Dolphins Still in Hunt for Playoff Spot

By Byler Henry

On Sunday the Dolphins pulled out a big win against the rival Bills to bring their record to 6-6. With that 6-6 record the Dolphins are still alive and in the hunt for the wild card spot in the playoffs. The Patriots are leading the AFC East division at 9-3. The Ravens currently have the odds to capture one of the wildcard spots with a 7-5 record and the Chargers are well in control for the number 5 wildcard spot at 9-3. Head Coach Adam Gase is focused on getting the wildcard spot; here’s what he had to say after the game. “I think it’s one game at a time for us right now. We’ve got to focus … When it hits Wednesday, focus on the next week.” “Just

worry about that one and do everything we can to win that game. These guys should enjoy this one for the next 24 hours and then we’ll move on.”

This was a must win game for the Dolphins, and they pulled it out  with a little help from the Bills. Former Dolphin Charles Clay dropped a game- winning touchdown tough but  catchable pass that hit him in the breadbasket. Also, former Dolphin defensive tackle Jordan Phillips received a key taunting penalty that moved the Dolphins half the distance to the goal which the Dolphins took advantage of with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Stills. Rookie Josh

Allen had a decent game with 231 passing yards on 55% completion (18 completions on 33 attempts) 2 touchdowns and 2 intereptions, while also leading the Bills in rushing with 135 yards including back to back rushes for 25 and 26 yards. The Bills total yards for the game were 415 to the Dolphins 175, yet inexplicably the Dolphins pulled out a key win. There were good plays from the Dolphins and there were plays where a superior team would punish them for giving them the opportunity. Although the defense was able to get some pressure on Allen, he still was able to make some key throws. However, Xavien Howard’s   two key interceptions minimized the damage. Reshad Jones offers high praise for the corner-back, “He’s one of the best corners in the league. I say that all the time. I think he’s one of the best in the league. I don’t think he’s finished yet.” Some of Allen’s catchable throws were dropped by his receivers. For the Dolphins the offense was efficient; Tannehill, back under center for the second game since his injury, had an above average game. He was 16 of 24 (67%) for 137 passing yards with 3 touch-downs and an interception. While the key touchdown passes were made, the offense as a whole has to get better on 3rd down conversions going 2 for 9 for the game (22%).

What is the mindset going in to next week? “Obviously, in order to stay in the hunt, we’ve got to win, and we know that. We didn’t play very good football today, but we came out with a W and so on to the next one.” Kenny Stills opined afterwards. Next week is a tough challenge for the Phins with a tough rivalry against the Patriots. Dolphins are 5-1 at home, and this is a home game. The Patriots are also coming off a win defeating the Vikings 24 to 10. The Dolphins can’t afford to make too many costly mistakes against the Pats because they will make you pay for it. However, anything can happen on any given Sunday. Tune in next Sunday to see an intense rivalry game with high stakes. Dolphins must win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Let’s see what adjustments they make heading into next week. To have a chance they have to get pressure on Brady, if he’s able to set and throw he’ll kill them all game long.