MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins will be in the playoffs no subject what, but there is a lot at stake in their showdown with AFC East rival Buffalo on Sunday night time.
The Dolphins’ probabilities at earning the AFC’s top rated seed finished when they were blown out at Baltimore last weekend. But a victory in excess of the Expenditures would give them their to start with AFC East title because 2008 and the No. 2 seed in the convention.
If Miami loses, it would fall to the No. 6 seed and possible would will need to win a few street playoff video games to access the Tremendous Bowl.
Participating in at household could bode well for the Dolphins, who are 7-1 at Difficult Rock Stadium.
Miami had three turnovers at Baltimore on Sunday and gave up a year-significant 491 yards as breakdowns in conversation on both of those sides of the ball stalled momentum. Tua Tagovailoa was 22 of 38 for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Tyreek Hill caught six passes for 76 yards but dropped a possible landing when he was large open in the conclusion zone on Miami’s 2nd travel.
Hill attributed the drop to weak focus.
“I will say, I by no means get that vast open up,” Hill stated. “The ball just floated so prolonged. It was just like, ‘Get here’ to me. I just have to make the perform, gentleman.”
When the Dolphins shed at Buffalo in 7 days 4, they turned the ball above 2 times and have been 3 of 10 on 3rd down. Hill experienced 58 yards acquiring, his next-most affordable output of the period.
“The fantastic detail about this crew is we have this kind of huge leaders,” Hill reported. “You know what, I’m seeking forward to observing how we bounce back. I know coach (Mike McDaniel) is likely to get us organized, and it’s going to be what we have to have heading into the playoffs. It’s heading to be fantastic.”
Miami will will need to triumph over a myriad of injuries.
Jaylen Waddle did not play versus Baltimore due to the fact of a higher ankle sprain, and it’s not distinct no matter if he’ll be out there Sunday night time. And the Dolphins will deal with a Payments offense that has dominated them in current decades with out several crucial starters on protection, such as pass rusher Bradley Chubb (knee), linebacker Jaelan Phillips (Achilles tendon). Cornerback Xavien Howard (foot) is also possible to pass up the recreation.
“Regardless of what we’re dealing with personally at home, or an damage to our system, this recreation is likely to kick off when it kicks off and it’s likely to go down,” veteran still left tackle Terron Armstead reported. “You want to go out there with your most effective foot forward no matter. So when you put together via the week, that kickoff time is going to be that kickoff time, no issue who is on the industry, no make any difference what they’re working with. That’s how you have obtained to tactic it.”
What is Performing
Miami has rushed for at least 120 yards in 4 of its previous 6 games. The Dolphins experienced 154 yards rushing Sunday and averaged 6.2 yards per rush.
WHAT Needs Help
Some of Miami’s midseason troubles with ball safety returned. Tagovailoa hadn’t thrown an interception in 4 video games but experienced two in opposition to the Ravens. Backup Mike White lost a fumble late in the fourth quarter.
Stock UP
De’Von Achane. He was Miami’s guide ball provider in the absence of Raheem Mostert, who did not participate in for the reason that of ankle and knee accidents. Achane experienced a 23-lawn operate on the very first enjoy of the match and completed with 107 yards on 14 carries with a obtaining touchdown.
Stock DOWN
The secondary, which was plagued by blown coverages and weak tackling. Howard only performed 4 snaps because of a foot harm, and the Ravens targeted backup Eli Apple during the game. Apple lost track of Zay Flowers on a 75-property touchdown.
Injuries
Chubb will pass up the rest of the time following tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his ideal knee late in the video game. … Howard’s foot damage is not predicted to have to have surgical procedure, but he is most likely to miss the Buffalo recreation. … Tagovailoa is dealing with a sore shoulder.
Critical Range
100 — It was the fourth 100-yard speeding video game for Achane, which tied Karim Abdul-Jabbar for the most these kinds of game titles by a rookie in Dolphins record.
Up coming Methods
The Dolphins have overwhelmed the Charges just the moment in the past 11 meetings. If they get, they would not have to go on the road all through the playoffs till the AFC championship activity.
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