Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins suffered their first defeat of the 2013 NFL season at the hands of the New Orleans Saints. In a Monday night battle of 3-0 teams, the Dolphins could not continue their unbeaten streak as they lost 38-17. The Dolphins’ defense just could not find an answer for Drew Brees and the Saints’ high-octane offense. Despite the loss, the Dolphins are still a legitimate team and their 3-0 start has been no fluke.
The Dolphins fell to 3-1 and are doing a lot better than some of the other teams in the NFL. Furthermore, the Dolphins are second in the AFC East, behind only the 4-0 New England Patriots. This Monday night game was a good test for the Dolphins, and this was definitely a good learning experience for the team despite the loss.
It might have been surprising that the Dolphins started the season 3-0, but they have picked up some quality wins. However, their schedule only gets tougher as they face the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 5. Up until their Week 4 loss, the Dolphins have been able to score pretty well, but the offense will need to step up against the Ravens’ elite defense.
The Dolphins’ pass protection will need to improve heading into Week 5 as they have given up 18 sacks in their first four games. Furthermore, the Saints were able to bring quarterback Ryan Tannehill down four times and force three interceptions. The Dolphins need to improve and protect their quarterback if they want to continue to win their games.
The Dolphins got a wake-up call courtesy of the Saints, and they will need to get better to prove that their record is not a fluke. Despite the loss, the Dolphins have to feel pretty good about where they are a fourth of the way through the season.
Alejandro Aviles is the Featured Writer for the New Orleans Saints at Rant Sports @aaviles312
