Dolphins make big statement with win over Patriots 24-20
What I didn’t like
– Mike Sherman did a good job of play calling this game, with the exception of the 4th and 5 call. It worked because Clay was tenacious and made defenders miss. But why throw a TE screen on 4th and 5, causing him to catch the ball with about 8-10 yards to gain from where he catches the ball?
– John Denney/Brandon Fields – It’s not often that I don’t like something these guys do because they are excellent at what they do. Fields should be in the Pro Bowl this year and Denney has been extremely consistent. But a mis-communication on a field goal attempt cost the Dolphins 3 big points. That can’t happen boys.
– Jimmy Wilson’s effort on Edelman’s 24 yard go-ahead TD in the 4th quarter. I watched this play about 5 times. Every time I watch it I get more angry at Wilson’s effort. He swipes at the ball, but doesn’t even try to tackle Edelman. Ultimately the Dolphins overcame it, but it was an atrocious job by Wilson.
Sorry folks but there isn’t much more not to like. The Dolphins hadn’t beaten the Patriots in their previous 7 tries, so let’s celebrate this victory! The Dolphins are currently locked into the 6th seed in the AFC playoff picture and as a result of the Bengals losing Sunday night, the Dolphins now control their own destiny. If they beat the Bills in Buffalo and the Jets the last week of the season, in Miami, they will be in the playoffs.
Amazingly, the Dolphins could potentially clinch the wild card spot next week. If the Lions beat the Ravens tomorrow night and the Patriots beat the Ravens next week….and the Dolphins beat the Bills….the Dolphins are the #6 seed. For those of you that are dreamers, the Dolphins still have a shot at the division. If the Dolphins win their last 2 games and the Patriots lose to the Ravens and Bills, the Dolphins win the AFC East. It’s a long shot, but it’s possible.
We’ll get into the playoff picture in more detail later this week. But for now, let’s just enjoy this victory Monday!
For the latest Dolphins news from PhinNation, be sure to bookmark our site in your browser!