Dolphins defense comes up huge in upset win over the Ravens

Xavien Howard (YouTube)

For the second straight week, the Miami Dolphins defense came up huge. Everyone expected them to be great against the 1-7 Houston Texans this past Sunday, in a 17-9 win. However, nobody on the planet expected the Dolphins defense to be fantastic in a 22-10 upset win over the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night.

This was the time for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, one of the best players in the NFL to shine in prime time. But Jackson was ineffective, and unable to read the Dolphins defense consistently. His statistical line was OK, as he completed 26 passes for 238 yards and one touchdown. However, Jackson also had 17 incompletions, was sacked four times, only had 39 rushing yards (after 120 rushing yards on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings), and seemed to have negative body language on the Ravens sideline in the second half according to Erin Andrews of FOX Sports.

The Dolphins star defensive player in the game was cornerback Xavien Howard of Houston, Texas, who had a 49-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown to give the Dolphins their only touchdown in the contest. At the time, Miami went up 15-3. For Howard, who is a two-time Pro Bowler, it was his second touchdown of his career. The first touchdown was a pick six for 30 yards in a 35-9 Dolphins win over the Denver Broncos on December 3, 2017.

On Thursday, it was also a strong game for another Dolphins cornerback in Byron Jones of New Britain, Connecticut. Jones had nine tackles, including seven solo tackles.

With the win, the Dolphins improved to three wins and seven losses. The Ravens dropped to six wins and three losses, but still lead the AFC North.

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