The Miami Dolphins got back on the winning track under interim head coach Dan Campbell, rallying from a 13-point deficit to stun the Philadelphia Eagles in a 20-19 road win. Here's our notes, quotes and observations from a banner win for the Dolphins in Philly.
Notes:
The Eagles lost starting quarterback Sam Bradford midway through the third quarter with a left shoulder injury and concussion. Philadelphia led 16-13 at the time but failed to put Miami away despite multiple opportunities with Mark Sanchez in the game.
The Dolphins run defense held DeMarco Murray to just 61 yards on 23 carries. Miami's D kept Philadelphia from salting the game away late by targeting the run and keeping Philly from shortening the game on the ground.
Philadelphia's defensive front seven peppered Miami's offensive line with creative rush schemes all day, doing everything they possibly could to save this one. It took a lucky TD which bounced off of Connor Barwin's helmet for Miami to finally take the lead to stay.
An odd note in Miami's win -- the Dolphins gave up a safety for a third straight game, tying the 1980 Seattle Seahawks' NFL record.
Quotes:
"He stepped up. He did so much for us." -- Dolphins coach Dan Campbell on Ndamukong Suh's big day.
"We didn't do a good job putting ourselves in situations where we can be successful." -- Eagles coach Chip Kelly.
"It's great for us to pat ourselves on the back right this second." -- Ndamukong Suh on Miami's win.
“When Mark practices during the week, he’s only going to get X amount of reps because you’re getting your starter ready. Those are things, those aren’t excuses. We need to be able to execute.” -- Chip Kelly on late handoff exchange problems between Mark Sanchez and DeMarco Murray.
Observations:
Don't look now, but the Miami Dolphins are 4-5 and just a game behind the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills for the AFC's final playoff spot. They've turned their entire season around under interim coach Dan Campbell, and we wouldn't be surprised if the renewed energy of the roster alone is enough to win him the permanent gig before the end of the 2015 season.
Nobody wants to win the NFC East. After a last-second loss to the New England Patriots, the division-leading New York Giants fell to 5-5. That puts them a half game ahead of the Washington Redskins and Eagles. In fact, the 2-7 Dallas Cowboys aren't even out of it. The Eagles have been frustrating all season long, especially on offense. But, the time is now to put the inconsistency to bed and realize that there's a fantastic opportunity being handed to them on a silver platter.
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