A historically poor offensive outing overshadowed the Miami Dolphins’ strong defensive effort led by first-year coordinator Anthony Weaver in Sunday’s 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
The defense forced two turnovers, but Miami couldn’t overcome a 1-for-12 performance on third down and 85 penalty yards, especially while Seattle limited the Dolphins to just 67 total yards in the first half.
Momentum briefly shifted on a 3rd-and-22 play from Seattle’s 49-yard line with 46 seconds left in the third quarter.
**Z. SIELER MAKES A BIG PLAY WITH AN INTERCEPTION AS THE DOLPHINS DEFENSE SHINES!**
With the Seahawks facing 3rd and 22, Sieler grabs the interception off a deflection.
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Miami rushed four, and while defensive tackle Calais Campbell didn’t sack Geno Smith, he deflected a pass before falling to the ground — the 60th pass defended of his 17-year career. Zach Sieler, battling a double team, broke free and snagged his second career interception.
“I want to hit [the quarterback], but if I can’t hit him, then I’m trying to affect him any way I can, so getting my hands up on balls is definitely something that comes natural to me,” Campbell said Tuesday. “But man, what an interception though. My man Zach got his hands up and got that ball. It makes it that much more sweet; when you get a hand on the ball, it’s cool – it happens all the time.
“But when – not only when it’s intercepted by a [defensive back] or something, that’s cool, but when it’s intercepted by a d-lineman, you can’t get no better than that.”
The interception set up an 11-play, 50-yard drive, Miami’s best of the night, but Seattle held firm at the two-yard line, forcing a turnover on downs. If coach Mike McDaniel’s unit can put together a few scoring drives, it could be enough to string together some wins considering that the defense has allowed just one second-half touchdown this season.
