It only took the River Cracraft 1 drive to help the Dolphins’ offense reach its potential

The Miami Dolphins wasted no time taking advantage of a poor Los Angeles Rams secondary with a big opening drive touchdown, just their second game-opening TD of the season.

Miami took the opening kickoff and wasted no time connecting early with Jaylen Waddle. Tua Tagovailoa connected twice with his receiver, one of them on 3rd and 13, but it was a rookie Malik Washington who took an end-around pitch 20 yards for paydirt. It was the rookie’s first NFL score.

The scoring play was highlighted by River Cracraft’s block around the 10 that gave Washington the angle to inbound. Cracraft has missed the entire season and was activated from IR earlier Monday. He made plays in the preseason and the Dolphins need him.

It’s a great play by Washington, but without Cracraft’s block, he likely won’t score.

Cracraft has been a key missing piece in the Dolphins’ offense, and he picks up right where he left off. Out since training camp, Cracraft made his return known.

Tua went 4-for-4 on the drive. Defensively, the Dolphins made a big early statement with a Zach Sieler tackle five yards behind the line. Sieler has missed the last two games with an orbital fracture. He wasted no time making an early impact on his return.

Tyreek Hill was another key player on the upswing. He took the attention away from the Rams’ defense, allowing Waddle to get wide open for a 36-yard gain. Hill was doubtful for the start of the game with a wrist injury.

If the opening drive is any indication, the Dolphins may have found a much-needed groove they’ve been missing. They showed it last week against the Buffalo Bills and look to channel that same energy this week.

A win tonight would move the Dolphins within two games of the seventh seed in the wild-card chase, while a loss would put them in the third slot in the 2025 NFL Draft, effectively ending their playoff hopes.

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