Going in to Sunday eve’s widely scrutinized NFL featured showdown between two 5-1 teams, NFL fans were on alert.
Watching the Miami Dolphins visit the Philadelphia Eagles, we knew we could easily be treated to a Super Bowl preview. Beyond that, we were watching two quarterbacks compete that share an uncommon bond.
Battle of the ‘Bama QB’s
Besides their records, these teams have a total of 11 Alabama alumni between the two of them. Included in this total are the two starting quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa.
When asked about that, Hurts offered this sound byte as part of his postgame interview on the field: “Much respect to all my friends over there from Alabama.”
He made it clear, however, that his focus was winning, no matter who was on the other side. Hurts got the better of this match-up, and at the conclusion of the game, he shared an amicable embrace with Tua. Hurts told ESPN’s reporter on the field in his postgame interview that he viewed the game as just another opportunity for his team.
Both Alabama quarterbacks on the field last Sunday threw one interception. The Dolphins made enough plays in the passing game to keep the game close until the Eagles pulled away late, en route to a 31-17 win. Most of that cushion came courtesy of the solid connection between Hurts and the man who best epitomizes Philadelphia’s gritty workmanlike resilience, wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Brown plays with a physicality that make even some of the most respected pro cornerbacks seem like they’re still in college. Even with veteran cornerback Eli Apple in a Dolphins uniform, Brown repeatedly burned the Dolphins secondary. The Dolphins had to play without perennial Pro Bowlers Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard.
Miami’s aerial attack can’t compensate for the missing pieces
Miami wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. made an impactful sideline grab to keep the drive alive on the way to Pro Bowl receiver Tyreek Hill scoring his one touchdown. That touchdown was enough to put him in first place in the NFL with the most touchdown catches so far this season. Hill finished with a much needed 88 yards on 11 catches.
The Dolphins did not run the ball the way we had been accustomed to seeing all season. Even though the Dolphins made speed their calling card this season, they weren’t able to get to the perimeter on run plays this Sunday. The Eagles defense was able to load up the middle, and the result was a rather one-dimensional offensive attack. This came as a surprise from a team that racked up the most rushing yards in the league. Yet, this would not strike NFL fans necessarily as a death knell for the Dolphins, as the team still boasts the contributions of wide receiver Tyreek Hill. He is widely heralded as one of the preeminent playmakers in the league. On Sunday, his biggest play was for 28 yards, so the Eagles were effective in keeping his big-yard ability in check. Overall, the Eagles benefited from 20 extra plays as compared to their South Florida opponent.
The Dolphins secondary struggles with A.J. Brown
Most of those extra plays came due to their Coach Nick Sirianni’s willingness to roll the dice for quarterback Jalen Hurts to convert four different 3rd & 1 and 4th & 1 plays into first downs. Hurts’ favorite target on Sunday proved to be his brawny wide-out, whose imposing physique created a match-up nightmare. The game ended with 10 catches for 137 yards for Brown.
“We didn’t do enough to win that game…we’ll learn from that,” Tua told reporters after the game.
On the other side, Hurts amassed 11 straight wins as starting quarterback against teams with winning records.
He lauded his teammate: “This guy (Brown)… he played a hell of a game. He showed up when we needed him most.”
Miami fans look forward to future game days when Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard will be just as present.