Phins December Surprise! How Long Will It Last?
Phins shocked the Patriots, their fans, and even themselves with a miracle win
Phins have made it fun for fans in December
Dolphins Fans are coming off one of the biggest victory highs that they’ve had in a long time. The Miami Miracle was an ending that even Hollywood would’ve had a hard time scripting better. As amazing as that play was, it won’t make one bit of difference this week. So Miami needs to get back to work because even one loss could doom their Playoff hunt.
However, we fans need to proceed with both joy… and caution.
How many times has this team given us hope this season… only to slap us in the face with a cold fish of reality a week later?
Now, I’m not saying don’t believe… My popcorn is already popping
Miami has overcome a mega dose of adversity with injury after injury. It’s shocking as hell that we are in the middle of December with playoff hopes. But now they must prove themselves more than a blip on the radar. This team has shown us they can come back from the brink of destruction. Now they must prove that they can rise above mediocrity.
This makeover needs to start this week…and not a week later.
The Vikings are a perfect example of how tough it is to make the Post Season. They went deep into the playoffs last year and now they are struggling to make it again. After the signing QB Kirk Cousins, they were early favorites to win the Super Bowl. However, the Vikings have suffered from inconsistency this season. Now they are trailing to even win the Division.
The Vikes though are still very much alive for a Wild Card berth. So, this is, for all intent and purpose, this a playoff game for both two teams.
To make this December truly special, Phins need to win on the road
Miami is going to have to find a way to win consistently on the road with 2 Away Games left. Phins are an atrocious 1-5 on the road this season. This is not a winning recipe for a playoff team. But, as we saw last week, things can change on a dime in the NFL.
As usual, the best sports betting software websites like AcePerHead.com, are not putting much faith in the Dolphins. Back to back upsets by Miami isn’t getting good odds. The line opened at and is currently sitting at +7 for the Dolphins.
One thing that bothers me from a betting standpoint is that the action is actually coming in split on the Vikings. From a betting standpoint, this makes me worry that the public is a getting suckered into thinking that one ‘Miracle Play’ changes the fact that Miami has only been consistent at being inconsistent in 2018.
Miami is lucky in one regard to be on the road in Minnesota
Probably the only positive thing for the Dolphins about playing in Minnesota is that they’ll be in a dome. While Miami won’t be spared brutal winter weather in Week 17 against Buffalo, this week it will be nice and cozy.
Phins will have their hands full with a Minnesota Defense because their pass defense is elite. The Vikes rank 5th best against the pass giving up only 215.6 yards passing per game. Ryan Tannehill will again need a lot of patience and excellent ball security. And when the opportunity presents itself, he must take advantage because there won’t be many of them.
Minnesota struggles to run the ball
Just as the ground game was crucial against the Patriots, it will again be critical this week. Minnesota’s defense is ranked a respectable 13th allowing 108 yards on the ground per game. The Dolphins blockers will need to be even more physical this week than they were against the Patriots.
Conversely, Minnesota is terrible at running the football. They are ranked 30th, generating only 85 yards on the ground per game. In the passing game, they rank 17th with rank and 354 yards through the air. Without a doubt, Xavien Howard’s return will be giant life preserver… if he plays.
The Vikes and Dolphins offenses are nearly identical in scoring. Minnesota is scoring 21.7 points per game and Miami 21.4 points per game. The Dolphins defense needs to limit them to under that to have a chance on the road. And they might be able to do it too. This week the Vikings fired their Offensive Coordinator, John DeFilippo. There are sure to be some bumps in the road with a new play-caller.
How will this game go…
The team that’s the most patient and disciplined will win. This will be a tight game and little mistakes will play out big late in the game. Adam Gase must stick with the run for 4 Quarters. I think Gase does and the Dolphins win a tight one.
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about the Dolphins chances against the Minnesota Vikings this upcoming Sunday?
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Well I ate crow this week for throwing in the towel prior to the Patriots game and I will
just watch the game when I can. Go Dolphins!
Not many thought they’d win, Steve. I thought it would be close… was very, very surprised. They could have ended it earlier though, but Stills choked on two crucial plays. If they win today… then we should be a bit excited.
I certainly give Gase credit for accomplishing what he has with what little he has on the roster ie injuries and more injuries. If the Dolphins can pull out two more wins then Gase would have earned a return in 2019. Of course, if Gase returns, so will Tannehill. Tannehill has not been elite but he has been adequate as a caretaker. I would not want him here beyond 2019 since in my opinion, he has not shown the “franchise” QB ability. But, his replacement will need to be drafted or on the roster by 2020.
Can the Dolphins win this weekend? Anything is possible. These players have a lot of fight in them and very little quit. But for them to win, there needs to be no mistakes and Gase has got to call a very good game and avoid any of his “head scratching” calls.
I’m hoping for the win but I’m not expecting one. Go Dolphins!
I was a fan of Gase’s but this season started to drain it… this win gave it a jumpstart. I till want to see 9 wins. The injuries are brutal, but the depth on this team is shinning a bit… which is nice. We still need another QB and improvement of the roster and coaching. A win today or even a very good showing would bring a load of confidence to the fanbase…
The Dolphin’s can win the last 3 games. 10 & 6 would be an excellent record for such a mediocre team. I don’t think that this record will earn them a playoff spot, however. I look for the first wild card to go to the Chargers. A couple of the teams we are competing with for the second wild card beat us in a tie breaker. Maybe the Pat’s will fall apart!
I think they can win the next two weeks, but on the road in Buffalo with Allen… yeashhh. Honestly, 9-7 is my goal since Preseason. If we get to that, it will offer me hope. Yes, there are plenty of issues. But for Gase to get them to 9-7 with all these flaws and injuries… it’s enough to see one more season. 8-8 would have had some hope for me if they lost against the Pats. But now, with these three teams left, going 1-2 isn’t enough.3-0, as you said, would be a huge accomplishment. That’s a long shot… more possible than a week ago, but a looooongg hot. I am excited about this week though… how about you?