Dolphins Playoff Hopes Extinguished; Miami falls to Dallas 20-19

Nov. 25 Post Game 8 comments ---Bill

After starting the season 0-7, the Miami Dolphins knew that they’d have an uphill battle to make the playoffs. We knew, to even have a chance, the Dolphins would need to win all of their remaining games. Even getting to 9 wins wouldn’t guarantee the Dolphins a playoff spot, as they’d still need A LOT of help. After a tough loss to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, the Dolphins have essentially eliminated themselves from playoff discussions.
Give Tony Sparano credit, the Dolphins played hard against the NFC East leaders, but in the end, they came up short. The Dolphins defense played well, but couldn’t stop the Cowboys on their final drive, which led to the winning field goal. This game was lost for the Dolphins much earlier in the game. Truth is, the Dolphins kicked one too many field goals, when TDs were needed to pick up the win. Early in the game, the Dolphins defense forced Tony Romo into 2 turnovers, but couldn’t capitalize with touchdowns. Instead, the Dolphins settled for field goals, which just weren’t enough. Vontae Davis and Sean Smith each picked off Romo early in the game.
Matt Moore had an effective day, but couldn’t get the job done in the big spots. Moore threw for 288 yards and a TD, but he couldn’t move the chains late in the game when the Dolphins BADLY needed a first down. Up by 2 points, with under 4 minutes left in the game, the Dolphins needed to play keep away, but failed to convert. They gave the ball back to Tony Romo, who connected with Jason Whitten a few times, to move the Cowboys into position for the winning field goal as time expired.
There’s been a lot of talk recently (by some) about Matt Moore potentially being the QB of the future for the Dolphins, I’d expect that talk to die down. Moore showed on Thursday why he is a good backup, but why he can’t be considered “the guy”. If the had been able to convert some of those field goals into TDs, we might be talking about the Dolphins 4th straight win.
The Dolphins offensive line, which had played well of late, struggled as the game went on. Moore was harassed and didn’t have time to make the plays he needed to make. It was again made clear that the line will need to rebuild their line for 2012. The question is, who will rebuild it? Tony Sparano’s fate may be determined, as the Dolphins can only win 8 games this year, at best. But what about Jeff Ireland? Will he return? Or is the writing on the wall that Carl Peterson will be the Dolphins GM next year? Unfortunately those answers won’t come for a few weeks, only after we watch meaningless games (again) for the Dolphins in December.

  • rich9336

    When one tight end (Jason Whitten) can come in and have his way play after play how can anyone say the defense played well?This team is what the record says it is 3-8. They have lost a lot of games that could have turned every thing around. We could be 8-3. We just need a better QB. DB. HEAD COACH, GENERAL MANAGER .We will have all of this next year.That is unless Mr. Ross likes looking at empty seat.

  • Bart

    We have a need for a few players but most everything is in place for a run next year.We are not a 3-8 team. with a player here and there a little more direction. and we could be as good as any team.
    Bring in Carl Peterson and a new coach let them put the pieces together.
    The fans would come back and give them the support they should have.LOUD,LOUD HELL RAISING SUPPORT.

  • Sgt Flex

    Last night I watched a team play very well but not convert it to a win. A missed field goal, an uncalled pass interference early on and Miami wins, that is life. It was a good way to see what we have, I am shocked to see that Reggie Bush can run like that, I never expected that I have never been a fan but he is changing my mind. I have not decided on Thomas yet, seems a little soft to me for a power back, I would prefer to have Polite back and Clay sit the bench for a year. Could someone get Pouncey under control on his long snaps, that is what really cost the game. Moore was a little off target but played like he always does, he is not going to be the QB of the future but will do well for Miami in some role. Now Hartline, and Bess really came to play and even Marshall had a great catch, Hartline is a sideline catching machine. I hope that Miami can get Barkley or Kellen Moore in the draft and some Safety help as well as O-line support.

    • Iam305Jules

      I agree with you about Lusaka Polite. The Dolphins used to almost be guaranteed a 1st down with 1 or even 2 yards to go. Teams knew what was about to happen and they were helpless to stop it. Now, Miami has 1st and goal from thw 2, and they try 3 passes which usually ends up turning into a field goal attempt.

  • michael a. mcbride

    Please, draft a quarterback and impact players. Make trades, do what y’all can to get the fins some much needed help on defense and offfense. Good luck, Dolphins!

  • Otto

    I have been a Dolphin fan since 1970 and totally disagree with this article. First of all, the playoff hopes were dashed with the loses to; the Browns, the Jets, the Giants and the heart-breaker…you guessed it the Broncos. Secondly, there are no meaningless games. All games set the tone for the future. The future in free agent and draft pick signings, nobody wants to play for a looser…look at the reject QBs that didn’t want to come out of retirement to play for the Dolphins. The “Suck for Luck” losers didn’t even consider that Mr. Luck might not want to sign with the Dolphins (John Elway and the Colts and Eli Manning and the Chargers) and would put Dolphins in a trade situation that would be costly and time consuming. This team is only 2 or 3 players from being a machine. I think Matt Moore is proving to be a good QB and needs help with a little upgrade at RB (keeping R. Bush) and receiver (WR or TE). Brandon Marshall’s inconsistent play and dropped passes make it hard for the team to convert 3rd downs. Keep the faith!

    • Bill

      Otto, we simply will have to agree to disagree. Matt Moore is playing well, no doubt about it. But he has shown flashes in the past. He’s historically a very streaky QB. He will be on the Dolphins next year, but I really don’t think he’s a franchise QB. As for Luck, the Dolphins are out of that race. However, if the Dolphins had gotten the first pick and Luck pulled and Eli Manning and refused to play in Miami, the Dolphins could’ve demanded 2 or 3 #1 draft picks which would’ve been HUGE for rebuilding the team. Further, I think the December games will be meaningless. Next year there will be a new coach, likely a new GM, and up to 1/3 of the roster will be changed. If the Dolphins end the season winning, say 3 straight, it won’t carry over to 2012.

      • Otto

        Bill, disagreement is good and makes for a lively debate! Trading away the first pick (as well as any other mega trade) doesn’t always work. The John Elway trade didn’t turn out so well for the Colts and the jury is still out on the Eli Manning trade…as the Charger deplete their weapons it exposes Rivers’ weakness as well as Norv Turner’s inability to coach. A solid stable coaching staff along with a serviceable QB will take any team to the promise land.