NFL Week 16 Recap: Dolphins Secure Playoff Berth with Last-Second Field Goal
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In a thrilling Week 16 matchup, the Miami Dolphins secured their playoff berth with a last-second 22-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders made a 29-yard field goal as time expired, marking his second consecutive season with a playoff berth.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 293 yards and a touchdown, with his touchdown pass to Raheem Mostert in the second quarter being the only touchdown of the game for Miami. Both teams exchanged field goals in the third quarter before the Cowboys scored 10 unanswered points to take a 20-19 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the game.
Tagovailoa led a 12-play, 64-yard drive in the final minutes, completing 4-of-5 passes for 31 yards. This set up Sanders’ game-winning field goal, which secured the Dolphins’ first win against a team with a winning record this season.
The victory not only marked the Dolphins’ first playoff berth since 2022 but also put an end to the narrative surrounding their inability to win against winning teams. Head coach Mike McDaniel expressed pride in his team’s response to the criticism, stating that they had proven themselves capable of achieving what they knew they were capable of.
With two weeks remaining in the regular season, the Dolphins are currently half a game behind the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC’s top seed. They have a two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East and can clinch their first division championship since 2008 with a win next week over the Ravens.
Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb emphasized that the team is not satisfied with just securing a playoff spot. He stated, “We’re not done. We’re not even close to where we want to be.” Chubb expressed the team’s determination to continue improving and proving themselves as championship contenders.
The Dolphins’ success in Week 16 highlights their growth and resilience as a team. As they continue to focus on their ultimate goal of winning the division, they remain committed to overcoming challenges and silencing doubters.
