Instant Analysis: Miami Dolphins 33, Carolina Panthers 10

Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist

The win wasn’t the surprise. The dominance against a decent team was. The defense sent Cam Newton to the bench and the combination of Tua Tagovailoa to Jaylen Waddle was the fuel on offense. Four straight wins? December becomes interesting.

Omar Kelly, Dolphins Columnist

The Dolphins seem to be finding their stride, playing with an efficiency that gives them a chance to win games against anybody. The defense is back to being opportunistic and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and the offense’s efficiency level with Tua Tagovailoa gives this team a chance every week.

David Furones, Dolphins Writer

This is what the Dolphins look like clicking on all cylinders. Tua Tagovailoa, even without DeVante Parker and Will Fuller, connecting with Jaylen Waddle non-stop. The defense swarming and forcing turnovers. Even special teams is scoring. The momentum is real, and Miami can legitimately reinsert itself into playoff discussion with a few more wins against a favorable upcoming schedule.

Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor

The Dolphins had their most complete effort of the year and they are now 5-7. Tua Tagovailoa played very well and the defense was even better. Wins against the quite-incomplete Giants and Jets would have Miami at .500. Crazy.

Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor

OK … the Dolphins have basically negated the Falcons and Jaguars losses with two wins as a home underdog against the Ravens and Panthers. They are 5-7 and it would be inexcusable for this meteorically rising defense and the truly competent offense to not defeat the visiting Giants and Jets to get to 7-7. Then, they probably would need to sweep the Saints, Titans and Patriots to reach the playoffs. But, more realistic now — and inconceivable four games ago — is a winning season at 9-8. Tua did two big things he hadn’t during this season: didn’t throw a bad interception, and hit Jaylen Waddle in stride deep down the field. Waddle could end up right in the mix for consideration as the best wide receiver in this draft’s loaded wide receiver first round.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3HYrD6N