With a four-sport getting rid of streak, the Dolphins squandered an uncomplicated path to the playoffs and now require to get at least a single — or potentially both of those — of their last two online games to arrive at the postseason.
And they will probably have to do it with a backup quarterback.
Tua Tagovailoa is in the concussion protocol all over again immediately after what was at the very least his next traumatic brain personal injury of the season, and Teddy Bridgewater is envisioned to start for Miami (8-7) versus the New England Patriots (7-8) on Sunday.
The winner of the match has a first rate opportunity at a playoff berth. If the Patriots get rid of, they are out if the Dolphins drop, they are in difficulties.
“I’m fired up to get an possibility to enjoy some football, some significant football,” Bridgewater mentioned as he ready for his first motion since 7 days 6. “Looking ahead to this prospect we have to get into the event.”
Miami was 8-3 right after a fifth straight victory in Week 12 and the only concern seemed to be whether it would challenge Buffalo for the AFC East title or have to settle for a wild-card berth. 4 losses afterwards, the Dolphins are in hazard of missing the postseason fully.
Their force will probable have to appear with Bridgewater right after Tagovailoa re-entered the concussion protocol. He appeared to hit his head on the ground in the second quarter of the reduction to Green Bay, whilst he never still left the activity and wasn’t straight away evaluated for a concussion.
Dolphins mentor Mike McDaniel stated the workforce did not see just about anything relating to during the recreation but noticed a problem soon after examining the tape. Tagovailoa met with physicians on Monday and was positioned into the NFL’s concussion protocol after reporting signs or symptoms.
Operating back Raheem Mostert explained the team’s terrible luck is not a little something it can control.
“The 4 losses is something that you can surely command, but it just hasn’t long gone our way” with the injuries, he explained. “It’s just the way of the recreation. … I know there is a whole lot of playoff implications on what we have to do and every little thing like that, but we have just bought to dial in on what we have to do in purchase to get a get this week.”
Receiver Tyreek Hill said he’s nonetheless confident with Bridgewater at quarterback mainly because he “can set up numbers with anyone.”
“All of the guys received chemistry with Teddy,” Hill explained. “He just brings that veteran presence that we all variety of will need.”
The Patriots have lost four of 5, but Miami’s collapse opened the doorway for them to attain the playoffs for the second time since Tom Brady’s departure signaled the conclude of their dynasty.
“It undoubtedly commences with … knowing what style of opportunity we have in front of us,” Patriots quarterback Mac Jones said. “You’ve received to understand what’s at threat, what we want to get to and you just have to play your heart out, participate in for each other and go towards a really good workforce.”
Still Self-assured
Even with the anxiety of losing their commencing quarterback to a concussion for the 2nd time this time, acquiring the veteran Bridgewater as a backup has lifted some stress off the Dolphins.
McDaniel explained he was on the phone with Bridgewater until finally 10:15 p.m. Tuesday likely about plans.
“This is why we considered it so important to go just after him in free agency,” McDaniel claimed. “This is why he’s completed these a diligent occupation through the class of the season with his have accidents and these to be ready for this possibility. And I know the staff is pretty enthusiastic. I truly feel very privileged to have him and for him to get his opportunity that he’s absolutely organized for.”
Bridgewater is 41 yards shy of 15,000 vocation passing yards and has a profession passer score of 90.5.
Filthy Participate in
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was accused of being a dirty participant immediately after he laid down in front of Bengals cornerback Eli Apple on a prospective fumble return (which was eventually ruled an incomplete pass).
Apple named it a soiled perform and stated he’s observed Jones cross the line ahead of. Jones was also fined for flipping a soccer at a Expenditures participant soon after staying sacked. And in opposition to Chicago, he slid with his leg up, kicking a Bears player in the groin.
Jones explained he respects gamers all-around the league but was worried about “earning the regard of the folks in this creating and the individuals I treatment about.”
Force Tends to make DIAMONDS
Miami players are embracing the obstacle of heading into their remaining two game titles with a playoff place on the line. The Dolphins are clinging to the seventh seed in the AFC and are guaranteed a playoff berth if they win out.
“We previously know what we received to do, which is make plays and just earn soccer game titles,” Hill said. “The NFL (is) tricky. It does not make any difference who you participate in. It doesn’t make a difference what the document demonstrates on a workforce. It doesn’t issue. Due to the fact at the stop of the day, you are likely towards skilled athletes who get paid out just like you get paid.”
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