Dolphins find keys to shut down Eagles
Dolphins front seven vs. Eagles offensive line
Who won: Dolphins
The impact: At base, Chip Kelly’s offense works off the run. That didn’t change just because the Dolphins took two quarters to cover the tight end. Led by defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh’s seven solo tackles, which included a sack, the Dolphins stuffed the Eagles’ running backs — 33 carries for 79 yards. Then, they drew holding penalty after holding penalty to disrupt Eagles’ drives. In the third quarter, outside linebacker/defensive end Chris McCain broke quarterback Sam Bradford with a huge hit as Bradford threw the ball. That summoned backup Mark Sanchez off the bench. Game.
Dolphins special teams vs. Eagles special teams
Who won: Dolphins
The impact: This is a narrow 7-6 win for the Dolphins, but, hey, they did win the game by one. Damien Williams comical failure to just field and fall on a kickoff put the Dolphins on their own 1. That led to the safety and subsequent touchdown by the Eagles. That’s 9-0 for Philly’s special teams, but take away three points for kicker Caleb Sturgis blowing a layup — a 32-yard field goal attempt: 6-0. The Dolphins first touchdown was set up by Zach Vigil’s blocked punt, which gave the Dolphins the ball at the Philly 12: 7-6.
Eagles QB Mark Sanchez vs. Rust and himself
Who won: Dolphins
The impact: In an overall poorly played game that actually included a Butt Tackle, of course the decisive mistake would come from the former Jets Butt Fumble quarterback. Sam Bradford’s injury forced Philadelphia to turn to Sanchez. Sanchez, handing the ball off in the read-option style, repeatedly tripped running back DeMarco Murray because they get so little practice time together. Then, when Sanchez got the Eagles to the Dolphins’ 9 with any score giving the Eagles a late lead, he tried to laser a tough throw to Miles Austin in the end zone. Interception, Reshad Jones.
This story was originally published November 15, 2015 at 9:14 PM with the headline "Dolphins find keys to shut down Eagles."