GAMEDAY Open Thread/Live Blog: Dolphins vs. Redskins | Week 6
As bizarre it may seem, today's matchup at Hard Rock Stadium is not about whether one of these teams will finally win a game. Instead, the focus will be on who manages to continue down the path of earning the first overall pick in the 2020 draft. Fans for both the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Redskins are calling the Week 6 game the "Tank Bowl." Self-awareness in the face of adversity, no doubt, as both teams are facing their own struggles.
In the case of the Redskins, they come to Miami at 0-5, right after firing head coach Jay Gruden, who had been their coach since 2014. Gruden's inability to inspire the troops and his inexplicable unwillingness to play rookie QB Dwayne Haskins contributed to his firing. But more importantly, their owner Dan Snyder has fans of the Redskins void of hope. Snyder is notorious for being hard to work with. He wants things done his way, regardless of what others may think. Snyder is also the one who loves Haskins, and Gruden did not share that love. Now, Bill Callahan takes over as the interim coach to try and weather the storm.
The Dolphins have a more transparent situation. The front office, whether they admit it or not, is hoping for losses. They gutted the roster of talent, made it almost impossible for any success to be achieved, all in the hopes of drafting a franchise QB in 2020. Their actions have led to a frustrated casual fan base, with those more dedicated and on social media actively hoping the Redskins have their "Dan Campbell moment" and ride the wave of a new coach to victory to keep their #Tankovailoa dreams alive. Naturally, the players are not thrilled about that.
Being a Miami fan in 2019 is hard, there's no doubt about that. No matter which side of the aisle you're on, it can feel like you're rooting for the wrong thing. Nevertheless, there is a game to be played, and we will be right here live-blogging and discussing MIAvsWAS here in our weekly GAMEDAY Open Thread. Dive into the conversation — it's easy — by simply going to the top of the site and in the bottom right-hand corner of the Dolphin Maven logo, click the follow button.
You can log in with Facebook or Google and either way, it's free. From there, sound off in the comment section and share your reactions and observations with our staff, subscribers and fellow members of the Dolphin Maven community as we react to the game in real time.
INACTIVES
Analysis: The Dolphins are already under scrutiny for their apparent attempts to tank away the 2019 season. Sitting Xavien Howard and Jakeem Grant isn't going to help their case. To be fair, they have been nursing injuries since the bye week, but it still doesn't look good. However, Albert Wilson and Jesse Davis will be active. Wilson in particular could provide a spark. Whether that spark is desired or not, is up to personal interpretation.
1st Quarter
Redskins go three and out after getting the ball first. Raekwon McMillan continuing his dominance against the run game.
Mark Walton is starting at running back for the Dolphins on offense. That's over Kalen Ballage and Kenyan Drake.
Now the Dolphins stall on their first possession. Huge sack as center Daniel Kilgore moved away from his rusher to try and pick up a different rusher altogether. No bueno, but that's to be expected with Miami's offensive line these days.
Second possession for the Redskins ends on a sour note as cornerback Eric Rowe dives to break up a pass on third down. Rowe has struggled, but that was impressive.
The referees are really bad this season. Preston Williams was called for a penalty when all he did was run his route. That ruined the drive that was actually moving thanks to Kenyan Drake.
2nd Quarter
And the first points of the game have been scored. It's the Washington Redskins, as Case Keenum goes deep to Terry McLaurin who beat Ken Webster. And the pro-tank crowd rejoices.
Redskins 7 - Dolphins 0
Lot of drama with measurements, but ultimately it doesn't matter as Rosen throws an interception.
As the two minute warning sounds, Mark Walton is the main bright spot for the Dolphins this game. Although Kenyan Drake is making plays too, so why is Walton getting more snaps than Drake too? Do coaches really view Drake that badly?
Well no touchdown, but the Dolphins do get on the board with a 39-yard field goal.
Redskins 7 - Dolphins 3
3rd Quarter
And the first play of note is another deep pass touchdown caught by Terry McLaurin. Bobby McCain got roasted.
Redskins 14 - Dolphins 3
INJURY: DE Avery Moss being evaluated for a concussion.
INJURY: DE Avery Moss came back, only to leave on a cart a play later for a leg.
INJURY: CB Ken Webster slowly leaves the field with an injury. Chris Lammons enters.
So the Dolphins defense stands firm and keeps Washington from scoring another touchdown at the goal line, but they do kick a field goal.
Redskins 17 - Dolphins 3
4th Quarter
Ryan Fitzpatrick has replaced Josh Rosen at quarterback to start the 4th quarter. No injury has been reported.
All it took was a little FitzMagic for the Dolphins to score their first second half points all season long. Kalen Ballage goes in for the touchdown.
Redskins 17 - Dolphins 10
Crazy how the ratio is on social media. Dolphins actually showing signs of life and anyone not at the stadium is mourning this fact. Wild, man.
The Dolphins scored a touchdown with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm, but the game is still lost after a failed two-point conversion. Final score:
Redskins 17 - Dolphins 16
