The Miami Dolphins had been riding high on a six-game winning streak before traveling to Baltimore for Sunday’s game. With all due apologies to Edgar Allan Poe, “Quoth the Ravens, nevermore.”
Miami was buried by the Ravens, 38-6 ending their winning streak and making them look as they did earlier in the season. The Dolphins looked like fish out water as their running game was nearly non-existent and quarterback Ryan Tannehill suffered three interceptions.
Baltimore, on the other hand, was clicking from the opening kickoff. Their first two possessions ended in touchdown drives of 80 and 63 yards. They never looked back building a halftime lead of 24-0.
The Ravens were imposing their will on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns. The Miami defense had no sacks and did not make a single tackle for loss the entire game.
Jay Ajayi, who had back-to-back 200-yard rushing games during the streak, was held to only 61 yards on 12 carries. It marked the fourth straight game he has been held under 80 yards.
To be fair, part of the reason behind Ajayi’s day was the necessity of leaning heavily on the pass once Miami fell so far behind.
It is difficult to find a positive for this game, other than the fact it is only one game. As Poe said in The Raven, “That it is and nothing more.”
Despite the loss, Miami (7-5) is still in the playoff picture. Next Sunday the final quarter of the season begins when they host Carson Palmer and the Arizona Cardinals.
