The Dolphins are headed back to the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Backup quarterback Matt Moore piloted Miami to three straight wins to complete a turnaround from a 1-4 start to a place in the postseason.
Dolphins clinch 1st playoff appearance since 2008 after Broncos lose to Chiefs
Backup quarterback Matt Moore has piloted Miami back to the postseason.
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The news came somewhat anticlimactically, one day after the Dolphins dispatched the Bills in a wild overtime game. The Denver Broncos’ 33-10 loss in Kansas City punched Miami’s ticket and kept the rest of the league’s wild card hopefuls out in the cold. The defending Super Bowl champions are now eliminated from the postseason.
The six AFC teams in the playoffs are the Patriots, Raiders, Steelers, Texans, Chiefs, and Dolphins. Though the official seeding will be determined next week, Miami is guaranteed a wild card spot.
Miami’s turnaround has been impressive under first-year head coach Adam Gase. The Dolphins appeared resigned to another lost season thanks to a 1-4 start during which their only victory came against the Browns. A big win over the Steelers showcased the team’s talent, and a weak midseason schedule sparked a six-game winning streak that put Miami in playoff contention. Though a blowout loss at Baltimore halted the team’s momentum, Miami got back on track with three straight wins.
Even more impressively, that most recent streak came with starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill sidelined for the bulk of it. The fifth-year passer had arguably his best season as a professional halted by a knee injury that forced his longtime backup into the lineup. Moore was capable in relief, and a sprained ACL means Tannehill could potentially return to the team in the postseason.
Miami will close out its season with a Week 17 showdown against AFC East champion New England.
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