The Phinsider - Dolphins vs. Patriots game day coverage: Preview of Week 17- All our coverage in one placeA Miami Dolphins community, established November 18, 2006https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49617/phinsider-fav.png2023-01-01T23:14:30-05:00http://www.thephinsider.com/rss/stream/232952442023-01-01T23:14:30-05:002023-01-01T23:14:30-05:00NFL playoff picture Week 17: Live updates, standings, clinching scenarios (Updated through Sunday night)
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<img alt="Denver Broncos v Kansas City Chiefs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uZ1NmRitrh358w6LvTsq6h77dIs=/0x2:8192x5463/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71812461/1453661147.5.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We keep track of the live NFL playoff standings throughout Week 17.</p> <p id="OfQi19">The NFL’s Week 17 schedule is already underway, with playoff implications in seemingly every result. With just one week remaining after this weekend, how the AFC and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoff-picture">NFC playoff picture</a> will play out will have plenty of drama throughout the Week 17 slate of games. Teams are clinching division titles and wild card berths, while other clubs are being eliminated as games go final.</p>
<p id="vka4kn">As we have the last couple of weeks, throughout Week 17, we will keep track of the current playoff picture with each game’s results. We will keep track of who can clinch what spot in the postseason, which teams have seen their 2022 hopes dashed, and who will stay alive into Week 18.</p>
<p id="XDRGea">As Week 17 started, the AFC playoff picture had the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> already clinching the AFC East division title as they continue to pace the field with a 12-3 record. The <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a>, the AFC West champions this year, are staying right with them with an identical 12-3 record. The <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> entered the week third in the standings with a 11-4 record as the AFC North leaders, while the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> were the fourth-seed as the AFC South leaders at 7-8 on the year. The three wild card teams were the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> (10-5), the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> (9-6), and the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> (8-7). On the outside looking in, the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> and <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> held the top two spots, both at 7-8 for the season. </p>
<p id="hq25OZ">The NFC playoff picture continues to be headlined by the Philadephia Eagles, who lead the NFC East with a 13-2 record. The <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, having clinched the NFC North title this season, are a game back at 12-3, while the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>, the NFC West champions, started the week 11-4. The <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>, leading the NFC South at 7-8, were in the fourth spot. The <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> (11-4) were the top wild card team to start Week 17, followed by the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> (8-6-1) and the Washington Commanders (7-7-1). The <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> and <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>, both 7-8, held the first two positions on the wrong side of the playoff cut line. </p>
<p id="kqXodU">How will everything look at the end of the week? Our live standings below will keep you up to date.</p>
<h3 id="zAoNig">Week 17 Schedule</h3>
<h4 id="Do988W"><strong>Finals</strong></h4>
<p id="0DKLWc"><a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> 27 - 13 <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a><br><a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> 19 - 20 <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a><br><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> 10 - 41 <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a><br><a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> 31 - 3 <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a><br><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> 24 - 27 <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a><br><a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> 21 - 23 <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a><br><a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> 10 - 38 <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a><br><a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> 20 - 10 <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a><br><a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> 24 - 30 <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a><br><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> 24 - 10 <a href="http://hogshaven.com/">Washington Commanders</a><br><a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> 37 - 34 <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a> (OT)<br><a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> 6 - 23 <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a><br><a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> 17 - 41 <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a><br><a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> 10 - 31 <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a><br><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> 16 - 13 <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a></p>
<h4 id="4yKrdg"><strong>Schedule</strong></h4>
<p id="HjtKVz"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> at <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>, Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Dmaxk7">
<h3 id="zZe4i2">
<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoff-picture">AFC Playoff Picture</a> (through Week 17 Sunday night)</h3>
<h4 id="C3kpeF">Week 17 Clinching Scenarios:</h4>
<p id="Xqnx9r"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/"><strong>Buffalo Bills</strong></a><strong> - Cannot clinch top seed</strong><br>Clinch AFC top seed (homefield advantage and bye) with:</p>
<ul><li id="517MQg">Bills win and <s>Chiefs loss</s>
</li></ul>
<p id="tOUAXj"><a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/"><strong>Cincinnati Bengals</strong></a><br>Clinch AFC North division title with:</p>
<ul>
<li id="s1W8bw">Bengals win and <strong>Ravens loss/tie</strong> OR</li>
<li id="1lCXQV">Bengals tie and <strong>Ravens loss</strong>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="b7hCiY"><a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/"><strong>Miami Dolphins</strong></a> <strong>- Cannot clinch</strong><br>Clinch playoff berth with:</p>
<ul>
<li id="HLLT2V">
<s>Dolphins win</s> and <strong>Jets loss/tie</strong> OR</li>
<li id="0yg8T9">
<s>Dolphins tie</s> and <strong>Jets loss</strong> and <s>Steelers loss/tie</s>
</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="SFzBfA"><strong>Live Standings:</strong></h4>
<p id="xy3uuE">1 - <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/"><strong>Kansas City Chiefs</strong></a> (13-3, AFC West champion)+<br>2 - <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/"><strong>Buffalo Bills</strong></a> (12-3, AFC East champion)+*<br>3 - <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/"><strong>Cincinnati Bengals</strong></a> (11-4, AFC North leader)^*<br>4 - <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/"><strong>Jacksonville Jaguars</strong></a> (8-8, AFC South leader)<br>5 - <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/"><strong>Los Angeles Chargers</strong></a> (10-6, Wild Card 1)^<br>6 - <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/"><strong>Baltimore Ravens</strong></a> (10-6, Wild Card 2)^<br>7 - <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/"><strong>New England Patriots</strong></a> (8-8, Wild Card 3)</p>
<p id="J6eKrc"><strong>In the hunt</strong><br><a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/"><strong>Miami Dolphins</strong></a> (8-8)<br><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/"><strong>Pittsburgh Steelers</strong></a> (8-8)<br><a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/"><strong>Tennessee Titans</strong></a> (7-9)</p>
<p id="L1kuLH"><strong>Eliminated</strong><br><a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/"><strong>New York Jets</strong></a> (7-9)<br><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/"><strong>Cleveland Browns</strong></a> (7-9)<br><a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/"><strong>Las Vegas Raiders</strong></a> (6-10)<br><a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/"><strong>Indianapolis Colts</strong></a> (4-11-1)<br><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/"><strong>Denver Broncos</strong></a> (4-12)<br><a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/"><strong>Houston Texans</strong></a> (2-13-1)<br><em>Note: The Jets are ahead of the Titans in the standings based on tiebreaks, but the Titans have not been eliminated because they can still win their division.</em></p>
<p id="98IlaX"><em>*Still to play</em><br><em>^Clinched playoff berth</em><br>+<em>Clinched division title</em></p>
<h4 id="BEtXDM">Week 17 Elimination Scenarios:</h4>
<p id="iUhVBu"><a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/"><strong>Las Vegas Raiders</strong></a><strong> - Eliminated</strong><br>Eliminated with:</p>
<ul>
<li id="J9f6UO">
<strong>Raiders loss/tie</strong> OR</li>
<li id="D7GxR5">
<s>Dolphins win/tie</s> OR</li>
<li id="f2JOY0"><s>Jets win/tie</s></li>
</ul>
<p id="o7gGBZ"><a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/"><strong>New York Jets</strong></a> <strong>- Eliminated</strong><br>Eliminated with:</p>
<ul>
<li id="c7Nbmm">
<strong>Jets loss</strong> OR</li>
<li id="t4FofI">
<s>Jets ties</s> and <s>Dolphins win</s>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="n59Rh7"><a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/"><strong>New England Patriots</strong></a> <strong>- Cannot be eliminated</strong><br>Eliminated with:</p>
<ul>
<li id="UV37wS">
<s>Patriots loss</s> OR</li>
<li id="xBo8xr">
<s>Patriots tie</s> and <s>Jets win/loss</s>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="chmtmx"><a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/"><strong>Pittsburgh Steelers</strong></a><strong> - Cannot be eliminated</strong><br>Eliminated with:</p>
<ul>
<li id="m99uFi">
<s>Steelers loss</s> OR</li>
<li id="KgAFaZ">
<s>Steelers tie</s> and <s>Jets win/tie</s> OR</li>
<li id="Q80elO">
<s>Steelers tie</s> and <s>Dolphins tie</s> OR</li>
<li id="vo5XuZ">
<s>Dolphins win</s> OR</li>
<li id="0wn1Qq">
<s>Dolphins tie</s> and <s>Jets win</s>
</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Nz9WdZ">
<h3 id="rIiSVY">
<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoff-picture">NFC Playoff Picture</a> (through Week 17)</h3>
<h4 id="Ec00xN">Week 17 Clinching Scenarios:</h4>
<p id="lh89Tx"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/"><strong>New York Giants</strong></a><strong> - Clinch playoff berth</strong><br>Clinch playoff berth with:</p>
<ul>
<li id="fIk95i">
<strong>Giants win</strong> OR</li>
<li id="iSmkuu">
<s>Giants tie</s> and <s>Seahawks loss/tie</s> and <strong>Commanders loss/tie</strong> OR</li>
<li id="WIb9Nh">
<s>Giants tie</s> and <s>Seahawks loss/tie</s> and <s>Lions loss/tie</s> OR</li>
<li id="ExKfUl">
<s>Giants tie</s> and <strong>Commanders loss/tie</strong> and <s>Lions loss/tie</s> and <s>Packers loss/tie</s> OR</li>
<li id="eumavY">
<s>Seahawks loss</s> and <strong>Commanders loss</strong> OR</li>
<li id="ryTH4S">
<s>Seahawks loss</s> and <s>Lions loss</s> and <s>Packers loss/tie</s> OR</li>
<li id="1N1ucX">
<strong>Commanders loss</strong> and <s>Lions loss</s> and <s>Packers loss</s>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="NEPjuh"><a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/"><strong>Philadelphia Eagles</strong></a><strong>- Cannot clinch division nor NFC top seed</strong><br>Clinch NFC East division title with:</p>
<ul>
<li id="qRofJh">
<s>Eagles win/tie</s> OR</li>
<li id="ZvbN1y"><s>Cowboys loss/tie</s></li>
</ul>
<p id="bZyLbd">Clinch NFC top seed (homefield advantage and bye) with:</p>
<ul>
<li id="HctpFu">
<s>Eagles win</s> OR</li>
<li id="JH1w7R">
<s>Eagles tie</s> and <strong>Vikings loss/tie</strong> OR</li>
<li id="aLrJKN">
<s>Cowboys loss/tie</s> and <strong>Vikings loss</strong> and <s>49ers loss/tie</s>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="asVlDg"><a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/"><strong>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</strong></a><strong> - Clinched division title</strong><br>Clinch NFC South division title with:</p>
<ul><li id="tbgOj2"><strong>Buccaneers win</strong></li></ul>
<p id="Yt68vg"><a href="http://hogshaven.com"><strong>Washington Commanders</strong></a><strong> - Cannot clinch</strong> <br>Clinch playoff berth with:</p>
<ul><li id="WkEoaM">
<s>Commanders win</s> and <s>Seahawks loss</s> and <s>Lions loss</s> and <s>Packers loss/tie</s>
</li></ul>
<h4 id="LpkmUU"><strong>Live Standings:</strong></h4>
<p id="D2H2BA">1 - <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/"><strong>Philadelphia Eagles</strong></a> (13-3, NFC East leader)^<br>2 - <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/"><strong>San Francisco 49ers</strong></a> (12-4, NFC West champion)+<br>3 - <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/"><strong>Minnesota Vikings</strong></a> (12-4, NFC North champion)+<br>4 - <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/"><strong>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</strong></a> (8-8, NFC South champion)+<br>5 - <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/"><strong>Dallas Cowboys</strong></a> (12-4, Wild Card 1)^<br>6 - <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/"><strong>New York Giants</strong></a> (9-6-1, Wild Card 2)^<br>7 - <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/"><strong>Seattle Seahawks</strong></a> (8-8, Wild Card 3)</p>
<p id="AOvw59"><strong>In the hunt</strong><br><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/"><strong>Detroit Lions</strong></a> (8-8)<br><a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/"><strong>Green Bay Packers</strong></a> (8-8)</p>
<p id="dkEc4v"><strong>Eliminated</strong><br><a href="http://hogshaven.com/"><strong>Washington Commanders</strong></a> (7-8-1)<br><a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/"><strong>New Orleans Saints</strong></a> (7-9)<br><a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/"><strong>Carolina Panthers</strong></a> (6-10)<br><a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/"><strong>Atlanta Falcons</strong></a> (6-10)<br><a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/"><strong>Los Angeles Rams</strong></a> (5-11)<br><a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/"><strong>Arizona Cardinals</strong></a> (4-12)<br><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/"><strong>Chicago Bears</strong></a> (3-13)</p>
<p id="0QOjU0"><em>*Still to play</em><br><em>^Clinched playoff berth</em><br>+<em>Clinched division title</em></p>
<h4 id="rhkwgq">Week 17 Elimination Scenarios:</h4>
<p id="QAqBXM"><a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/"><strong>Carolina Panthers</strong></a><strong> - Eliminated</strong><br>Eliminated with:</p>
<ul><li id="LHMoN1"><strong>Panthers loss</strong></li></ul>
<p id="QH6AtE"><a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/"><strong>Detroit Lions</strong></a><strong> - Cannot be eliminated</strong><br>Eliminated with:</p>
<ul><li id="tsYugf">
<s>Lions loss </s>and <s>Commanders win</s>
</li></ul>
<p id="FudqN8"><a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/"><strong>Green Bay Packers</strong></a> <strong>- Cannot be eliminated</strong><br>Eliminated with:</p>
<ul>
<li id="aWX5C0">
<s>Packers loss</s> and <strong>Lions win</strong> OR</li>
<li id="bFeHIe">
<s>Packers loss</s> and <s>Commanders win</s> OR</li>
<li id="r2ANlN">
<s>Packers loss</s> and <s>Seahawks loss</s> and <s>Saints loss/tie</s> and <s>Commanders tie</s> OR</li>
<li id="xaPldK">
<s>Packers tie</s> and <s>Seahawks loss</s> and <s>Commanders win</s>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="x3p7y8"><a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/"><strong>New Orleans Saints</strong></a><strong> - Eliminated</strong><br>Eliminated with:</p>
<ul>
<li id="7a5meZ">
<s>Saints loss</s> OR</li>
<li id="ukm7hz">
<s>Saints tie </s>and <strong>Buccaneers win</strong> and <s>Commanders tie</s> OR</li>
<li id="7z1JrG">
<s>Saints tie</s> and <strong>Buccaneers win/tie </strong>and <strong>Lions win/tie</strong> OR</li>
<li id="TQXHVb">
<s>Saints tie</s> and <strong>Buccaneers win/tie </strong>and <strong>Packers win/tie</strong> OR</li>
<li id="M2vXpL">
<s>Saints tie</s> and <strong>Buccaneers win/tie </strong>and <strong>Seahawks win</strong> OR</li>
<li id="DSaV2P">
<s>Saints tie</s> and <s>Buccaneers tie </s>and <s>Commanders win/tie</s> OR</li>
<li id="t93Lay">
<strong>Buccaneers win</strong> and <s>Commanders win</s> OR</li>
<li id="7kp17M">
<strong>Buccaneers win</strong> and <strong>Lions win</strong> and <strong>Packers win/tie</strong> OR</li>
<li id="PFZo3y">
<strong>Buccaneers win </strong>and <s>Lions tie</s> and <strong>Packers win</strong>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="IE739D"><a href="http://fieldgulls.com"><strong>Seattle Seahawks</strong></a><strong> - Cannot be eliminated</strong><br>Eliminated with:</p>
<ul>
<li id="hdAJYl">
<s>Seahawks loss</s> and <s>Commanders win</s> OR</li>
<li id="nAggoB">
<s>Seahawks loss</s> and <strong>Lions win</strong> and <strong>Packers win/tie</strong> OR</li>
<li id="lr6LGi">
<s>Seahawks loss</s> and <s>Lions tie</s> and <strong>Packers win</strong> OR</li>
<li id="z01HmD">
<s>Seahawks tie </s>and <strong>Giants win/tie</strong> and <strong>Packers win/tie </strong>and <s>Commanders win</s> and <strong>Lions win</strong> OR</li>
<li id="YXL2wU">
<s>Seahawks tie</s> and <strong>Giants win/tie </strong>and <strong>Packers win </strong>and <s>Commanders win</s> and <s>Lions tie</s>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="Ohabih"><a href="http://hogshaven.com/"><strong>Washington Commanders</strong></a><strong> - Eliminated</strong><br>Eliminated with:</p>
<ul><li id="vuhZLZ">
<strong>Commanders loss</strong> and <strong>Packers win</strong> and <strong>Lions win</strong><br><em>(Note: We initially listed the Commanders as not being able to be eliminated. That was incorrect and they are eliminated.)</em>
</li></ul>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2023/1/1/23534123/nfl-playoff-scenarios-standings-playoff-picture-week-17-live-updates-miami-dolphins-wild-card-clinchKevin Nogle2023-01-01T18:21:25-05:002023-01-01T18:21:25-05:00Teddy Bridgewater injury update: Dolphins quarterback sustained broken finger according to report
<figure>
<img alt="Miami Dolphins v New England Patriots" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W_8CdihkzzGns2gGqkdPgztOZHQ=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71814008/1453649677.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Miami Dolphins quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a broken finger against the New England Patriots, according to a report.</p> <p id="2r2H3Q">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> are short-handed at quarterback with starting passer Tua Tagovailoa in the league concussion protocols for the second time this season. The injury, sustained last week against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> but not recognized until the following day, caused Tagovailoa to miss the team’s Week 17 contest against the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>, with Teddy Bridgewater starting in his place.</p>
<p id="C216n3">Late in the third quarter with Miami leading 14-10, Bridgewater was intercepted on a pass, with Kyle Duggar returning the pick 39 yards for a touchdown. Bridgewater appeared to hit his hand on a helmet as he threw the pass, then was run over as he attempted to make a tackle. After the play, Bridgewater was seen on the sideline shaking his hand.</p>
<p id="DHUOwt">Ultimately, Bridgewater’s day would be done after that play, with rookie Skylar Thompson thrust into the game to try to make a comeback. Miami lost the game 23-21.</p>
<p id="DDL7Ww">Now a <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/01/01/source-teddy-bridgewater-believed-to-have-a-broken-finger-on-right-hand/">report from Pro Football Talk</a> indicates the hand injury that was described during the game as causing Bridgewater to not be able to grip the football is a broken finger. There is no report on how long Bridgewater could be sidelined by the injury, but a broken finger on the throwing hand is not likely to be a quick turnaround for any player. </p>
<p id="dGJoqu">“I don’t know the severity,” head coach Mike McDaniel said immediately following the game. “I believe it was on making the tackle on the pick-six, but that’s something that we’ll find out more in the coming days.”</p>
<p id="RaPqyE">There is also no timetable for Tagovailoa’s return from the concussion. </p>
<p id="BjelrU">Thompson could be in line to start in Week 18 as Miami hosts the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>. Miami needs a win over New York paired with a Patriots loss to the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> to make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.</p>
<p id="Tkg5ol">Miami hosted quarterbacks Kyle Lailetta and Jack Coan for tryouts last week and could look to add one of them to the roster if it appears both Tagovailoa and Bridgewater will not be available for next week’s game. </p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-dolphins-injuries/2023/1/1/23534906/miami-dolphins-vs-new-england-patriots-injury-teddy-bridgewater-hand-finger-update-tua-tagovailoaKevin Nogle2023-01-01T16:19:04-05:002023-01-01T16:19:04-05:00Dolphins vs Patriots Week 17 final score, immediate reactions
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<p>The Miami Dolphins fell to the New England Patriots for their fifth-straight loss on the year. </p> <p id="1IRYV1">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> and <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> are kicking off a Week 17 game as the 2022 NFL regular season nears its conclusion. With just one game remaining for each team after today, the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoff-picture">AFC playoff picture</a> is at the front of everyone’s minds, with the Dolphins entering the week as the seven seed and the Patriots one spot outside the postseason positions. Today’s game could be the catalyst to push one of the AFC East rivals into the playoffs this year.</p>
<p id="lq9zKS">The Dolphins are going to be looking to pull off the road win with a shorthanded roster. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, cornerback Xavien Howard, tackle Terron Armstead, and linebacker Bradley Chubb are all injured and unavailable for Sunday. Can Teddy Bridgewater step in for Tagovailoa and lead Miami to the precipice of a playoff position?</p>
<p id="yvZZPO">If Miami wins today’s game and then the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> lose later in the afternoon to the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>, the Dolphins will clinch their first trip to the playoffs since 2016. A loss today would eliminate the Patriots from playoff contention.</p>
<p id="7HKikG">We will keep up with all the action, and provide our immediate reactions, to everything that happens throughout today’s game.</p>
<h3 id="1e9VJi">Final Score</h3>
<p id="6SrSx8">Dolphins 21 - 23 Patriots</p>
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<h3 id="NEr1l8">First Quater Reactions</h3>
<p id="I9zSbs">The Dolphins started the game with the ball, giving the offense a chance to try to find their rhythm and get some points on the board early. The drive started with a run from running back Raheem Mostert for two yards, then a pass from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to wide receiver Tyreek Hill for 15 yards. Mostert ran for another two yards, but fumbled the ball, only to have the referees rule that the running back’s forward progress had stopped. After a false start penalty on Bridgewater, the quarterback threw to wide receiver Trent Sherfield for seven yards. Bridgewater took a deep shot to Hill on 3rd-and-6, with the receiver catching the pass but being unable to get a second foot down inbounds, resulting in an incomplete pass. Miami was forced to punt.</p>
<p id="21HSJP"><em>It was not the start that was wanted, but there were at least some positives. Bridgewater looks comfortable and just barely missed on the big play down the left sideline. Getting Mostert involved in the game needs to be an emphasis this week. And, it would be nice to see Mike Gesicki make an impact this week.</em></p>
<p id="ogaiIl">New England’s first possession appeared to end after three plays, an incomplete pass from quarterback Mac Jones toward wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, a five-yard run from running back Rhamondre Stevenson, and an incomplete pass targeting wide receiver Nelson Agholor, but a pass interference penalty on the 3rd-and-5 pass called on cornerback Keion Crossen gave the Patriots a first down. After a pass from Jones to tight end Hunter Henry for two yards, New England picked up 24 yards on a pass to wide receiver Tyquan Thornton. Jones then hit Meyers for 17 yards over the middle before running back Damien Harris picked up eight yards on the ground. Inside the redzone, New England looked to the endzone on the next play but the pass was overthrown. On 3rd-and-2 from the Miami 16-yard line, the Patriots again looked to the endzone with an incomplete pass, but cornerback Kader Kohou was called for a hold, giving the Patriots a new set of downs. Stevenson picked up three yards to move to the Miami eight-yard line on the next play before a Patriots timeout. Stevenson ran for no gain on the second-down play, with linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and defensive lineman Zach Sieler stuffing him at the line of scrimmage. Jones found Thornton on a screen pass for the touchdown on the next play. <strong>Patriots 7-0.</strong></p>
<p id="gVtj7g"><em>The defense got abused on that drive. Not sure why the referees ruled Hill out of bounds on Miami’s first drive, then ruled Thornton in bounds on a very similar-looking play for the Patriots, but they did. The penalties hurt, especially when the Patriots seemed to be stopped twice. The cornerbacks are going to be challenged today, and they need to step up. Not a great start to the game.</em></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">4th-and-1<br>Timeout<br>Run for no gain but false start negates it<br>Punt but running into kicker negates it<br>Wilson up the middle for two.<br><br>Weeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!</p>— The Phinsider (@thephinsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/thephinsider/status/1609619184488697857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
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<p id="Mr1EHe">Miami opened their second possession with a run from running back Jeff Wilson, Jr., gaining three yards. After an incomplete pass, Bridgewater scrambled for a six-yard gain, setting up a 4th-and-1 at their own 28-yard line. After a timeout, Miami was called for a false start, backing up the Dolphins and changing the plan from attempting the conversion to a punt on a three-and-out possession. On the punt, the Patriots were called for running into the kicker, giving the Dolphins back the five yards and changing the ball back to a Miami attempt to convert. Wilson ran up the middle for two yards to keep Miami’s drive alive after all of the fourth-down fun. Wilson ran for two yards on each of the next two plays before catching a short pass over the middle and turning it into a 14-yard gain and a Dolphins first down. Wilson picked up four yards on a pitch to the right on the Dolphins’ first trip into New England territory, moving down to the 43-yard line. Bridgewater found Hill for 19 yards on the next play, hitting the receiver on an out route to the left. Wilson picked up five yards on the run, setting up 2nd-and-5 at the Patriots’ 19-yard line. Bridewater dropped a perfect pass into tight end Mike Gesicki for a 14-yard gain, giving Miami a 1st-and-Goal at the Patriots five-yard line, which was followed by a three-yard run from Mostert as the first quarter ended.</p>
<p id="Y2YpRg"><em>The Dolphins are finding a rhythm, and it is oddly looking like a ball-control offense. The big plays - like the 19-yard pass to Hill - are still there, but they are finally using the running game to keep moving the ball. This has been a 12-play, 73-yard, 7:15 drive so far.</em></p>
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<h3 id="edeASc">Second Quarter Reactions</h3>
<p id="kKMvIV">The Dolphins scored on the first play of the second quarter, running a bubble screen to Hill, who turned it into a two-yard rushing touchdown. <strong>Tied 7-7.</strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dolphins tie it up with a Tyreek Hill rushing touchdown!<br> <a href="https://t.co/54P5WcORSX">pic.twitter.com/54P5WcORSX</a></p>— The Phinsider (@thephinsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/thephinsider/status/1609624056210558976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
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<p id="PrwBt7"><em>That was an impressive drive from the Dolphins. Taking their time and being deliberate is not something we have seen much from this team this year, but with Bridgewater under center, this may be the best thing Miami can do. Keep feeding Mostert and Wilson, take the shots when they are there, and get Gesicki involved. We have not seen anything from Waddle yet this week, so there is still a dynamic Miami has to add.</em></p>
<p id="i94CEf">The Patriots began at their own 25-yard line after the touchback, starting with a pass from Jones to Harris for five yards. Jones then looked to Meyers on a bubble screen, with cornerback Kader Kohou fighting off the block to make the tackle for a loss of one yard. Jones was able to find Henry deep for 29 yards on the next play, with Miami safety Jevon Holland injured on the play. The Dolphins defense tightened up after allowing the team to reach the 42-yard line. Defensive lineman Christian Wilkins broke through the line on the first-down play, sacking Jones for a nine-yard loss. After Stevenson picked up 18 yards to set up a 3rd-and-1, linebacker Elandon Roberts sacked Jones for a 12-yard loss and forced a punt.</p>
<p id="Txh9bh"><em>The defense needs to stop the big chunk plays, but they are starting to tighten up and getting after Jones. This is what they need to do. Great plays from Kohou, Wilkins, and Roberts on the possession.</em></p>
<p id="3QZuw9">Miami started the drive at their own 20 after the touchback on the punt. Mostert took charge immediately, picking up four yards on a run, then eight yards on a reception, followed by six yards and one yard on the next two runs. On 3rd-and-3 from their own 39-yard line, Mostert took the swing pass 25 yards and continued Miami’s possession. After a timeout, Wilson picked up two yards, then ran again for one yard. On 3rd-and-7 from the Patriots’ 33-yard line, Miami targeted wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for the first time, but the pass was behind him and it fell incomplete. Jason Sanders missed the 51-yard field goal attempt.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Angry Run coming in 3…2…1…<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/Xy6bzUrM2A">pic.twitter.com/Xy6bzUrM2A</a></p>— The Phinsider (@thephinsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/thephinsider/status/1609626847045881857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
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<p id="wpZ8Pz"><em>The Dolphins are clearly riding Mostert and Wilson. The missed field goal hurts.</em></p>
<p id="iFrTzU">New England began the drive with a false start penalty, then saw Stevenson pick up three yards on the ground. Two straight incomplete passes ended the drive quickly.</p>
<p id="jAfL3p"><em>The Miami defense is stepping up and the Patriots are starting to look more like the offense that has struggled to find a rhythm in recent weeks. Now Miami needs to score and start pulling away.</em></p>
<p id="zwwO8x">Mostert picked up four yards after Miami was backed up to their own 14-yard line due to a holding penalty on the punt return. Bridgewater then connected with tight end Durham Smythe for nine yards, followed by a dump-off to Wilson in the flat that the running back turned into a nine-yard gain. On 2nd-and-1, Wilson picked up 11 yards on a run up the middle, but then was stopped for no gain on the next play. Bridgewater was sacked on the next play for a 12-yard loss, leading to the 2-Minute Warning. On 3rd-and-22, Bridgewater found Waddle on a mid-range crossing route, with the receiver picking up 17 yards to move the ball out near mid-field. Miami punted, with punter Thomas Morstead pacing the ball perfectly out of bounds at the two-yard line.</p>
<p id="p14Epk"><em>The sack hurt, really ending any chance Miami had at scoring on the drive. The punt was perfect.</em></p>
<p id="qkpVpP">The Patriots ran the ball with Harris on first down, picking up 11 yards. Jones threw to Harris for nine yards on first down, then looked deep toward Thornton on second down, but overthrew everyone. On third down, Harris ran for no gain and the clock wound down to halftime.</p>
<p id="pLy6Qc"><em>New England took a shot, but the Dolphins defense did enough to get out of the half with the tie.</em></p>
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<h3 id="HwJFPQ"><em>Halftime Reactions</em></h3>
<p id="CbFrni"><em>The Dolphins have not played a perfect half, but they are not crushing themselves either. They are clearly trying to get the running game going to keep some of the pressure off Bridgewater, and it appears to be working. They need to see more success on the first-down runs so they are not predictable on second down, as the sack just before the 2-Minute Warning shows, but they are finding success with using both Mostert and Wilson. And they are doing it with both players on the field at the same time. Some different looks from the Miami offense so far.</em></p>
<p id="NQ2U6f"><em>Bridgewater is 10-for-13 so far this game, a far cry from the normally high passing attempts we have seen in each game for the Dolphins this year. He has 136 passing yards and a 10.8 passer rating in the first half. Wilson has run 10 times for 32 yards and Mostert has seven rushes for 22 yards, giving them a 3.2 yards and 3.1 yards per carry average. Need to see those averages pick up, but given the team has carried the ball 17 times, compared to 16 passing plays (13 attempted passes, a sack, a scramble, and the bubble screen touchdown to Hill that was ruled a backwards pass and goes down as a rush) shows Miami is prioritizing the run game this week.</em></p>
<p id="iZMKn9"><em>The defense is trying to make up for not having Xavien Howard and Bradley Chubb. They are not shutting down the Patriots, but they are making plays when needed. Holland returned to the game, which is a huge relief for a defense that has been decimated by injury so far this year.</em></p>
<p id="MqCeyF"><em>The Patriots start with the ball in the second half, so the defense needs to make a play and get the ball back so the offense is not playing from behind.</em></p>
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<h3 id="y1dAG5">Third Quarter Reactions</h3>
<p id="kSHBaO">New England began the quarter with an incomplete pass, then picked up four yards on a pass into the flat to Harris. On 3rd-and-6, the Patriots took a deep shot down the sideline toward Agholor, but Crossen was in the receiver’s hip pocket and the ball fell incomplete. New England punted on the three-and-out, with just a 34-yard punt on the kick.</p>
<p id="HVz4Oc"><em>That is the start the defense needed. </em></p>
<p id="ZrBjou">Miami began their drive at the 40-yard line after the short punt. Punt returner Cedrick Wilson, Jr., was injured on the return. Jeff Wilson picked up just one yard on the drive-opening run. Bridgewater threw a deep pass on the next play, but it looked like he and his receiver were not on the same page as the receiver - potentially Hill - who ran an out route while Bridgewater threw the ball like he was looking for a fly route. The only player who had a chance at the pass was Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty, but the ball bounced off his chest and fell incomplete Bridgewater then tried to find Sherfield for a first down, but that also fell incomplete and Miami punted on their own three-and-out possession.</p>
<p id="BRUGoS"><em>Miami flat-out got lucky on the miscommunication play. Bridgewater’s pass should have been caught by McCourty for the interception - it will be interesting to see what Jason McCourty, Devin’s twin brother, and former Patriots and Dolphins player, will say about his brother missing the easy catch on Good Morning Football. Should be fun.</em></p>
<p id="JdhkZl">Cedrick Wilson was back in to return the punt after being injured on the last punt return. He picked up ten yards to give Miami the ball at the Patriots’ 41-yard line. Bridgewater connected with Waddle on a slant route, with the receiver turning it into a 23-yard gain for the Dolphins on the first down play. Mostert picked up three yards on the next play, with Miami then calling timeout. After a high snap and a fake to Mostert out of the pistol, Jeff Wilson came around on an end around and picked up nine yards on the play, giving Miami a 1st-and-Goal from the six-yard line. Mostert picked up three yards up the middle on the next play, then Bridgewater managed to flick the ball forward to Mostert in the endzone just as he was about to be sacked. Miami gained the lead on the play. <strong>Dolphins 14-7.</strong></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bridgewater hot-potatoes the ball to Moster to take the lead!<br> <a href="https://t.co/MxuYvjUSuh">pic.twitter.com/MxuYvjUSuh</a></p>— The Phinsider (@thephinsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/thephinsider/status/1609640675473240064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a>
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<p id="U4OfCc"><em>The defense is doing what needs to be done to set up the Dolphins’ offense, and the offense is finding success through the use of Mostert and Wilson. This is not the explosive offense of Tua Tagovailoa, but it is an effective one that can get the win here. They just have to keep it up and not make mistakes. </em></p>
<p id="ZHZqbl">New England began their drive at their own 18-yard line, picking up one yard on a run from Harris. Jones found Henry on the right side for an 11-yard gain on the next play, with Harris picking up no yardage on the resulting first-down play. Jones then was able to find Meyers for five yards, then a breakdown in coverage allowed Thornton to find an empty spot in the defense and Jones to connect with him for 29 yards. After a deep shot down the sideline to Thornton fell incomplete, Jones threw to Stevenson for four yards. A false start penalty backed up the Patriots for a 3rd-and-11 attempt. Jones was pressured and had to throw underneath to Henry for a six-yard gain and New England settled for a field goal. <strong>Dolphins 14-10.</strong></p>
<p id="sxCXl6"><em>That was not the same defensive success we have seen over most of the game. The 29-yard gain hurt and the defense struggled to get back into rhythm. They did not allow a game-tying touchdown, so that is a positive, but they cannot allow the Patriots to get back into this game. Miami’s offense has to slow this down, get back the momentum, and take full control of this game. </em></p>
<p id="75WETG">Mostert returned the kick 27 yards, giving the Dolphins the ball at the 29-yard line as they looked to extend the lead. After an incomplete pass on first down and a Wilson run for no gain on second down, the Dolphins faced a 3rd-and-10. After a false start penalty turned it into a 3rd-and-15, Bridgewater looked toward Sherfield on a crossing route, but the ball was picked off and returned for a touchdown by defensive back Kyle Duggar. The extra point was missed. <strong>Patriots 16-14.</strong></p>
<p id="Ntialv"><em>Oh no. This is ugly. Bridgewater was injured on the play as well and cannot grip a football. Skylar Thompson is going to have to come in and get this offense moving.</em></p>
<p id="QZBYTA">Miami started at their own 25-yard line, with Thompson in the game. The opening play of the drive was a screen to try to get Thompson into a rhythm, but the Patriots read it perfectly and pulled down Mostert for a four-yard loss. Thompson threw to Mostert again on second down, this time for a four-yard gain. After a neutral zone infraction by the Patriots gave Miami five more yards, Thompson was able to find Mostert, who fought forward for a 17-yard gain. The Patriots were called for roughing the passer on the play, with linebacker Ja’Whuan Bentley hitting Thompson in the head, adding 15 more yards to the play. Wilson picked up a yard on the 1st-and-10 play from the Patriots’ 38-yard line, leading to the end of the quarter.</p>
<p id="HFIsTh"><em>This is going to come down to the Dolphins controlling the clock and not making a mistake with Thompson now in the game. Miami’s quarterbacks cannot stay healthy this year. The playoffs are still there for the team, but they have to seize this win now. </em></p>
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<h3 id="oImMyR">Fourth Quarter Reactions</h3>
<p id="xZuNbm">An incomplete pass started the final period, with Thompson then running for 11 yards on 3rd-and-9, but an illegal shift penalty on Hill negated the play and pushed Miami into a 3rd-and-14. Thompson threw to Hill on the play, but the ball popped into the air and cornerback Jonathan Jones came away with the interception.</p>
<p id="JfhhlY"><em>This is on the defense now. They have to make a play and get the ball back for the offense.</em></p>
<p id="MYWYDD">New England started with a one-yard pass from Jones to Meyers, followed by a five-yard run from Harris. On 3rd-and-4, the pass rush up the middle immediately got into Jones’ face, who heaved the ball down the sideline in hopes Thornton could make a play, but the receiver did not see the ball. Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene reacted the pass, but could not pull it in as he slipped down to the turf, leading to a punt from the Patriots on the three-and-out possession.</p>
<p id="kOLtis"><em>Okay, the defense kept the Patriots from doing anything. Now the offense needs to settle in and get some points. </em></p>
<p id="rraHHV">Miami started at their own 20, with Thompson running for three yards on a scramble to start the drive. After an incomplete pass on second down, Miami faced a 3rd-and-7. Thompson found Waddle for 12 yards and a first down. Jeff Wilson then picked up three yards on the first down snap, with Thompson potentially being able to run for the first down on the next play but choosing to try to throw to fullback Alec Ingold but putting the ball behind him. Thompson then threw to Hill, who tried to make people miss but was pulled down after four yards. Miami punted.</p>
<p id="C95p6X"><em>Thompson needs to settle down. He is trying to play too fast right now, attempting to place the perfect pass instead of either just running or throwing the ball based on instinct. The coaches need to make sure he calms down before Miami’s next drive. Time for the defense to do its thing again. </em></p>
<p id="hYmbRH">The Patriots started the drive with a 16-yard pass from Jones to Bourne. On the next play, Christian Wilkins was able to bat the ball down at the line of scrimmage, but Jones came back with a five-yard pass to Stevenson and a 26-yard pass to Meyers. Stevenson then picked up eight yards up the middle on first down, followed by a Jones run for three yards. After a Jones pass to Henry for four yards, Stevenson picked up a yard. On 3rd-and-5 from the Miami 27-yard line, Jones laid a pass up for Meyers, with Crossen leaping into the receiver for the defensive pass interference. On 1st-and-Goal from the five-yard line, Jones threw incomplete toward Thornton in the back of the endzone. Harris picked up four yards on the next play, leading to a 3rd-and-Goal from the Miami one-yard line. After a Patriots timeout, Jones threw a jump ball to Meyers for the touchdown. <strong>Patriots 23-14.</strong></p>
<p id="mjx0kS"><em>Miami has 4:37 to make up nine points now. The offense cannot find itself with Thompson right now, so this may be too big a gulf. If Miami wants to come back, they have to figure out how to get the offense moving with Thompson under center.</em></p>
<p id="zTAgMv">Thompson threw two incomplete passes to start the drive, then was sacked on third down. On 4th-and-16, Thompson threw underneath to Wilson for a nine-yard gain and the Patriots took over on downs.</p>
<p id="yBpffX"><em>At this point, there is not a lot left to say. </em></p>
<p id="E6HtQ2">Harris picked up nothing on the first play, getting back to the line of scrimmage at the Miami 35-yard line. After a four-yard run from Harris, Miami called a timeout. Bourne picked up two yards on the 3rd-and-6 play, with Miami using their last timeout. On 4th-and-4, Zach Sieler sacked Jones and forced the turnover on downs.</p>
<p id="0FcbGQ"><em>Can Thompson do anything?</em></p>
<p id="u6MWoO">Mostert gained four yards on a reception on the first play of the drive, getting out of bounds to stop the clock. Mostert then converted the first down with another reception, this time for six yards, again getting out of bounds. Running back Salvon Ahmed picked up eight yards on another Thompson pass, getting out of bounds to keep the clock from running. After an incomplete pass and a delay of game penalty, Miami faced a 3rd-and-7, with Thompson throwing behind Gesicki who could not hold on the pass. After the 2-Minute Warning, Miami faced 4th-and-7 from the New England 48-yard line, Thompson found Hill for 17 yards. Thompson threw toward Gesicki on the next play, but the tight end never saw the ball and it fell incomplete. Thompson then found Sherfield for a 23-yard gain, with an injury to Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones stopping the clock. On 1st-and-Goal from the New England eight-yard line, the Patriots were called for holding as Thompson tried to get the ball to Gesicki in the back of the endzone. On 1st-and-Goal from the four yard-line, Thompson avoided the pressure and found Gesicki for the score. <strong>Patriots 23-21.</strong></p>
<p id="IMP8Bm"><em>Thompson managed to find some rhythm and got the Dolphins the first of the two scores they needed. With 1:04 remaining in the game, Miami is trying to make a comeback.</em></p>
<p id="DtWaXI">The Patriots recovered the onside kick, then knelt to kill the clock.</p>
<p id="N1ODjr"><em>Woof.</em></p>
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<h3 id="FDb8uZ"><em>Immediate Reactions</em></h3>
<p id="oxmlB7"><em>Everything has fallen apart for the Dolphins since they left Miami for their California road trip. This team was 8-3 and looking like one of the elite teams in the league. They are now 8-8 and a team that is completely falling flat on their face heading into the season finale next week. It is just disappointing and only seems to be getting worse.</em></p>
<p id="fPGcgk"><em>Miami can still make the playoffs, but they are going to need help to do it now. Dolphins fans are going to have to root for the Buffalo Bills next week, hoping they beat the Patriots and that Miami can beat the New York Jets.</em></p>
<p id="M1uRdu"><em>Who is going to quarterback the Dolphins next week? Is Tua Tagovailoa going to be cleared and will he be able to play? Will Teddy Bridgewater’s hand injury allow him to grip a ball? Will Skylar Thompson be more in rhythm than we saw him today? Who will Miami add if one or more of the team’s quarterbacks cannot play?</em></p>
<p id="oWe1IH"><em>The defense has periods where they look dominant, then they allow big plays. Is it getting worn down? Will Xavien Howard be able to return next week to help shore up the defense?</em></p>
<p id="PnNqRj"><em>Everything comes down to next week - but this week hurts. This was a win for the taking and Miami could not get it done.</em></p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2023/1/1/23534483/miami-dolphins-vs-new-england-patriots-final-score-recap-reactions-teddy-bridgewater-skylar-thompsonKevin Nogle2023-01-01T11:39:37-05:002023-01-01T11:39:37-05:00Dolphins vs. Patriots inactive players in Week 17: Tua, Howard, Chubb, Armstead all out for Dolphins
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<p>The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots have released their inactive lists for their Week 17 game.</p> <p id="8sboE1">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> and <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> are preparing for a critical Week 17 game, a contest that could have major implications for the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoff-picture">AFC playoff picture</a>. With a win on Sunday, the Dolphins push themselves to the brink of clinching their first playoff appearance since 2016, needing either a <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> loss later in the day or a win over the Jets in Week 18 to complete the clinching scenario. The Patriots, who are eliminated with a loss on Sunday, could keep their playoff hopes alive by beating Miami, then hope some help comes to them in Week 18.</p>
<p id="t3cpZZ">Both teams will be missing some key players for their Week 17 showdown, headlined by Miami starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The third-year signal caller sustained a concussion in last week’s game against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>, showing symptoms on Monday and being placed in the league’s concussion protocol. Starting in place of Tagovailoa will be veteran Teddy Bridgewater, with Miami’s playoff hopes resting on his right arm.</p>
<p id="lmFMM4">Miami’s inactive list also includes <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> cornerback Xavien Howard, Pro Bowl tackle Terron Armstead, and starting edge rusher Bradley Chubb. All three had been questionable on the team’s injury report on Friday, Howard with a knee injury, Armstead with injuries to his toe, pectoral, knee, and hip, and Chubb with a knee injury. The Dolphins are going into a major game with four key starters missing, with impacts on both the offense and defense.</p>
<p id="LORFE8">Wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, tackle Eric Fisher, and tight end Tanner Conner are all also on the inactive player list.</p>
<p id="1z7aQc">The Patriots will be without cornerbacks Marcus Jones, Jalen Mills, and Shaun Wade, along with Jack Jones who was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. In a game against wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, being shorthanded at cornerback could prove to be an ugly situation. Tight end Jonnu Smith, wide receiver DeVante Parker, running back Kevin Harris, and defensive tackle Sam Roberts were also listed as inactive.</p>
<p id="w7Iuac">The good news for the Patriots is running back Rhamondre Stevenson will be active for the game after being questionable with an ankle injury.</p>
<p id="xAbp89">Kickoff for today’s game is at 1 p.m. ET from Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium.</p>
<p id="lsNzJ9"></p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2023/1/1/23534376/miami-dolphins-vs-new-england-patriots-inactive-players-week-17-tua-tagovailoaKevin Nogle2023-01-01T10:00:00-05:002023-01-01T10:00:00-05:00Dolphins vs. Patriots: How to watch, game time, TV schedule, streaming and more
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: SEP 11 Patriots at Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9bEdMI4akyOzIAl0JEN4Gleuv_w=/0x0:7544x5029/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71812591/1243180697.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Miami Dolphins look to solidify their 2022 playoff chances with a season sweep of the New England Patriots on New Year’s Day.</p> <p id="ls3xE6">It has been 16 weeks since the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> beat the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> in the opening weekend of the 2022 NFL season. Now, in the penultimate weekend of the regular season, the Dolphins look to sweep the Patriots for the second-straight year. A win ends a four-game losing streak for Miami and puts them on the brink of clinching a playoff berth.</p>
<p id="Ny1hii">The Patriots are reeling almost as much as Miami right now, having lost their last two games. While the Dolphins are dealing with questions at quarterback due to a second stint in the concussion protocol for starter Tua Tagovailoa on the year, New England is trying to figure out if Mac Jones, their 2021 first-round pick, is the quarterback of the future for the team. It is hard to know who a quarterback is before his third year, but Jones’ struggles this year seem to be turning the fan base off from the 2021 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> selection.</p>
<p id="PHPvBZ">Miami is currently holding on to the seventh-and-final position in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoff-picture">AFC playoff picture</a>, with a path to clinching this week. If the Dolphins beat the Patriots, and the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> beat the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> later Sunday afternoon, Miami will make the postseason for the first time since 2016. </p>
<p id="MmucO3">For the Patriots, who are the first team on the outside looking in on the playoff picture, to make the postseason, they would have to beat the Dolphins today, then beat the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> in Week 18. Miami would still make the playoffs with a loss to the Patriots if they end their losing streak against the Jets in the season finale, with the Patriots losing to Buffalo.</p>
<p id="83Lz2l">Which team will end their losing streak this afternoon? Can Miami put themselves in a position for the postseason while starting backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater? Will the Patriots find their offensive rhythm with Jones under center?</p>
<p id="xNg6Xz">The Patriots are listed as 2.5-point favorites as of Sunday morning, according to <a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/q8f9?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D126225999%26wpcid%3D163147%26wpcn%3DHowtoWatchContent%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DOdds&pcid=163147&pscn=NFLRegularSeason&pcrn=HowtoWatchContent&psn=Vox">DraftKings Sportsbook</a>. The total score is set at 41.0 points.</p>
<p id="Nbr74j">Here is everything you need to know to watch today’s game:</p>
<h3 id="WDRong">Miami Dolphins (8-7) vs. New England Patriots (7-8)<br>2022 NFL Season Week 17</h3>
<p id="6zc2CQ"><strong>When is the game?</strong></p>
<ul><li id="Vgzg7B">Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET, Jan. 1, 2023</li></ul>
<p id="iTg8Cj"><strong>Where is the game?</strong></p>
<ul><li id="H6xjfa">Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts </li></ul>
<p id="xMFf2S"><strong>How can I watch the game?</strong></p>
<ul><li id="JjpC7T">CBS</li></ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G9Yn4WagSpy8cq-EBXnPZ9wYj9o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24329057/17_CBS_E_V5.png">
<cite>506Sports.com</cite>
<figcaption>Dolphins at Patriots in red</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="PFLkQF"><strong>Who is the broadcast team?</strong></p>
<ul><li id="15waJw">Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn </li></ul>
<p id="DoSs53"><strong>How can I stream the game?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="fxuMcC"><a href="https://sling-tv.pxf.io/c/482924/1132376/14334?subId2=[]sb[p]23075867[t]w[r]google.com[d]D&u=https://www.sling.com/programming/sports/pro-football?af=1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=impact&utm_campaign=14334&utm_content=1132376&utm_site=482924&affiliate=impact_Vox%20Media&partner=3iGTksxWIxyNWsgQtPTCMWRVUkDR4BTnI1KQWE0&irgwc=1&sharedid=sbnation.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Sling TV</strong></a></li>
<li id="8WvyR0"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?xcust=___sb__p_23075867__t_w__r_google.com__d_D&id=66960X1641938&xs=1&url=https://www.fubo.tv/lp/stream-nfl/?irad=667759&irmp=482924&subId1=ThePhinsider&subId2=NFL&subId3=042021&sharedid=SBNation&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https://www.thephinsider.com/2022/9/25/23311826/dolphins-vs-bills-tv-channel-live-stream-how-to-watch-online-start-time-odds" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>FuboTV</strong></a></li>
<li id="zxWKlt">
<a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/2rgd5M?subId2=[]sb[p]23215663[t]w[r]thephinsider.com[d]D"><strong>Paramount+</strong></a><strong> </strong>(CBS Local)</li>
<li id="bDNkjb">
<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fgamepass" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>NFL+</strong></a> (Will be available after the live conclusion of the game)</li>
</ul>
<p id="HElIwy"><strong>How can I listen to the game?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="A9zVgI">Dolphins Radio Network, including WQAM 560 AM, KISS 99.9 FM, and WQBA 1140 AM (Spanish) in Dade/Broward; WUUB 106.3 FM and WEFL 760 AM (Spanish) in West Palm/Treasure Coast; WRXK 96 FM in Ft. Myers; WPSL 1590 AM in Port St. Lucie; WKWF 1600 AM in Key West</li>
<li id="JsRJqb">SiriusXM channels: 133/382 (Dolphins); 82/227 (Patriots)</li>
</ul>
<p id="wN0BbU"><strong>Who will broadcast the game on Dolphins radio?</strong></p>
<ul><li id="JBRm34">Jimmy Cefalo, Joe Rose, and Kim Bokamper</li></ul>
<p id="4VjQi0"><strong>Who are the referees for the game?</strong></p>
<ul><li id="YT2Xdl">Brad Allen (Referee); Duane Heydt (Umpire); Sarah Thomas (Down Judge); Daniel Gallagher (Line Judge); Rick Patterson (Field Judge); Boris Cheek (Side Judge); Greg Yette (Back Judge); Artenzia Young-Seigler (Replay Official); Larry Hanson (Replay Assistant)</li></ul>
<p id="9ZYsFU"><strong>What are the current betting odds?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="Xyb2s9">Patriots -2.5</li>
<li id="XPSrel">O/U: 41.0</li>
<li id="nFtQPh">Odds provided by <a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/q8f9?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D126225999%26wpcid%3D163147%26wpcn%3DHowtoWatchContent%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DOdds&pcid=163147&pscn=NFLRegularSeason&pcrn=HowtoWatchContent&psn=Vox">DraftKings </a><a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/q8f9?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D126225999%26wpcid%3D163147%26wpcn%3DHowtoWatchContent%26wpsrc%3DVox%26wpcrid%3DNFL&pcid=163147&psn=Vox&pcrn=HowtoWatchContent&pscn=NFL">Sportsbook</a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="YKIeBk"><strong>What is the injury report?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="8mL549">Out: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa - concussion (Dolphins); Defensive back Marcus Jones - concussion (Patriots); Wide receiver DeVante Parker - concussion (Patriots); Tight end Jonnu Smith - concussion (Patriots)</li>
<li id="rxm9i6">Doubtful: Tackle Eric Fisher - calf (Dolphins)</li>
<li id="sQh64g">Questionable: Tackle Terron Armstead - toe/pec/knee/hip (Dolphins); Cornerback Xavien Howard - knee (Dolphins); Linebacker Bradley Chubb - knee (Dolphins); Wide receiver River Cracraft - calf (Dolphins); Fullback Alec Ingold - thumb (Dolphins); Tackle Greg Little - foot (Dolphins); Tight end Hunter Henry - knee (Patriots); Cornerback Jonathan Jones - chest (Patriots); Cornerback Jalen Mills - groin (Patriots); Running back Rhamondre Stevenson - ankle (Patriots); Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton - knee (Patriots)</li>
<li id="PgZbwm"><em>The Patriots originally listed cornerback Jack Kones as out of the game with a knee injury, but then placed the rookie on injured reserve on Saturday.</em></li>
</ul>
<p id="8jUxDb"><strong>Were there any practice squad players elevated for this game?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="Xcfue3">Dolphins - Tackle Josiah Bronson (first elevation); Linebacker Brennan Scarlett (first elevation)</li>
<li id="x5Gvij"><em>The Dolphins signed offensive tackle Kendall Lamm from their practice squad to the 53-man roster on Saturday.</em></li>
<li id="Z6uoSc">Patriots - Tight end Matt Sokol; Cornerback Quandre Mosley</li>
<li id="T9BsQC"><em>The Patriots signed cornerback Tae Hayes from their practice squad to the 53-man roster on Saturday.</em></li>
</ul>
<p id="ZzrrAl"><em>Note: In 2022, practice squad players may be elevated three times before they have to be signed to the regular season 53-man roster if the team wants them to play in any further games.</em></p>
<p id="8HBBQW">Miami elevation tracker 2022:</p>
<ul>
<li id="HrKRmj">Larnel Coleman, offensive tackle - 3 elevations (Weeks 2-4) - Signed with the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/"><strong>Carolina Panthers</strong></a> on 10/25/22</li>
<li id="2DAEQJ">River Cracraft, wide receiver - 3 elevations (Weeks 1-3) - Signed to Dolphins active roster for Week 4</li>
<li id="nPyMrt">Verone McKinley III, safety - 3 elevations (Weeks 1, 7-8) - Signed to Dolphins active roster for Week 10</li>
<li id="RN3Tgz">Braylon Sanders, wide receiver - 3 elevations (Weeks 8, 15-16)</li>
<li id="ySFryB">Kion Smith, offensive lineman - 3 elevations (Weeks 6, 9-10)</li>
<li id="6sDkOj">Kendall Lamm, tackle - 2 elevations (Week 13, 16) - Signed to Dolphins active roster for Week 17</li>
<li id="GclESd">Brandon Shell, offensive lineman - 2 elevations (Week 5-6) - Signed to Dolphins active roster for Week 7</li>
<li id="19Mpmz">Tackle Josiah Bronson - 1 elevation (Week 16)</li>
<li id="aILJoE">James Empey, offensive lineman - 1 elevation (Week 13)</li>
<li id="U9yLlf">Linebacker Brennan Scarlett - 1 elevation (Week 16)</li>
<li id="3ogc66">Ben Stille, defensive lineman - 1 elevation (Week 7) - Signed with the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/"><strong>Cleveland Browns</strong></a> on 11/15/22</li>
<li id="2sx2FJ">Freddie Swain, wide receiver - 1 elevation (Week 14)</li>
</ul>
<p id="c5V2b0"><strong>What will the weather be like for the game?</strong></p>
<ul><li id="I5SRLR">Mostly Cloudy, 54°F</li></ul>
<aside id="IB5zBW"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Don’t miss The Phinsider Radio podcasts on Apple Podcasts. ","url":"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-phinsider-for-miami-dolphins-fans/id1435206744"},{"title":"Also on Google Podcasts","url":"https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vdGhlLXBoaW5zaWRlci1taWFtaS1kb2xwaGlucw"},{"title":"Or Spotify","url":"https://open.spotify.com/show/1gNCnq7HcBxZ3QNb6A4zg2"}]}'></div></aside><p id="PDdn05"><strong>Who has the all-time head-to-head advantage?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="6pEUdS">Dolphins 59-52 (regular season)</li>
<li id="zPVvmf">Patriots 2-1 (postseason)</li>
</ul>
<p id="rFoAnq"><strong>Who won most recently?</strong></p>
<ul><li id="1mrKac">Dolphins 20-7 at Miami, 9/11/22 (2022 Week 1)</li></ul>
<p id="ChW37L"><strong>Who won most recently at site?</strong></p>
<ul><li id="SdnaaT">Dolphins 33-24 at New England, 1/9/22 (2021 Week 18)</li></ul>
<p id="Mr7TCQ"><strong>What are the coaches’ records against the other team?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="SgyvDy">Mike McDaniel (1-0 vs. Patriots)</li>
<li id="7MW2EJ">Bill Belichick (26-21 (26-19 with Patriots) vs. Dolphins)</li>
</ul>
<p id="NScAf7"><strong>Where can I get more Patriots news?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="xf1h6j"> <a href="http://PatsPulpit.com">Pats Pulpit</a>
</li>
<li id="K5fSF7">Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/PatsPulpit">@PatsPulpit</a>
</li>
</ul>
<div id="42lucl"><div data-anthem-component="table:11190056"></div></div>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2023/1/1/23509344/dolphins-vs-patriots-live-stream-start-time-how-to-watch-tv-channel-schedule-odds-week-17-kickoffKevin Nogle2022-12-31T15:36:44-05:002022-12-31T15:36:44-05:00Week 17 AFC Playoff Picture: Dolphins looking for wild card berth despite four-straight losses
<figure>
<img alt="Miami Dolphins v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V_GgW1rpdyKnQYBRS-sAqyjjuLo=/0x353:3456x2657/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71810831/1447062138.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Dolphins can claim a spot in the postseason in Week 17, despite having lost their last four games. </p> <p id="rIt6tb">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> are in the midst of a four-game losing streak, but they are still in full control of their playoff lives as they head into Week 17. The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoff-picture">AFC playoff picture</a> has one wild card spot remaining to be claimed, with the Dolphins (8-7) leading a group that includes the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> (7-8), <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> (7-8), <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> (7-8), <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (7-8), <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> (7-9), and <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Las Vegas Raiders</a> (6-9). A lot will be determined based on the outcomes in Week 17, including the possibility that Miami locks down that last wild card berth and makes the postseason for the first time since 2016.</p>
<p id="hAFkAt">Four of the seven teams vying for a wild card spot can be eliminated this week. The Raiders, Jets, Patriots, and Steelers would all be eliminated if they lose. A Dolphins win would immediately eliminate the Patriots, Steelers, and Raiders from playoff contention as well.</p>
<p id="fNrFZf">The Jaguars and Titans are still alive in the wild card hunt, but a Week 17 loss - and the Titans already lost on Thursday - severely damages their chances of a wild card spot; the two teams face off in Week 18, with the winner claiming the AFC South division title and the loser likely heading home.</p>
<aside id="tcJsw4"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"NFL Week 17 playoff scenarios: AFC and NFC top seeds, Playoff picture clinching and elimination","url":"https://www.thephinsider.com/2022/12/29/23531434/nfl-week-17-playoff-scenarios-afc-and-nfc-top-seeds-playoff-picture-clinching-and-elimination"}]}'></div></aside><p id="LWThxh">The Dolphins play the Patriots in Week 17, giving Miami the chance to eliminate New England while increasing their own playoff chances this year. According to <a href="http://FiveThirtyEight.com">FiveThirtyEight.com</a>, the Dolphins enter the week with a 59 percent chance of making the postseason. A win over New England jumps that number to 84 percent. </p>
<p id="P1M0TZ">If a Miami win is paired with a Jets loss on Sunday, the Dolphins will be locked into the postseason, no matter what happens with the rest of those teams. </p>
<p id="0ERdHq">If the Dolphins and Patriots tie, Miami can still clinch the wild card spot with a Jets loss and a Steelers loss or tie. </p>
<p id="qYvm1b">If Miami loses to New England, they will not be eliminated from the playoffs, but they would need help to make it to the postseason in Week 18. In this scenario, the Dolphins would have to beat the Jets in the season finale while the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> come away with a win over the Patriots. </p>
<h3 id="HkWiJr">Dolphins Week 17 Scenarios:</h3>
<p id="oenzC2"><strong>Dolphins clinch wild card berth with:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="8gwWr8">Dolphins win and Jets loss/tie OR</li>
<li id="ti6DGr">Dolphins tie and Jets loss and Steelers loss/tie</li>
</ul>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2022/12/31/23533754/miami-dolphins-playoff-chances-clinching-scenarios-week-17-mike-mcdaniel-new-england-patriotsKevin Nogle2022-12-31T14:34:41-05:002022-12-31T14:34:41-05:00Dolphins promote Kendall Lamm to active roster; Elevate two for Week 17 vs Patriots
<figure>
<img alt="Kansas City Chiefs v Tennessee Titans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q6EsMCHM2WWiUU6Cu0v9claRtn0=/0x0:5636x3757/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71810695/1408920115.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Miami Dolphins anounced a series of roster moves on Saturday ahead of the team’s game against the New England Patriots in Week 17.</p> <p id="KgHXlG">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> announced a series of roster moves on Saturday ahead of their Week 17 game at the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>. The moves come as the team looks to bolster depth, especially on the offensive line where starting tackle Terron Armstead is questionable for the game and backups Greg Little and Eric Fisher are, respectively, questionable and doubtful for the contest. Armstead is trying to play through injuries to his toe, pectoral muscle, knee, and hip while Little has a foot injury he sustained on Friday and Fisher continues to be hampered by a calf issue.</p>
<p id="vTmwVK">To assist with depth, the team promoted practice squad tackle Kendall Lamm, signing him to the 53-man roster. Lamm has been on the Dolphins’ practice squad since November 28 and was twice elevated for game day, but he has not made an appearance. Originally an undrafted free agent out of Appalachian State in 2015 signed by the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>, Lamm is in his eighth season, having also played for the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> and <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a>; he spent training camp this year with the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>. He has appeared in 86 games in his career, including 28 starts.</p>
<p id="XeINEu">The Dolphins placed defensive tackle Justin Zimmer on injured reserve to make roster space for Lamm. Zimmer played in five games this season, including one start, for Miami, recording one tackle.</p>
<p id="jLYmZ0">Miami also announced two practice squad elevations for Sunday, making defensive tackle Josiah Bronson and linebacker Brennan Scarlett available for the game. Bronson has spent all season on the Dolphins’ practice squad. He entered the NFL in 2021 as an undrafted free agent out of Washington, signed by the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>. As a rookie, he appeared in six games with the Saints and one with the Cleveland Browns, recording 12 tackles.</p>
<p id="4MGndn">Scarlett signed with the Dolphins practice squad on Nov. 17 after he was released with a injury settlement at the end of training camp. He spent all of 2021 with the Dolphins, appearing in 13 games with four starts and recording 16 tackles and a pass defensed. He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Stanford, signing with the Houston Texans. He spent five seasons with Houston. </p>
<p id="QrefER">Before he was placed on injured reserve, then release with the injury settlement, Scarlett had been working as a defensive end during training camp, despite the team listing him as a linebacker. Miami could look to use him as a depth option in a hybrid type of role, putting him in different positions from snap-to-snap if he is needed.</p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2022/12/31/23533728/miami-dolphins-vs-new-england-patriots-practice-squad-promotions-week-17-kendall-lammKevin Nogle2022-12-31T10:18:51-05:002022-12-31T10:18:51-05:00Jeff Wilson Jr. explains what to expect from New England’s swarming defense
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0Sd837g94X_6FHtT1DEQE0Am3DA=/0x0:3752x2501/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71810038/usa_today_19678853.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Patriots know how to get to the quarterback. </p> <p id="yKdWHC">The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> are headed north for the regular season’s final road game and unlike a recent trip to Buffalo, the weather won’t be an issue against the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>. </p>
<p id="ykUfuF">With temperatures expected to be better than they were in Miami on Christmas, attention turns to coach Mike McDaniel’s offense, and how it can score against Bill Belichick’s defense <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/miami-dolphins-injuries/2022/12/26/23527418/miami-dolphins-injury-tua-tagovailoa-concussion-updates-week-17-packers-patriots-news-reports">while starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is sidelined with a concussion</a>. </p>
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<p id="WwrO96">“It’s big time on details,”<a href="https://media.miamidolphins.com/transcripts/"> running back Jeff Wilson Jr. said of facing the Patriots.</a> “Big time on zero mistakes and killing yourself and come out and play ball because that’s especially with that defense strived off of, turning turnovers into touchdowns and giving their team points. So we’ve got to eliminate as much of that as possible and come out and be ready to play football.</p>
<p id="N0zhff">“They’re always going for the ball. So you’ve got to be very conscientious of it every time you’re touching it, every time you’re carrying it, even when you’re thinking about it, because they go after the ball. And not only do they go after it, they come up with it. So ball protection and security is going to be very big and just honing in on our details.”</p>
<p id="yoCR1t"><a href="https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/fumbles-per-game">Miami puts the ball on the ground roughly once per game</a>, last week Raheem Mostert turned the ball over on a run before halftime against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>. With that being said, the Dolphins may pepper the running backs with opportunities in hope of avoiding linebackers Matthew Judon and Josh Uche, who headline a New England pass rush that ranks third in the league with 50 sacks this season. </p>
<p id="ouuqph">“Relentless,” McDaniel said of Judon and Uche, who have a combined 27 sacks. “I think they have as much disruption as any players that we’ve seen this year into the play. They are guys that get a lot of production, two-and-a-half, three seconds into pass plays, that just really show how that whole defensive unit plays together. </p>
<p id="61lzEr">“The back end is very sound allowing for one or two extra hitches for the quarterback in which they take advantage of routinely. So they’re an impressive group. They’re physical, but relentless is the thing that really stands out to me.”</p>
https://www.thephinsider.com/2022/12/31/23533464/dolphins-jeff-wilson-jr-explains-what-to-expect-from-new-englands-swarming-defenseJacob Mendel