EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Miami Dolphins found themselves in a difficult position midway through their season, looking far from a team capable of securing a playoff spot.
As wide receiver Jaylen Waddle reflected on the team’s journey, he noted, “We started off 2-6, and look at us now.” Currently, the Dolphins’ record stands at 8-8 as they approach their crucial regular-season finale against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets, who hold a 4-12 record. Miami must secure a victory while also hoping for some favorable outcomes in other games to achieve a playoff berth for the third consecutive year.
A few weeks ago, the idea of such a turnaround seemed improbable for the Dolphins. “It’s a long season,” Waddle acknowledged. “We came a long way. The team grew in different ways with people being in and out of the lineup, being banged up. It allowed the team to grow. Playing meaningful football in January means a lot. This team really stepped up to the plate, accepted the challenge all year. I’m proud of it.”
Last week, Miami kept its playoff aspirations alive with a victory over the Cleveland Browns, winning 20-3, despite quarterback Tua Tagovailoa being sidelined with a hip injury. Tyler “Snoop” Huntley filled in at quarterback and is expected to start again on Sunday due to Tagovailoa’s uncertain status. Coach Mike McDaniel indicated that it was “unlikely” Tagovailoa would participate.
For the Dolphins to advance, they also need the Denver Broncos to lose against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City is expected to rest star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, opting for Carson Wentz instead, making the Dolphins temporary Chiefs fans. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler humorously mentioned, “My wife is from Missouri, actually, so I think I have to be a little bit, right?”
On the other side, the Jets, currently facing a disappointing season, could thwart Miami’s playoff hopes. New York started their campaign similarly to the Dolphins at 2-6 but managed a brief revival to 3-6 before struggling again to a 1-6 record, including a close overtime loss to the Dolphins.
Aaron Rodgers, the veteran quarterback for New York, has a lot on his mind as he considers his future in the league. Following the season finale, he plans to take time to contemplate whether he wants to keep playing. The Jets are also in the process of hiring a new coach and general manager, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers’ future with the team. “You know at some point this group will never get together again,” Rodgers noted. “So, just enjoying the last few moments with the guys, and we obviously want to put a good product on the field.”
As Miami prepares for their game, they are aware that part of their playoff fate hinges on the Chiefs’ performance, who will kick off simultaneously with the Dolphins’ match. However, various Dolphins players are adamant that their focus will remain solely on the game at hand. Fullback Alec Ingold emphasized, “I think you know my answer: I’m going to be worried about who I’ve got to block.”
Rodgers enters the match with a significant milestone in sight. He has failed to throw a touchdown in his last game, leaving him with a career total of 499 in the regular season and requiring just one more to join an elite group that includes Tom Brady and Drew Brees. With retirement looming as a possibility, this could be Rodgers’ final shot at achieving the 500-touchdown mark. “I would be fine sleeping in my bed 20 years from now with 499,” he admitted. “But 500 definitely looks better on paper.”
Additionally, the spotlight is on both teams’ players as they chase personal milestones. Dolphins running back De’Von Achane needs just one touchdown catch to join Kansas City’s Kareem Hunt as the only players with 10 touchdowns each rushing and receiving within their first two seasons. Meanwhile, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill requires one more touchdown to become the first receiver in history with seven or more touchdowns in each of his first nine seasons.
An interesting figure in the Dolphins’ lineup is Tyrel Dodson, who after being waived by Seattle, made a quick impact after joining Miami and stepping into a starting role due to injuries. Despite showing promise with a strong performance against the Browns, he remarked, “It’s not satisfying at all. I’m not satisfied until I go down as the best ever to do this.”
In the coming weekend, all eyes will be on both Miami and New York as the season reaches its dramatic conclusion. The outcomes of these games will hold significant weight, not just for team standings, but also for individual players’ legacies and aspirations.
