Miami Dolphins beat Cleveland Browns to live in playoffs race: Instant Takeaways | Schad
The Miami Dolphins needed to win at the Cleveland Browns on Sunday to keep NFL playoff hopes alive.
And they had to do it without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who did not play due to a hip injury.
Miami got it done with a 20-3 victory.
The Dolphins are 8-8 and on a 6-2 streak.
If Miami wins at the Jets next weekend and the Chiefs beat the Broncos, Miami somehow will qualify for the postseason for a third straight season.
The Chiefs, having clinched the top seed in the AFC, are expected to rest some starters, including Patrick Mahomes.
With a win at the pathetic Jets, Miami would have five straight winning seasons.
Here are Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns instant takeaways:
Tyler Huntley solid replacing Tua Tagovailoa
Tyler Huntley, nicknamed “Snoop,” appeared much more comfortable in Sunday’s start than in a few starts earlier this season.
Huntley showed improved footwork and timing and fired some passes with confidence.
In particular, Huntley had a good connection with Tyreek Hill, who played with determination after a subpar performance the previous week.
Hill topped 100 yards receiving and also returned punts for the first time this season.
Miami entered action 1-3 in games not started by Tua.
One thing Snoop has always had, and exhibited in this one, is mobility. Huntley ran for a 13-yard touchdown and a 13-3 lead early in the third quarter.
Huntley rushed for more than 50 yards against his former team, including a key third-down scramble in the fourth quarter.
Later, Huntley completed a touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith for a 20-3 lead in the fourth quarter.
According to CBS, Miami was concerned about Tua’s ability to keep himself safe on Sunday, due to decreased mobility.
Huntley will be among the options to back up Tagovailoa in 2025.
It should be noted that Miami did not excel on third down against the Browns, starting the game 1-for-9.
And it will be noted Mike McDaniel was 0-for-2 on replay challenges in the third quarter, costing the team two timeouts.
Injury woes for Dolphins
Every team has injuries, but a handful of key ones affected Miami on Sunday.
Not only was quarterback Tagovailoa out with a hip injury but wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was out with a knee injury.
At halftime, Miami ruled out Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead with a knee injury.
That meant rookie Patrick Paul was forced into the lineup at left tackle. Paul has potential, but trying to hold back the Browns’ Myles Garrett is less than ideal. Paul struggled in a few snaps in particular.
Cornerback Storm Duck had to enter the lineup for Kendall Fuller, who has been placed on injured reserve.
Dolphins penalty problem
The Dolphins have had too many penalties this season, especially on offense in road games.
On Sunday, the Dolphins had seven penalties in the first half.
Among them: Alec Ingold (false start), Isaiah Wynn (unsportsmanlike conduct), Tyreek Hill (holding), Aaron Brewer (holding), Storm Duck (holding), Terron Armstead (holding) and Tyrel Dodson (removing helmet).
The lack of discipline as well as commitment to technique and fundamentals was disappointing.
At the end of the third quarter. Miami linebacker Jordyn Brooks was called for a questionable unnecessary roughness penalty, when all he did was tackle a running back. In the fourth quarter, Siran Neal went out of bounds on his own for a punt coverage penalty.
Dolphins defense stout vs. sad Browns
Cleveland entered this game without stud running back Nick Chubb.
And the Browns were choosing to start unproven and shaky Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback.
Jameis Winston is much more formidable.
Dolphins veteran Calais Campbell caused pressure all day, and it sure appears he will not be released this season.
Emmanuel Ogbah had a sack and forced fumble recovered by Da’Shawn Hand.
Linebacker Tyrel Dodson, filling in for injured Anthony Walker, had an interception.
Jalen Ramsey had a fourth-down breakup of a pass attempt to Jerry Jeudy in Miami’s end zone.
First-year defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has had an excellent season.
Miami can only hope he returns in 2025. But Weaver is on the head coach track.
Jason Sanders’ great Dolphins season
The Dolphins’ kicker, Jason Sanders, has had one of the best seasons on the team.
Sanders entered the game with 22 consecutive made field goals, and he made field goals of 54 and 39 yards in the first half vs. the Browns.
Sanders’ success has come despite the Dolphins using five snappers in 2024. Punter Jake Bailey has had a more inconsistent season.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.