Inspired Dolphins Come up Short in 39-36 Loss to Broncos

Two things crippled the Miami Dolphins in that fourth quarter...

Injuries, and the Denver Broncos running game. In my opinion, those were the key factors in this Dolphins loss.

Late in the third quarter, CB Jamar Taylor left the game with a shoulder injury. He did not return, forcing third string CB Lowell Rose, and rookie Walt Aikens into the game.

The Broncos then picked apart the Miami defense in the fourth quarter, converting third down after third down. It got so bad that nickel back Jimmy Wilson was even forced into the CB spot.

The bigger problem, however, was the Denver running game. Put as simply as possible, they dominated this Miami defense today from the word go.

203 yards. 33 carries. Third down conversion after third down conversion. From the word go, it was pure domination at the line of scrimmage.

The Miami passing defense didn't do much better, as Peyton Manning rebounded from a shaky start to throw four TD passes (three to Demariyus Thomas) in the game.

Offensivly, the Dolphins came out firing with leads of 14-3 and 21-10. However, the defense could never hold the Denver offense.

Ryan Tannehill was superb today. The third year QB accounted for four touchdowns, including two to Jarvis Landry, one to Mike Wallace, and one with his feet. His passer rating at the end of the day was 104.9... the only problem was Peyton Manning's was 135.4.

Miami made it interesting towards the end of the game, as Jarvis Landry scored with over 1:30 left in the game. However, Denver would recover the ensuing onside kick and go on to win the game.

The Dolphins drop to 6-5 on the season, and must win four of their final five games to have a shot at the playoffs. Right now they currently sit a game behind Pittsburgh, Kansas City, and Cleveland.

Miami travels to New York next Monday night to take on the New York Jets.