By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
The Miami Dolphins‘ thrilling come from behind 22-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys answered some lingering though justifiable concerns about the ‘23 Fins: primarily could they defeat a really good playoff team with a winning record like the 10-4 Cowboys, who entered the game at Hardrock Stadium with the identical record as the Dolphins; secondly, was this version of the Dolphins capable of making a run at the Super Bowl? The answer to both was a resounding YES!
On the leg of Jason Sanders, who kicked 5 field goals, 3 of which were over 50 yards, and the arm of Tua Tagovailoa, who completed 4 of 5 passes for 31 yards on the final game -clinching drive, the Dolphins disarmed the fears of several skeptics, including yours truly, desiring a victory of this magnitude. Running back Jeff Wilson’s 14 rushing yards on 3 carries also proved significant. This team demonstrated grit, determination, confidence and unity as they overcame a Dallas go ahead touchdown orchestrated by Cowboy quarterback Dak Prescott to improve to 11-4, secure a playoff birth, remove any doubt about their tenacity and ability, while asserting their potential run to division, conference and Super Bowl titles.
Baltimore’s surprisingly complete victory over the favorite 49ers placed even greater significance on next week’s road game against the Ravens. The 1:00 pm start on December 31, is the final road game. So the gauntlet of death or destiny – depending on your perspective- becomes more challenging. Would you want it any other way? That dynamic dual threat, Lamar Jackson, leads a Ravens team that will be the ultimate test for the Fins; however, I’m confident that we have the team to complete the trifecta. Obviously, the trifecta includes the final game of the regular season at home against the stampeding Buffalo Bills led by superstar quarterback Josh Allen.
A victory in either of the last two games would clinch the AFC East crown, something that hasn’t happened since 2008.
Defensively, the Dolphins improve with each game. Brandon Jones’ fumble recovery on the Cowboys’ initial drive ended a possible touchdown and set the tone for the rest of the game, and wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s return was crucial. He finished with 9 receptions for 99 yards, becoming the first Dolphins player in franchise history with three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
With 3:27 remaining in the game, Tagovailoa, who completed 24-of-37 passes (64.9 pct.) for 293 yards and one touchdown, willed his team to victory, the mark of true leader and champion.His eighth-career game-winning drive culminated by Sanders’ 29 yard game winning field goal was the perfect Christmas Eve present for all Dolfans.
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