Cleveland, OH—The 305 can take another deep breath. The Miami Dolphins survived a game without Tua Tagovailoa, taking a win over the dreadful Cleveland Browns by a final score of 20-3, keeping their playoffs hopes alive.
‘Ravens’ Huntley Strikes Again
Yeah, the quarterback matchup of Tyler Huntley and Dorian-Thompson Robinson didn’t scream appealing, and it truly wasn’t. Still, Snoop played some of his best football in years in a revenge game against one of his former teams.
He went 22/26 with 225 yards, a passing touchdown, and no interceptions – a near-perfect performance. While the offense was stagnant at times, they did just enough to hold on to their lead almost all game.
Tyler Huntley runs it in for 6️⃣!
📺: #MIAvsCLE on @NFLonCBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/98nErNtNul
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 29, 2024
With no Tua and Jaylen Waddle, they had to make do with what they had. Tyreek Hill answered the call with nine receptions for 105 yards. Jonnu Smith only had 26 yards but DID ice the game with a late touchdown.
Regarding the running game, Huntley turned into his former self as a dual-threat quarterback. He recorded 52 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Had we seen this level of play for Huntley earlier this season, we might not be worrying about getting into the playoffs.
Only One True Opponent Today
While it needs to be noted how awful Cleveland’s offense was, you have to applaud Miami’s defense. They only allowed a single field goal throughout the game and denied the Browns in the end zone. They forced a fumble, and an interception, and denied the Browns on fourth down four times.
.@jalenramsey said 🙅♂️ on 4th & goal
📺: #MIAvsCLE on @NFLonCBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/O8zMbCmHOv
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 29, 2024
The Dolphins’ offensive line was tested against a top defensive end in Myles Garrett. Overall, they played fine, even with an injury to Terron Armstead. They did allow four sacks on Huntley but gave Snoop enough time when it mattered the most.
Truly, the biggest opponent Miami fought today was…themselves. The frustrating penalties on the Dolphins – 11 to be exact – killed drives and gave Cleveland’s disabled offense some life. The Browns were also hit with several penalties in an ugly contest that matched the weather.
The penalties fall on the coaching staff, who didn’t look good today either. Mike McDaniel threw the challenge flag twice and lost both times, burning two timeouts. Coach McDaniel has historically flopped with the challenge flag, now being 4-18 in his career.
The Scenario Is Quite Simple
With the win, the road to the playoffs has become very clear. All that needs to happen now is for Miami to win their season finale against the New York Jets, and the Denver Broncos to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday. Sadly, we don’t know if KC will be resting starters as they have nothing to play for.
That game against the 4-12 Jets will be in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, January 5th at a time to be determined later.
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