Dolphins let Smith run free but beat the Panthers 27-24

By Hugo Guzman  |   Sunday, September 25, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Miami Dolphins
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The Miami Dolphins accomplished all but two of their main goals in yesterday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Although the Dolphins could not stop WR Steve Smith and committed double digit penalties for the third straight game the defense was able to step up with a big play to secure the victory.

The Carolina Panthers were driving and looked to be in position for a game winning field goal in the waning minutes of the game, but a Lance Schulters interception reversed the fortunes of these two teams and put the Dolphins in position to seal the deal. Olindo Mare's 32-yard chip shot sealed the victory for Miami.

The Miami Dolphins finally got a breakout performance from 2nd overall pick Ronnie Brown. The rookie rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. He almost broke off a 98-yard touchdown gallop, but a hamstring pull forced to pull up after gaining 58-yards.

TE Randy McMichael and WR Chris Chambers both found the endzone on Gus Frerotte touchdown passes. Frerotte ended the game going 14 of 33 for 171 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. The defense was victimized in the air, but shut down the Panthers running attack and forced four sacks and three turnovers.

The Carolina Panthers were led by WR Steve Smith. He had a breakout performance, catching 11 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns. Jake Delhomme had a decent outing, throwing for 285 yards and three touchdowns, but a late interception virtually lost the game for the Panthers. Stephen Davis never really got going in this game, rushing for only 36 yards on 16 carries.

Another key facet of the game was the ineffectiveness of Julius Peppers and the Carolina defensive front. They failed to record a single sack against a Miami Dolphins offensive line that was abused last week by Jets' defensive end John Abraham.
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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