TNF Recap: Fitz-Magic takes down Minshew Mania
On Thursday night, the Miami Dolphins traveled to Jacksonville to take on Gardner Minshew and the Jacksonville Jaguars in an AFC battle. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick got the best of QB Gardner Minshew as the Miami Dolphins notched their first win of the season by a convincing score of 31-13. Let us analyze how the game played out and the key areas to Miami’s victory and Jacksonville’s defeat.
Game Recap
From the first snap on, the Miami Dolphins were in control and Jacksonville never put up a fight. Miami went wire-to-wire, bursting out to a 14-0 lead after the first quarter, credit to a receiving touchdown by Preston Williams, which was followed by a Jordan Howard one-yard plunge into the red zone. Jacksonville could not get much going on the offensive side of the ball. Minshew and crew had the ball for only 25 minutes and were 3-10 on third down. CB Xavien Howard sealed the deal with an interception late in the fourth quarter, even though a comeback was unlikely.
Miami’s Efficient Offense
After only putting up 11 points in Week 1, the Miami Dolphin offense played well in Week 2, and followed up that performance by dropping 31 points in Week 3. Led by veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami was able to get two scores in the air. As stated earlier, Preston Williams got the air raid going with a three-yard touchdown catch. Mike Gesicki also found the endzone for a 15-yard touchdown, his only catch of the game. WR Devante Parker led the way with five catches, as Fitzpatrick threw for 160 yards and no interceptions, along with the two touchdowns.
A big part of their success moving the ball was their efficiency on the ground. Miami, who could not find a running game at all in 2019, rushed for a solid 138 yards. Myles Gaskin, their clear lead back now, totaled 66 yards on the ground. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick added 38 yards and a touchdown also. In depleted role’s, RB’s Matt Breida and Jordan Howard contributed six carries for five yards and a goal-line touchdown by Jordan Howard.
Jacksonville’s Offense Struggles
After back-to-back weeks of playing well offensively, the Jaguars offense came crashing back to earth in Week 3. QB Gardner Minshew did not throw a touchdown and turned the ball over twice (1 INT, 1 fumble) in the defeat. Without WR D.J. Chark, the Jacksonville receivers failed to make any big plays. Their longest play of the day was their first play from scrimmage, a 24-yard reception by RB James Robinson. Robinson also led the way in catches and yards out of the backfield. No Jaguar receiver totaled over 50 yards in the game.
Even in the loss, the Jacksonville Jaguars are extremely excited about RB James Robinson. Robinson, an undrafted rookie, has become the focal point for Jacksonville’s offense. On the day, Robinson totaled 129 yards (46 rushing, 83 receiving) and found the endzone twice, both on the ground. On the season, Robinson has totaled 339 yards in three games while also scoring three touchdowns. As the season goes on, expect the Jaguars to give him more opportunities to make plays and be a playmaker in a crafty Jacksonville offensive system led by OC Jay Gruden.
Looking Ahead
Because of the Thursday night game, both teams will have the chance to get healthy with ten days before their next game. Miami (1-2) will look to make it two in a row, but will have to face Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks, who are 2-0 to start the season. As for Jacksonville (1-2), they draw an easier matchup, traveling to Cincinnati to take on the Joe Burrow and the Bengals (0-2) looking to get back on the winning track.
Stats and game info from profootballreference.com
Writer
-By: Richie Dordas