Miami, FL

Miami Dolphins lose at Indianapolis Colts, 5 Instant Takeaways | Schad

Published

8 months ago

October 20, 2024

Miami Dolphins lose at Indianapolis Colts, 5 Instant Takeaways | Schad

The Miami Dolphins’ backup quarterback plan of Skylar Thompson-Tyler Huntley-Tim Boyle has posted a 1-3 record in the absence of Tua Tagovailoa.

Perhaps Tagovailoa will return from concussion next Sunday in a home game against Arizona.

But is it too late?

Miami lost 16-10 at Indianapolis on Sunday afternoon.

The Dolphins are 2-4. The Colts are 4-3.

Dolphins quarterback quarterback Huntley was knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury in the third quarter, replaced by veteran Boyle.

He led a drive that could have tied the score at 13, but Jason Sanders hit an upright and missed a 54-yard field goal with about five minutes remaining.

The Dolphins’ special teams have been an embarrassment this season.

Miami ran the ball with some success (despite two lost fumbles).

Miami’s defense was solid, but once against yielded too many big rushing plays.

The game ended with Boyle threw an incomplete pass on fourth down with seven seconds remaining.

The pass was intended for Malik Washington around the Colts’ 20-yard-line.

Here are our Miami Dolphins vs. Indianapolis Colts Instant Takeaways

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley knocked out of game with injury vs. Indianapolis

Miami predictably pounded the rock

Entering the game, no team had given up more rushing yards than the Colts.

Without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, it was extremely predictable that the Dolphins would pound the ball with De’Von Achane, Raheem Mostert and/or Jaylen Wright.

Achane, wearing a Guardian Cap for the first time, was impressive.

And Mostert was getting back into a groove, too. (A third-quarter fumble hurt.)

But Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel did the right thing. He fed his backs over and over and over in this one.

In the third quarter, McDaniel turned to the rookie Wright and he responded.

On back-to-back carries after Tim Boyle entered at quarterback for an injured Tyler Huntley, Wright ran right for 9 yards and up the middle for 19 yards.

De’Von Achane wearing Guardian helmet as Miami Dolphins play the Indianapolis Colts

Unfortunately for Miami, there were fumbles on back-to-back possessions in the third quarter.

First, Mostert fumbled. Then, fullback Alec Ingold fumbled.

Miami totaled 36 carries for 171 rushing yards through three quarters.

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel needs to run it again 40 times on Sunday | Schad

Tight end Jonnu Smith a positive factor

After a slow start to his Dolphins career, veteran tight end Jonnu Smith has become a factor.

It is clear that Huntley has a comfort level with Jonnu, who caught a first-quarter touchdown.

In fact, it was Jonnu and Jaylen Waddle who showed up to run routes for Huntley in Miami’s bye week.

It will be interesting to see if Jonnu continues to be a factor when Tagovailoa returns.

In the first half on Sunday, neither Tyreek Hill nor Waddle had a target. That will change when Tua returns.

Through three quarters, Hill and Waddle totaled 0 catches for 0 yards.

That they have maintained a certain measure of patience in Tua’s absence is notable.

Tyler Huntley texted Jaylen Waddle and Jonnu Smith for a bye-week catch and they showed up

Zach Sieler doing some Christian Wilkins-type things

Miami has had some spotty moments against the run this season, and did again on Sunday, but defensive tackle Zach Sieler has done his part to fill the void of departed friend Christian Wilkins.

Sieler recovered a fumble in the first half. And he continues to display a relentless that helps set a tone for the entire defense. He’s stepped up his leadership role, too.

Because veteran Calais Campbell has tapped into a Fountain of Youth in South Florida, the combination of Sieler and Campbell has been impressive.

In fact, one could argue last year’s Wilkins-Sieler is this year’s Sieler-Campbell.

Campbell, who is playing inside and outside, had a tackle for loss to open the game — again.

Miami’s defense sold under Anthony Weaver

The Dolphins’ first-year defensive coordinator, Anthony Weaver, has done a fine job.

Yes, the schedule is going to get tougher.

But Weaver has installed a multiple defense that dominates on third downs.

Miami has been able to create some pressure, even without Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips.

And Miami’s pass defense, even when missing a starting safety or two, has been excellent.

We get it. Slowing down Anthony Richardson in the air is not close to the type of challenge Miami may face in future weeks.

Here are some of those quarterbacks they figure to play: Kyler Murray, Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford, Jordan Love, Aaron Rodgers (twice), C.J. Stroud, Brock Purdy. So, yes, it will get tougher from here.

Concerns will probably shift from run defense to pass defense in future weeks. The Dolphins allowed the Colts to rush for more than 150 yards on Sunday.

But Weaver seems to have the ability to make some good adjustments and come up with some reasonable solutions.

Miami’s defense, and its defensive coordinator, do not appear to be a problem.

This & That

Rookie Chop Robinson started at edge… Rookie Mo Kamara made his debut at edge for Miami… Odell Beckham, Jr., failed to bring in either of two first-half targets, including a drop… Tyler Huntley picked up a first down on a third-down scramble… There were a few questionable and odd penalty calls on Miami in the first half, including a defensive pass interference on Kendall Fuller, an offensive facemask penalty on Liam Eichenberg, a chop block on Alec Ingold and a hold on tight end Durham Smythe… Julian Hill had another penalty on special teams… Chop Robinson took a shot to the midsection near the end of the first half… Jake Bailey had a nice punt in the first half down to Indy’s 10-yard line. Miami used a new snapper, veteran Matt Overton, with Blake Ferguson on the non-football illness list… Raheem Mostert fumbled in the third quarter, leading to a touchdown to tie the score at 10… Siran Neal made an immediate and excellent tackle following a Dolphins’ punt… Kader Kohou has improved throughout the season and he had two solid pass breakups… Braxton Berrios appears to sustain a lower-body injury on a fourth quarter punt return. He was seen punching the turf… Alec Ingold failed to convert on a third-and-1 late in the fourth quarter… Tyreek Hill had his first catch of the game with about two minutes to play.

Miami Dolphins rookie Chop Robinson has this extremely lofty goal for his legacy

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

Source link

Click to comment

Miami, FL

Miami Marlins Have Multiple Of MLB’s Top Pitching Trade Chips

Published

2 hours ago

June 20, 2025

Press Room

Miami Marlins Have Multiple Of MLB’s Top Pitching Trade Chips

The Miami Marlins are going to be sellers at this year’s trade deadline. They are in the middle of what could be a lengthy rebuild and are already out of the playoff picture.

Luckily for Miami, the one position that just about every playoff team needs is pitching, and the Marlins have two of the top starting pitchers who could be on the move before the MLB trade deadline.

Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report recently ranked the top starting pitchers on the trade market, and a pair of Marlins arms appeared on his list.

The analyst named Sandy Alcantara as the second-best pitcher who could be moved between now and the trade deadline.

“The former NL Cy Young Award winner will be an interesting consideration for contenders. His contract makes him a multi-year investment, and if he’s even a good No. 2 moving forward, his contract will be very team-friendly,” wrote Kelly.

“But it’s hard to be certain Alcántara will be a key cog in helping you win a World Series this year given how he’s pitched thus far. So teams aren’t going to offer today what they might in the offseason if Alcántara looks like the old version of himself in the second half of the season.”

Alcantara had a rough start to the season but has strung together three solid starts and has that Cy Young award to his name, making him an interesting trade option for any contender.

May 25, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Miami Marlins catcher Agustín Ramírez (50) and starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (27) meet at the mount against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Alcantara isn’t the only pitcher that could draw interest leading up to the trade deadline.

Another one of Miami’s starting pitchers who could be moved is Edward Cabrera. The right-hander has recorded a 3.81 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP so far this season.

Cabrera isn’t an ace that will turn a Wild Card team into a World Series contender, but as Kelly noted, “If you’re a team that’s contending and think your window will be open for the next few years, Cabrera makes sense because he’s only 27 years old and can’t become a free agent until after the 2028 season.”

The question right now shouldn’t be, ‘Will the Marlins make any trades?’ Instead, it’s ‘Who will be on the move and when will that trade happen?’

Alcantara and Cabrera are clear candidates to be pitching for different teams in August.

MORE: Surprising Team Emerging as Trade Destination for Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara

MORE: Marlins’ Surging Star’s Trade Value Reaching Astronomical Levels

MORE: This Miami Marlins Trade Deadline Move Would be a Complete Shock

MORE: Top NL Exec Gets Candid on Potential Trade With Miami Marlins

MORE: Miami Marlins Make 3 Roster Moves on Thursday

Source link

Miami, FL

Messi delivers a show-stopping moment the Club World Cup, Miami and MLS needed

Published

20 hours ago

June 20, 2025

Press Room

Messi delivers a show-stopping moment the Club World Cup, Miami and MLS needed

ATLANTA – The chants echoed throughout Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Inter Miami’s superstar No. 10 walked the pitch after scoring the winner against Porto on Thursday.

“Messi! Messi! Messi!”

The vast majority of the 30,000-plus fans in attendance stood and worshipped their football idol. Their arms raised, men, women and children in pink Miami shirts, Barcelona colors and Argentina national team kits bowed their heads in awe. Their hero had delivered an improbable and unprecedented win for an MLS team over a European opponent in official competition.

Lionel Messi’s free kick from just outside the Porto penalty area in the 54th minute provided this Club World Cup with its first magical moment. Inter Miami defeated Porto 2-1 and gave this controversial tournament something even its most ardent detractors could celebrate. And that’s precisely why FIFA president Gianni Infantino made sure to include Miami in the tournament at all costs. Miami took the tournament’s host slot despite only claiming the MLS’ Supporters’ Shield trophy in 2024.

That award is given to the team that earns the most points over the course of an MLS regular season, and while that is enough to be crowned champion in most leagues around the world, America’s first division ends with a playoff format – one that Miami crashed out of in the first round last season. The Supporters’ Shield has also lost its prestige, a byproduct of the postseason that can be harsh even on the strongest teams.

So, Miami’s inclusion in the Club World Cup came with an asterisk, but Miami’s participation meant that Messi would be a must-see attraction for as long as his side stayed alive.

Inter Miami celebrates Lionel Messi’s stunning goal vs. Porto at the Club World Cup (Photo by Brynn Anderson/AP Photo)

There are plenty of global football stars in the U.S. this summer, and some massive football brands, too. But even at 37 (and turning 38 next week), and having lost the burst that made him nearly unstoppable during his peak Barcelona years, Messi can still carry a tournament on his own.

FIFA needed the big European clubs to arrive on U.S. shores willing to compete this summer. And FIFA needed a moment like the one we witnessed on Thursday to justify Miami’s contentious invitation. At a tournament without Cristiano Ronaldo or Lamine Yamal, and with Kylian Mbappé’s availability for Real Madrid in question, the old hand of Messi was needed to hold up a competition in dire need of a spark.

Messi answered the call in typical fashion on Thursday. A quiet first half in which the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner coasted in and out of midfield resulted in few highlights for Miami’s No. 10. Porto took the lead when Samuel Aghehowa converted from the penalty spot in the eighth minute. At that moment, it appeared as if the football gods would not be in Messi’s corner.

After all, Miami’s sometimes-pitiful form in MLS play this season did little to inspire any hope that the club would remain alive after two matches. A resounding equalizer from Venezuelan international Telasco Segovia two minutes into the second half set the stage for what would be a remarkable result for Miami. When Chilean referee Cristián Marcelo Garay blew his whistle after Messi fell to ground near Porto’s 18, there was no doubt what would come next.

“Whenever there’s a free kick from that close, there’s always a chance — especially with a player like Leo, who can strike the ball to the keeper’s side or over the wall,” said Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets. “We tried to block the keeper’s vision a bit, and then the rest took care of itself.”

Inside the press tribune, scores of reporters took out their phones and began to record as Messi lined up the free kick. When one has the opportunity to watch him play, there’s always a hope that something memorable will occur. Nearly two years ago, Messi and Miami were in a similar situation. Miami was facing Mexican side Cruz Azul in Leagues Cup, a concocted tournament that pits MLS clubs against their regional rivals south of the U.S. border.

Tied 1-1, Messi hunched over the ball after earning a foul and then proceeded to casually place his free kick to the goalkeeper’s right just under the cross bar for a 95th-minute winner. That moment announced his U.S. arrival.

On Thursday, he let the world know that he can still change a game at any given moment.

53′ ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? 🐐
Messi scores a GORGEOUS free kick goal and @InterMiami are now leading 2-1 versus @FCPorto!
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MIAFCP pic.twitter.com/KvshKKFrrY
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 19, 2025

“I saw that the (Porto) goalkeeper was standing slightly in the middle, being close to goal I knew it would be difficult to put it over the wall,” Messi told DAZN after the match. “I took advantage of the opening that the goalkeeper gave me. He was standing centrally and wasn’t covering his post and that’s where I went.”

Added Miami defender Marcelo Weigandt: “It was extraordinary. I was standing right behind him, and when I saw the ball take off with such power, I said, ‘That’s it.’ And well, honestly, it was a great goal. But we’re already used to this kind of thing.”

On the same day that Seattle Sounders lost 3-1 to Atlético Madrid, leaving the MLS club with slim hopes to advance, Miami’s win was a boon for the league.

“Maybe the rest of the world doesn’t really know what level the MLS is at,” Miami forward Fafa Picault said. “Maybe (people) still see (MLS) as being at the same level it was 20 years ago, but that’s no longer the case. There’s a lot of quality in the league and very good teams.”

“We’re very happy, obviously,” Messi said. “The entire team worked really hard today. It was a good performance. Not only did we defend well, but throughout the first half and after the 2-1, we possessed the ball well. Again, we’re happy because we ended the first match with a sour taste in our mouths. We felt we could’ve won that game, but of course we could’ve lost it too. (Al Ahly) had a penalty. It’s a very important win for us and we’ll celebrate it.”

FIFA knew that it would take heat after giving Miami a spot in the tournament, but even the naysayers understood what was at stake. It’s more than likely that Messi will not be an active player when the Club World Cup takes place four years from now. If Infantino wanted to ride the tidal wave of interest that Messi has created in the U.S., and boost a tournament that critics don’t believe in, he needed Miami in the competition. He needed Messi and he needed Messi to perform.

Miami remains alive heading into its final group match against Palmeiras. It’ll be another massive test for a Miami side that is prone to inconsistency. The Brazilian club has looked like the top team in the group and will aim to keep Messi and Miami from extending their stay.

Throughout Messi’s career, a phrase has been repeated by fans and pundits as a sign of reverence, especially after a game-winning performance. Messi. Siempre Messi. (It’s always Messi).

On Thursday in Atlanta, Porto understood exactly what that saying means.

Messi did it again.

Siempre Messi.

(Top photo: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters/Imagn Images)

You can sign up to DAZN to watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free.

Source link

Miami, FL

Can the Dolphins pass rush carry the defense – The Splash Zone 6/19/25

Published

2 days ago

June 19, 2025

Press Room

Can the Dolphins pass rush carry the defense – The Splash Zone 6/19/25

We have a little bit more than a month until Miami Dolphins training camp begins and their secondary is still a big question mark. With CB Jalen Ramsey expected to be traded sometime soon, the most proven cornerback on the team is Kader Kohou. The Dolphins have been talking to some veteran players and could possibly sign one of them before training camp begins. Or perhaps they’ll let the young guys develop and hope that their pass rush will be enough to help out. The Dolphins will get back Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb after both dealt with injuries last season. Plus the development Chop Robinson showed as the season went on left many fans excited to see his potential.

You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.

Can Miami Dolphins’ Pass Rush Carry an Unproven Secondary in 2025?
The Dolphins are relying on a lot of young coverage players, but with Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb returning, the defense might have enough firepower to be effective.

Dolphins Quarterbacks

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has tough challenge balancing success, health, says Steve Young – Yahoo Sports
Hall of Fame QB Steve Young shares advice on how Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa should approach his future and how he plays the game.

Dolphins Linebackers

Miami Dolphins Top 10 players countdown: Edge rusher Chop Robinson is No. 10 – Yahoo Sports
Countdown to training camp: Chop Robinson is No. 10 on our Dolphins Top 10 players countdown

Dolphins Training Camp

Miami Dolphins training camp dates, times, what to know – Yahoo Sports
The first Miami Dolphins training camp practice open to fans will be Saturday, July 26. Here is the Dolphins’ training camp schedule.

Dolphins Offseason

Chris Perkins: Dolphins head into 2025 season with Plan B after Plan A failed – Yahoo Sports
Let’s be clear about something: The Miami Dolphins enter the 2025 season relying on Plan B — winning with draftees and young players.

‘There’s no limit’ — Terron Armstead backs Tua Tagovailoa and names 3 crucial factors that will define Dolphins’ 2025 season
The Miami Dolphins are pressing forward without newly retired offensive tackle Terron Armstead in 2025. It’s a big change but one that Armstead himself believes

Phinsider News You May Have Missed

Jonnu Smith situation ‘still fluid’ – Miami Dolphins News 6/17/25 – The Phinsider
Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours.

Dolphins Training Camp 2025: Public practices, Jaguars joint practice announced – The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins have released their 2025 practice schedule for training camp in July and August.

Do the Miami Dolphins have one of the worst rosters in the National Football League? – The Phinsider
Pro Football Focus ranks the Miami Dolphins roster as the 24th best in the NFL, placing them in the bottom 25% out of all teams.

NFL roundup: Bengals and Trey Hendrickson resume contract talks – The Phinsider
Hendrickson and the Bengals resumed talks about a possible contract extension.

Your Take On Future NFL Expansion – The Phinsider
Miami Dolphins fans express their views on potential NFL expansion. .

Source link