Stories already seen are boring. Experience teaches us that the Miami Dolphins are unable to perform at their best when the weather drops and, in the Week 13 match against i Green Bay Packers, they confirm once again this is notable for them limit. Of course, it’s not just about the weather, the Packs also put their own spin on it, showing that they are one great teamdespite experiencing a beautiful paradox: Their 9-3 record would make them first in almost every division in the NFL. Unfortunately, however, they play in the NFC North, where they also play Detroit Lionsor the best franchise in the league, and Minnesota Vikingsa team that is reaping more than it sows but which, however, strings together victory after victory by taking advantage of an easy calendar and the desire for revenge Sam Darnold. These two variables leave GB in third place.
The match it looked like a trap per i Dolphins e it turned out to be sosending them back to 5-7, two games behind the current march of those who currently occupy the last AFC seeds, Denver Broncos e Los Angeles Chargers.
The story of the challenge
For the hosts, the match at Lambeau Field it opens immediately in the best possible way. Jordan Love and they make it 3 and out on the first possession but then take advantage of the blunder of the Miami special team: Malik Washington doesn’t receive the punt well e leaves the live ball on the groundThat the Packers collectearning the privilege of attacking from the deep red zone. From there, it is Jayden Reed to receive for a short TD. The Fins’ response is quite disastrous. While De’Von Achane receives for a first down, a long series of penalties stifles the drive, including the silly unnecessary violence Of John Smith which causes a third attempt and 29 from which Tua Tagovailoa can rather little.
Love begins to set in motion Josh Jacobswho is having a great season, and also involves the TE Tucker Kraft and the RB2, Emmanuel Wilsonin a second drive that ends with the TD on a run by Jacob himselfs. The visiting offense plays better in its second outing. First down Smith, first Alec Ingoldprimo Jaylen Waddleprimo Achan e FG signed by Jason Sanders (33 yards).
A punt per side follows, with Miami’s caused by two sacks in rapid sequence: the first to sign Lucas Van Ness and the second for Kingsley Enagbare. Then the Packers extend based again on the rushing gamemainly by signature Chris Brooks in this drive, and on a good reception of Christian Watson. Il TD finds it Instead Reed again. Before the end of the second quarter, the hosts also score a FG con Brandon McManusfollowing a possession where Miami reaches the turnover on downs after trying, in vain, to convert a fourth attempt.
In the third and fourth periods they go guests better. Although Love proves he can play well even at similar temperatures, finding a Watson’s 46-yard reception and one by Jacobs for 15, the Packs’ main possession of this period ends with a FG lungo 24 yards. The TD arrives for the Dolphins, thanks to a sumptuous drive from Jonnu Smithwho proves to be an excellent TE capable of gain numerous yards after the receptionand a TD on a pass from Achaneper 14 yards. The marking is followed by a 2 point conversion made by Waddle. He also enters the scene in the fourth quarter Tyreek Hillwho first receives for 30 yards and then scores a 12-yard TD to close a drive where the usual Achane and Smith show off, while Waddle receives for 9 yards. The 2-point conversion, however, fails and in Green Bay just check, thanks to a FG by McManus for 33 yards. The home team is content to defend the large lead they put together in the first half and take another important win.
Per i Dolphins a loss to an NFC team is more tolerable than one in a direct battle, but it’s still enough to reduce the already narrow margin of error. To reach the playoffs you need to start counting on the mistakes of your direct competitors.
A setback after three victories: how serious is it?
Short answer to the question that opens these concluding paragraphs: Enough. However, it is not yet decisive and that may be enough for the Dolphins. For two reasons. The first is that GB are a much fitter team. Ha dominated the San Francisco 49ers in week 12 and is preparing for one showdown contro i Detroit Lions in week 14. So the Fins met her at a time when she is pushing hard and is concentrated and focused on her goals. The second is that, from now on, the Miami calendar no longer presents obstacles of a similar level, at least today.
If we look ahead we find the following opponents: New York Jets in week 14 (in casa); Houston Texans in week 15; San Francisco 49ers in week 16; Cleveland Browns in week 17 and the Jets again (in New York) in week 18. Reading this calendar at the beginning of the season one could have been intimidated by the close matches with the Texans and 9ers but we have seen how both franchises are performing below what was expected in September, so they are opponents that can be beaten. Winning all 5 is possiblewin 4 is likely. Right, with a 9-8 record there is no guarantee of playoffs but the AFC is characterized by two very different tiers of franchises: there are some that are significantly better, which have the pass for the postseason already in hand and are just waiting for the official announcement clinchingand others that are equivalent and must elbow probably until the endto enter the playoffs. Miami is in this group and has to fight.
Photo credits: Sky Sports
