2019 NFL power rankings, Week 14: Bengals prevail, Colts collapse
3-9. Previous: . Miami Dolphins. 24. team. 59.
Recap: A loss to the visiting Eagles was just one way Brian Flores’ club would be mathematically knocked out of the playoff chase. And after the Dolphins fell behind 28-14 early in the third quarter the club appeared to be on its way to its 10th loss of 2019. But veteran signal-caller Ryan Fitzpatrick shook off an early interception and wound up throwing for 365 yards and three scores, two of those touchdowns to wideout Devante Parker. The talented pro finished with seven receptions for 159 yards. All told, the ‘Fins responded with 23 consecutive points to take a nine-point lead. And Flores’ team closed the deal by picking off Carson Wentz on a “Hail Mary” pass attempt.
Next Week: It’s the second meeting of the season between the Dolphins and Jets, this time at MetLife Stadium. Back in Week 9 at South Florida, Flores’ club got its first win of the season via a 26-18 triumph. Miami is 6-1 in the last seven meetings between these rivals and in position to sweep the series for the third time in four years.
Draft Talk: After dropping their first seven outings, Flores’ club has prevailed in three of its last five games and wouldn’t not fold after falling behind by double digits in the third quarter. Despite the surprise of the Birds, the Dolphins are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. And next year’s draft should provide a lot more help.
Previous: . Philadelphia Eagles. 23. team. 54. . 5-7
Recap: After dropping a pair of consecutive home games to the Patriots and Seahawks, respectively, and totaling a combined 19 points in those setbacks, Doug Peterson’s team headed to South Florida to take on the Dolphins. Thanks to an early interception off Ryan Fitzpatrick via cornerback Ronald Darby, the Eagles grabbed the early advantage and would own a 14-point lead with 11:44 remaining in the third quarter after Carson Wentz’s third touchdown pass of the afternoon. But the Philadelphia secondary had no answers for Dolphins’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick the rest of the way. Despite the early takeaway, the Birds gave up 409 total yards by game’s end.
Next Week: The Birds welcome the New York Giants to Lincoln Financial Field looking to continue their recent dominance in this longtime NFC East rivalry. Philadelphia has won the last five meetings and own a 9-1 record vs. Big Blue dating back to 2014. The Eagles have also prevailed in their last five home games in this storied series.
Playoff hopes: Make it three consecutive losses for a team that finally managed to score some points but could not slow down the Dolphins’ offense in the second half. Fortunately for the Eagles, no team in the NFC East is above .500 and as long as they can stay within earshot of the Dallas Cowboys, this shaky club can still win a division title.
Next: Nos. 22 and 21