Instant Analysis: Green Bay Packers 26, Miami Dolphins 20
Quick thoughts from South Florida Sun Sentinel staffers on the Miami Dolphins’ loss to the Green Bay Packers at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday:
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist
Mike McDaniel wanted this team to find out what it’s like to play in big games in December. They’re finding out and it’s not pretty. Sunday’s fourth-straight loss falls on three straight interceptions by Tua Tagovailoa. Playoffs chances are still there. But better play is needed.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist
Tua Tagovailoa had a terrible fourth quarter with three interceptions. The defense, which allowed an average of 15.3 points per game at home, did its job even though it allowed 26 points. But Tagovailoa needed to be better in an, ahem, cold-weather game, but it didn’t happen.
David Furones, Dolphins Writer
It might just be another late-season collapse for the Dolphins (8-7). Can’t win throwing three fourth-quarter interceptions in a tight game. Winless December for Miami, but this team still controls its own fate and can get into the playoffs with wins in its final two games or clinch with a win next week in New England, plus a New York Jets loss in Seattle.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor
Can the Dolphins beat the Patriots and Jets to get into the playoffs? Sure. Neither has a superstar quarterback (like the Chargers, Bills, Packers) or a defense as stout as the 49ers’. But, now the gremlins are running wild between the ears.
Steve Svekis, Sports Senior Content Editor
All the should-be interceptions that had been dropped against the Dolphins this season were not mishandled in the fourth quarter against Green Bay. Now, the playoffs look suddenly shaky.
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