Deconstructing the reasons why Miami wins close games

By Hugo Guzman  |   Monday, December 15, 2008  |  Comments( 7 )

Miami Dolphins
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On Sunday, the Miami Dolphins won their ninth game of the season. That’s news enough in and of itself, considering last year’s 1-15 debacle. However, what’s perhaps more impressive is Miami’s ability to consistently win close-fought games. The Dolphins are 4-1 in games that have been decided by five points or fewer, with their lone loss coming courtesy of a last-second collapse against the Houston Texans. Moreover, Miami has iced victories on key fourth-quarter drives against the Chargers, Bills, Broncos, Seahawks, Raiders, Rams and 49ers.

Though all of these close victories have had varying complexions, there are certain patterns that seem to permeate more often than not. There are also a few trends that have come to the surface in recent weeks, helping the Dolphins solidify their status as legitimate playoff contenders.

One constant has been the steady play of Chad Pennington. Though the veteran signal caller has a habit of disappearing in the middle section of games, Pennington’s fast starts, intelligent decision-making and heady fourth-quarter play have been fundamental aspects of Miami’s turnaround. Sunday was a textbook example, with Pennington notching two first-quarter touchdowns en route to an efficient 12-of-19, 156-yard performance in his team's 14-9 win over San Francisco.

Another key facet of Miami’s play is its ability to avoid costly turnovers. With just two regular-season games left to play, Miami is in position to break the NFL record for fewest turnovers in a season. The record, set by the 1990 Giants, is 14. The Dolphins have committed just 10.

As has been the case all season, different players have stepped up at crucial junctures to help secure victory. Sunday saw guys like Channing Crowder (important third-and-goal stop in the first half), tight ends David Martin and Joey Haynos (big downfield catches for scores), and Ronnie Brown -- who generated 37 rushing yards on four carries on the Dolphins' penultimate offensive series and helped milk the clock when his team needed it most -- rise to the occasion.

Few would argue that these qualities have not been self-evident throughout the course of the 2008 season. However, here are some that have only come to the surface in recent weeks.

For the third week in a row, Miami’s oft-maligned defense has prevented its opponent from scoring a touchdown. That’s 12 straight quarters of touchdown-free football. Say what you will about their opponents – the Rams, Bills, and 49ers – it’s still no small feat.

And on a related note, Miami’s kick coverage units, which had been the butt of many a joke and the dweller of several cellars, have all of a sudden become a pillar of strength. The Dolphins have not allowed a long return in four straight games, and have blossomed into one of the stoutest units in the league. On Sunday, for example, the 49ers managed just an 11-yard kickoff return. All other kickoffs and punts were either fair caught or downed without any return yardage.

Well, that just about does it for this piece on key elements that have allowed Miami to notch so many close wins.

Oh, I forgot: There's a guy named Joey Porter who’s supposedly some sort of clutch sack artist. He also might have had something to do with Sunday’s victory.
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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CommentsComments: 7  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
JimmyD		11:56 AM
12/15/2008
The Dolphins defense has stepped up their game and although the secondary still gets smoked, it has been the pass rush that keeps...
No.2
adawc2		07:39 PM
12/15/2008
We did have this conversation last week, but you didn't seem to think it was really important that Ronnie Brown get more carries....
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No.3
Hugo Guzman		10:44 AM
12/16/2008
@adawc2 - no it didn't. Not sure if you realize this, because I don't know how long you've been reading my columns, but I'm one...
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