Dolphins Defense Breaks McCaffrey, Benches Newton

Brian Flores’ historic November continued Sunday behind another coming out party from the Miami Dolphins’ secondary, as well as another stellar performance from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and running back Myles Gaskin.

The all-around effort saw three interceptions from three different players, three sacks alone from rookie defensive end Jaelan Phillips, an 87-percent completion percentage from Tagovailoa and two more scores from Gaskin.

Dolphins Force Newton to Bench

Carolina QB Cam Newton was held under 100 passing yards, 92, and benched, on 5-for-21 attempts. He also secured 64 yards on one of those passes in the first quarter to wide receiver D.J. Moore and did not lead much after that.

Meanwhile, when backup P.J. Walker came in, although he threw an interception, completed 50-percent of his passes, and subsequently the same amount as Newton (5-for-10).

Coleman, Riley Team Up for Big Special Teams Play

Miami didn’t score on its opening possession, but pinned the Panthers back in its own 5-yard line to have their own and shut them down. Cornerback/special teamsman Justin Coleman paired with linebacker/special teamsman Duke Riley to block Carolina’s punt and return it two yards for the Dolphins’ opening score.

Did Miami Figure Newton Out from His Time in New England?

After the long gain to Moore, Newton answered with a one-yard rushing score. It looked as though Miami would have another long day in the rush-defense department, but that wound up not being the case. 

It looked as though the defense as a unit learned from its two meetings against Newton as a member of the New England Patriots from last season and wasn’t messing around. The Dolphins only allowed three more points across three quarters and some change and outscored Carolina 26-3.

Dolphins Built 11-Point Halftime Lead

Miami intercepted the Panthers on back-to-back drives to end the first quarter and begin the second. The second interception came deep in Carolina territory that set the Dolphins up in the red zone upon first snap.

In just 1:26 of game clock, Tagovailoa connected with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for the 9-yard score. Waddle would be Miami’s go-to and leading receiver on the day, collecting nine passes for 137 yards.

Gaskin knocked in another TD for the Dolphins on their next possession to help extend the lead. Miami concluded a 7-play, 73-yard drive with a direct snap to Gaskin to go up 14 points. Had center Austin Reiter not fumbled with time winding down in the half, that lead would have held, but Carolina was gifted the turnover and cut the lead to 11 at the break. However, it wouldn’t score again.

Miami Shuts Out Carolina in Second Half

In the second half, it was all Dolphins.

Carolina got the ball first out of the half, but was forced to punt after 10 plays for 29 yards.

Gaskin again took a direct-snap TD from three yards out to increase Miami’s lead.

Kicker Jason Sanders then tacked on a field goal before the fourth to give the Dolphins a 20-point lead.

With Walker in for the fourth, Miami intercepted him in Carolina’s first possession of the fourth and Sanders’ hit the final points of the game before the Dolphins’ clock management helped run out the clock.

Phillip Lindsay Looks Primed for Backup Role

RB Phillip Lindsay, who was acquired just days before via waivers, saw a lot of work, something Flores said he wanted to see more of going forward. The hope is to find them the successful one-two punch they’ve been looking for.

Lindsay finished with 12 carries for 42 yards behind Gaskin’s 16 carries for 49 yards and two TDs.

Tagovailoa finished 27-for-31 for 230 yards and the TD to Waddle.

McCaffrey Done for Year

Meanwhile, Carolina RB Christian McCaffrey is shut down for the year after carrying the ball just once in the second half due to an ankle injury. 

Head coach Matt Rhule said it wasn’t a significant injury following McCaffrey’s MRIs, however the recovery time frame is long enough to where multiple weeks are needed. With just five games left for Carolina due to its late bye, Rhule and the Panthers placed him on injured reserve. With it being his second IR stint of the season, per NFL rule, McCaffrey is officially done for the year. 

Dolphins Face Giants in Extra Home Game in NFL’s First 18-Week Season

Miami has one more game before its bye, as its goes for five wins in a row against, as it primes for a Week 13 matchup at home against the New York Giants.