By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
In last week’s article I may have prematurely written the Miami Dolphins off as having no chance of making the playoffs. CBS’ Tony Romo outlined the very minuscule possibility, indicating that they were mathematically still in the hunt. Just as last week before the Texans’ defeat, the Dolphins must win their remaining games against the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets, both winnable games on the road, as they did Sunday against a depleted San Francisco 49er team.
The key is receiving help from other teams in the division or conference like Indianapolis, Denver, Cincinnati and Los Angeles. The Dolphins kept their season alive by virtue of their 27-19 victory over the 49ers and are currently 9th in the standings, trailing the Chargers, Broncos and Colts who are in the sixth, seventh and eighth spots respectively. The Dolphins and Bengals, with 7-8 records, are on the outside looking in. One or more of the teams must falter and lose games for the Dolphins to have any chance of securing a wildcard slot. Basically, Miami must win out and hope for the best.
The Fins gave a supreme effort in securing the victory capped by Kader Kouho’s game changing interception of 49er quarterback Brock Purdy, which was followed by De’Von Achane’s 50 yard touchdown run. He ended with 120 yards rushing on 17 carries averaging 7.1 yards a carry.
The defense has made steady improvement under Coach Anthony Weaver as certain players consistently stand out including Zach Sieler, Jalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell, Jordan Brooks, and Chop Robinson.
Tua played an exceptional game, throwing for his 100th touchdown pass as a Dolphin. He also completed 22-of-34 passes (64.7 pct.) for 215 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Jonnu Smith caught six passes for 62 yards. During the game, he set the single-season franchise record for receptions and receiving yards by a tight end.
We’ll see how the season shakes out, while believing that this Miami Dolphins football team is capable of going far into playoffs next season.