Mike McDaniel has achieved a significant milestone in his coaching career, becoming the third head coach in the Miami Dolphins franchise’s history to guide his team to the postseason in each of his first two seasons. The Dolphins celebrated the holiday season with a thrilling 22-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, marking their first 11-4 start since the 1990 season.
Here are three key takeaways from the Dolphins’ impressive win:
1.Versatility in Victory
The hallmark of great teams is their ability to adapt and secure victories in various styles of play. During the unpredictable holiday season in the NFL, where games can take unexpected turns, the Dolphins showcased their flexibility. The defense effectively contained the explosive Dallas offense for most of the game, while special teams played a crucial role in maintaining field position and contributing 16 points. Despite missing key offensive players, including starting linemen, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle not at full strength, and the on-and-off presence of running back Raheem Mostert, the Dolphins executed a flawless four-minute drive in the final moments. Overcoming adversity, the team orchestrated a game-winning drive, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
2.Jason Sanders’ Heroics
Kicker Jason Sanders played a pivotal role in the Dolphins’ success, delivering a career-long 57-yard field goal and connecting on a total of five field goals in the game. Sanders made history by becoming the first Dolphin to complete three kicks of 50-plus yards in a single game, extending his streak to five consecutive 50-yard kicks. With 15 consecutive successful field goals and 52 PATs without a miss (excluding a blocked kick in Week 14), Sanders showcased his reliability. He credited the snapper, Blake Ferguson, and holder, Jake Bailey, for their crucial contributions, emphasizing the collective effort that makes his job easier.
3.Dominant Defensive Front
The Dolphins’ defense has become a formidable force, ranking fifth in total defense, 13th in scoring, and achieving a franchise-record 52 sacks, along with a league-leading 129 QB hits. The ferocious front put significant pressure on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, with Prescott facing pressure on 42 percent of his drop backs—the highest since the 2017 season. The success against the run was evident, limiting Dallas to a meager 38.3 success rate on handoffs. Bradley Chubb secured his 11th sack of the season, the first Dolphin to reach double-digit sacks since 2017. Andrew Van Ginkel’s standout performance included 1.5 sacks, four QB hits, and 10 total tackles, contributing to the Dolphins’ defensive dominance.