’s play design rather than Tua’s field reading?
It’s a fair concern. Tua appeared to trust that the open man would be exactly where the play
called for, not necessarily where his own read would lead him. That kind of reliance works when
everything is perfect — but against elite defenses, it’s a dangerous game.
Defense Finally Delivers
Perhaps the most surprising part of the afternoon was Miami’s defense. Before this game, the
Dolphins had given up at least 24 points in every contest — including five games allowing 30
or more. Against Atlanta, they held the Falcons to just 10 points, their best defensive showing of
the year.
The difference? The run defense
Miami completely shut down Atlanta’s ground game, clogging lanes and eliminating the 7- or
8-yard chunk plays that have plagued them all season. The pass rush wasn’t overly dominant, but
it didn’t need to be. By forcing the Falcons into quick throws and preventing big runs, the
Dolphins controlled the game script from start to finish.
A Win for Anthony Weaver — and His Future
This was more than just a statement win — it was a lifeline for defensive coordinator Anthony
Weaver. His unit has been under fire all year, and this performance could go a long way toward
quieting some of the noise.
Still, one great game doesn’t erase the struggles of an entire season. I’ve been vocal in calling for
changes — Weaver, general manager Chris Greer, and possibly even Mike McDaniel — and
while this win offers hope, it doesn’t change the bigger picture yet.
The Reality Check Awaits
As sweet as this victory was, the real test comes next. The Dolphins face the Baltimore Ravens,
one of the most complete teams in football. And unfortunately, I fear it’ll be more of the same
struggles that have defined Miami’s season rather than the magic we saw last week.
If the Dolphins want to prove this wasn’t a fluke, they’ll need to show the same discipline,
balance, and toughness against an elite opponent. Otherwise, this win — as great as it felt — will
be remembered as just another false dawn.
For now, Dolphins fans can celebrate a rare moment of joy. But reality may hit hard on Sunday.
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