Dolphins Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with Win in Chicago

With the Miami Dolphins’ 27-14 victory against the Chicago Bears, Miami has kept itself in the thick of the playoff race. To keep Miami’s playoff aspirations alive, it had to win in Chicago and move to 3-3 on the season.

It took a terrific game plan from the Dolphins coaches and high-level execution on both offense and defense to earn the win. As the Dolphins leave Week 7, they are undoubtedly a better team for their preparation and quality play. The Dolphins were close to making a statement win last week against the Green Bay Packers, but it turns out the team responded to the disappointing loss with a resounding effort.

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Tannehill's final numbers: 25 for 32, 277 yards. 123.6 passer rating highest of career, edging 123.2 vs. Jacksonville rookie season.

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 19, 2014"

At the forefront of the victory must be the play of quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Completing 25 of 32 pass attempts for 277 yards and two touchdowns is as impressive as it looks at face value, but watching Tannehill extend plays with his feet and deliver perfect throws to all levels of the field was even more promising. In the team’s sixth game in the Bill Lazor era, Tannehill seems to have fully embraced the new offense.

Lazor, in his first season as a NFL offensive coordinator, has improved with Tannehill this season. His play-calling in the first half against the Bears was tremendous; as it was littered with play-action fakes and plays to get Tannehill on the move. By working with Tannehill’s strengths on every play, the offense surged, totaling 24 first downs and 393 yards throughout the game.

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Dolphins out-gained Bears, 393-224. Tannehill six rushes, 48 yards. Miller 18 for 61. Clay 4 catches, 48 yds, 1 TD. Wallace 5-46, 1 TD.

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 19, 2014"

Also needing recognition is the Miami Dolphins defense, which continued to feature a dominant pass rush but also saw the secondary play greatly improve from last week. Star defensive end Cameron Wake’s strip-sack with 14 minutes, 24 seconds left in the fourth quarter was only a snapshot of his effectiveness, as he bullied Bears right tackle Jordan Mills throughout the day.

In the secondary, Reshad Jones proved to be the impact player Miami so desperately has needed this year. His seven tackles, one interception and tremendous coverage play formed one of the best performances of Jones’ career.

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Reshad Jones had just one INT last year after 4 in 2012. Philbin said Jones was balling in training camp. Then, of course, came suspension.

— Andrew Abramson (@AbramsonPBP) October 19, 2014"

Veteran cornerback Cortland Finnegan had an amazing game covering Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery. Against the Packers in Week 6, Finnegan failed to play up to his standards and allowed Aaron Rodgers to complete a fake spike to rookie Davante Adams. Finnegan’s poor effort and inability to tackle Adams inbounds led to Miami losing the game. One week later, Finnegan has earned that respect back.

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While defending the Bears CB Cortland Finnegan recorded four passes defensed today, tying his career high in a game in his career.

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) October 19, 2014"

Not only did Finnegan limit Jeffrey to just two catches and nine yards, he was an annoyance to Jeffrey and former Dolphin Brandon Marshall. In the waning moments of the game, Marshall lost his temper as Finnegan irritated him in coverage. That’s Finnegan’s role, and he played it perfectly against the Bears.

At 3-3, the Dolphins trail the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills for the AFC East crown, but this win will keep them within striking distance for now. The team was dominant against a good Bears squad on the road, giving reason to believe the Dolphins can answer when their backs are against the wall.

For Miami to help give a playoff-starved fanbase what it desires, the Dolphins coaches and players must continue to work in harmony. That’s exactly what they did in Week 7.

All stats used are from NFL.com.

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