Noah Igbinoghene’s Interception: Papering Over Cracks or Career Defining Play?

Noah Igbinoghene made the headlines on the Miami Dolphins’ Sunday Night Football win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Late into the fourth quarter, Igbinoghene caught the game-sealing interception as the Dolphins snapped a three-game losing streak, winning 16-10 to go 4-3.

This was met with a great reception from his teammates, with the post-game reaction in the locker showing just how popular he is among the other Miami players. However, it should not be forgotten how bad a game Igbinoghene had prior to this. His moment of magic, as good as it was, should not paper over the cracks.

Igbinoghene’s Struggles Throughout The Game

It cannot be ignored how much he struggled prior to the interception.

George Pickens easily beat Igbinoghene for his touchdown, and this was not the first time Miami’s number nine was exposed. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin outcoached Mike McDaniel in many aspects and one was his ability to change schematically throughout the game.

As soon as Igbinoghene was first beaten, the game plan was clear to see for Pittsburgh. Target Igbinoghene. Miami had issues at the position in terms of injuries and Igbo would probably not have played if everyone was fit.

Tomlin knew this and planned to exploit this. Miami was fortunate to an extent that Pittsburgh’s QB1 is a rookie. Big Ben in his prime would have been able to make those plays.

Giving Credit Where It’s Due

Despite criticizing his performance, you have to give him credit where it’s due.

To make that catch in such a crucial moment, managing to make the play whilst getting your feet in bounds, is a brilliant bit of skill.

Safety Jevon Holland made an interception with just over three minutes left, but the Dolphins’ offense could not kill the game off, going three and out on the resulting drive.

Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett did a great job at getting the Steelers’ offense down the field, going from the Pittsburgh 13-yard line to the Miami 25-yard line. However, he would then throw the interception to Igbinoghene.

After a difficult first two seasons, he had yet to convince the Dolphins fanbase that he was worthy of the first-round pick. This is despite a promising performance against the Minnesota Vikings in Week Six. In what was just his fifth start in three seasons, could this play change that? Hopefully, this can be the one that kicks off his Dolphins and NFL career.