The Miami Dolphins captured a stressful win in their first Sunday Night Football appearance since 2017, taking down the Pittsburgh Steelers, 16-10. It felt like a cardiac performance, but in the end, the Fins improve to 4-3. Here are some takeaways from the win.
1. Kenny Pickett, more like “CAN-HE-PICK-IT!”
Kenny Pickett would complete 32-of-44 passes, throwing for only one touchdown. However, you can’t spell Pickett without “pick”, which he did three times, two in Miami’s territory late in the game.
He is only a rookie, so mistakes are expected. However, the Dolphins gave Pickett too many chances, but he did not take advantage.
2. Noah Igbinoghene and the Dolphins defense stepped up when needed. The Dolphins struggled offensively.
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One of the big lead ups to Sunday’s game was the return of Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa. He had a perfect first drive, which ended with a Raheem Mostert eight-yard touchdown pass. But the remainder of the game, he looked off, nearly throwing five interceptions. Luckily, the Steelers secondary did not practice enough with the jugs machine at practice, so Tua finished the game with no turnovers.
Miami did not need a great performance from Tua, as they would use an amazing defensive effort to survive a late Pittsburgh push.
Jevon Holland would intercept Pickett inside the Miami five with three minutes to go. After a second chance where the Steelers got deep into Dolphins territory, it would be an unsung hero that would call game: Noah Igbinoghene.
The Dolphins secondary was depleted when Brandon Jones went down with a lower ankle injury. He is out indefinitely. Luckily, the defense did just enough.
3. The Hype was PERFECT.
- Brian Flores returned to Miami and lost against Tua.
- The 1972 Dolphins 50th anniversary was celebrated, and Tua was there for it.
- Sunday Night Football on NBC! Primetime football in Miami!
If that doesn’t hype you up, then I don’t know what will.
Next up, the Dolphins travel up to Detroit to face the Lions. Tua will surely be looking for a bounce back performance.