Tonight the Miami Dolphins worked some magic in the first three quarters after three big interceptions to give the Dolphins points. In all, 3 intereceptions that accounted for 10 points which is something that Joe Philbin has been preaching to the masses all season long.
In the end, the Dolphins perservered on the game's final drive with a short passes and heroics by quarterback Ryan Tannehill. At the end, the Dolphins bit, scratched and clawed for just one more chance for a win or at least tie the game.
With 16 seconds in regulation, Caleb Sturgis after being frozen made a 44 yard field goal tying the game.
Up until this point, the Dolphins were trailing and left the drive in the hands of their franchise quarterback and a kick to their beleaguered rookie kicker who had just missed five kicks before nailing one in the first half and at the end of the game.
Much of the credit for this game should go to the coaches who, despite all of the "noise" from the naysayers outside of the building in Davie continued to work and put in a game plan that was run heavy and pass when necessary. Most of all, the coaches on the defensive side of the ball put in an incredible game plan to stop everyone else and keep AJ Green out of the end zone.
The Dolphins rushed for 142 yards in the first half on 14 carries, a record half for them given that they have been hesitant to abandon the run. 156 yards Despite everything, the Dolphins won the toss in overtime and were given a chance to do something they could not do in 4 games after losing leads and sending the Twitterverse of Dolphins fans into misery.
However, tonight was different and Ryan Tannehill came out a man possessed. A leader. A game for the ages where he did not throw for a single touchdown.
In overtime, the Dolphins ran early and were stuffed for a 2 yard gain.
On the next play, Tannehill connected with Charles Clay who did a pretty spin move to earn more yardage after the catch to get close to the sticks.
After a timeout, Tannehill found Mike Wallace in the flat for a first down to keep the drive going.
However, Tannehill on a double clutch couldn't threed the ball to the well covered Brian Hartline.
It was up to the defense. The Dolphins defense that got gassed in the third quarter. On third down at the Dolphins 40 yard line, it was time for Miami to make a play. With fans on their feet. Hurricane sirens going off in the background, the Bengals found a way to damper the Dolphins post game victory plans finding AJ Green near field goal range.
The Dolphins defense did have enough push to stop the Bengals. Bengals elected to punt to pin the Dolphins near the 10.
On the first play from scrimmage, Tannehill launched a bomb overthrowing Wallace, but the Bengals corner elected to hold and trip Wallace thus prompting the flag by the side judge for pass interference.
On third and inches, the Dolphins elected to run with Daniel Thomas and got stuffed. Dolphins elected to punt.
Why? The team is 3-4 and many fans were wondering about the punt. Little did they know that the Dolphins special teams could pin the Bengals inside the 5.
The Miami Dolphins won on a safety sack by the veteran Cam Wake.
Notable performances in this game:
Brent Grimes with an 92 yard interception for a touchdown.
Cam Wake: 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble and recovery, and a 2-point safety
Lamar Miller: 156 yards rushing on 16 carries
Ryan Tannehill: 1 rushing TD, no fumbles, no interceptions, 20-28 passing, 92.6 rating.
For the Miami Dolphins, there is much to do at 4-4, but it's time to get ready for Tampa under the lights next Monday night!
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