Baltimore Ravens’ rookie safety Malaki Starks finally checked off a major career goal, hauling in his first career interception to cap off the team’s Week 9 win over the Miami Dolphins. The pick came with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter, putting away any outside shot the Dolphins had left at coming back from the 28-6 deficit.
The play put an exclamation mark on a superb defensive showing on Thursday night. The entire team dominated for all four quarters, but the defense was the story of the game, limiting Miami’s offense throughout the game.
The Dolphins had three red zone opportunities and failed to convert for a touchdown in all three. One resulted in a missed field goal, and another ended by way of a forced fumble by rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan. Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s defense had Miami in a blender all night, and their three forced turnovers capped off the electric showing.
Starks’ interception not only put the nail in the coffin in terms of the game, but it also could have put an end to Miami Head Coach Mike McDaniels’ tenure with the Dolphins.
Malaki Starks’ breakout performance could leave lasting effect in Miami
Starks’ breakout showing went further than just the interception. He looked far more comfortable than he had in previous weeks, triggering downhill with quickness to make tackles. In addition to the pick, he totaled five tackles on the night, all of which were solo. Five solo tackles marks a new career-high for him.
The Dolphins were coming off their best game of the year in Week 8. Like the Ravens, they were also off to a disappointing start. While their 34-10 over the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday had fans hoping a turnaround was in store, Baltimore quickly ended those dreams. They also may have ended any hopes McDaniel had of keeping his head coaching job.
McDaniel was hired from the San Francisco 49ers’ coaching staff in 2022, bringing his offensive expertise to the AFC East. Although he got off to a hot start in the Sunshine State, making the playoffs in each of his first two seasons, things have gone south since. Any momentum he and the team had has faded away, and while their offense was electric in Week 8, the Ravens had them fumbling away every opportunity in Week 9.
For Starks, his first career interception could be a massive momentum swing for his season after a rough start. For the Dolphins, it could kickstart a new era.