It’s funny how the same inconsistencies for the Dolphins can rear their ugly head in an important game versus the Lions.

Dropped passes, interceptions, fumbles, did the Dolphins in.

The Dolphins started off very s-l-o-w. We know that this has been a sore spot for the coaching staff, the players, and the media.  When the Dolphins were down at the half 10-3, the game screamed Buffalo Bills game plan or losing to Kansas City.  The Dolphins had three losses coming in and last lost to the Green Bay Packers who sit somewhat comfortably in second place in the NFC North.  The Packers back in October dealt the Dolphins a heart breaking loss near the end of the 4th quarter.  Today, the Dolphins were dealt another puzzling and shocking heart breaking loss.

It seemed that despite the slow start, the Dolphins offense took whatever momentum the defense grabbed with an interception by Brent Grimes and an unusual Dion Jordan scoop and run to the Detroit five yard line off of an Earl Mitchell blocked field goal.

After the Dolphins got up 16-13, it seemed like the Dolphins were going to win this game with their superior pass rush, ball hawking secondary, and speedy run stopping linebackers.  Perhaps the Charles Clay dropped touchdown hurt the most.  Did he forget it was the 4th quarter and could have put the Dolphins up seven?

Despite everything, quarterback Matthew Stafford of the Lions had bigger plans…to celebrate a game deciding touchdown in regulation instead of standing pat and kicking a field goal to tie.

In the end, fleeting attempts by Ryan Tannehill to will an improbable comeback, was not to be.

The Dolphins came up short in this game versus the Lions with the future looking bright and playing Buffalo on Thursday should be one of the biggest late season games in the past decade at home.  The Dolphins, with a win, can move to second place before the Jets game on a Monday night.

On a separate note, the Dolphins quite possibly, pending an MRI, will lose left tackle Branden Albert. Albert has been a key addition in the offseason for GM Dennis Hickey and huge reason that Ryan Tannehill has kept his uniform clean on most Sundays.  However, offensive lineman Dallas Thomas moved to the right tackle position as rookie Ja’Wuan James took over for the ailing Albert.  James will play on the left side and perhaps play more comfortably at his natural position.  Look for the Dolphins to explore their options after this week.

The Dolphins offensive line surrendered three sacks to the Detroit defense, but in reality, that wasn’t the real reason they couldn’t move the football.  The lack of running game, pre-snap penalties, and misfires killed the Dolphins offense today.  Not to mention, the Dolphins failed to capitalize on 1st and goal in the 4th quarter two yards from the end zone.

Remarkably, the Dolphins defense and special teams rose to the occasion with a second quarter interception by Pro Bowl corner Brent Grimes (5th interception) and Earl Mittchell blocked field goal with Dion Jordan scoop and run leading to a touchdown offensively.

Yes, today the Dolphins lost and their season isn’t over…but it’s never to late to start a new winning streak and win some games in November to contend for a playoff birth.

PhinsPhocus.com MVPs

CB Brent Grimes: 1 INT, 2 Passes Defensed

DE Cameron Wake: 2 sacks, 2 tackles

DE Dion Jordan: Field goal block return to the 5 yard line-lead to Wallace TD.

Kicker Caleb Sturgis: 3 for 3 on Field Goal Attempts, including a 50 yard field goal indoors