MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) – The Miami Dolphins kept their playoff hopes alive with a gritty 29-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, December 22. The win came just as the 49ers were officially eliminated from postseason contention earlier Sunday. With this victory, the Dolphins (7-8) now look to secure spots after needing to win their final two games and relying on the help of other teams.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had another productive day, completing 22 of 34 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown. He threw his 100th career touchdown pass with a 3-yard dart to star receiver Tyreek Hill just before halftime. Hill, who battled inconsistency this season, managed to catch three passes for 29 yards, including the touchdown reception, but also recorded multiple drops.
While Tagovailoa led the charge, it was running back De'Von Achane whose 50-yard touchdown run sealed the game with just over a minute to play, showcasing his speed and determination. Achane amassed 120 yards on 17 carries and provided Tagovailoa valuable support, contributing significantly to the Dolphins’ offensive night.
Miami struck first with kicker Jason Sanders connecting on five field goals from various distances, including 54-yards, demonstrating his reliability throughout the season—his 11 successful attempts from 50-plus yards tallied. Sanders' performance has been nothing short of impressive, as he boosts his success rate to 33 out of 37 field goals this year.
The game was not without its challenges for the Dolphins. San Francisco opened with intensity, with quarterback Brock Purdy connecting with Deebo Samuel for a 16-yard touchdown and running back Christian McCaffrey proving tough to contain. Despite this, the Dolphins' defense stepped up when it mattered most. Defensive back Kader Kohou limited the Niners' momentum by intercepting Purdy late in the fourth quarter, providing Miami another opportunity to secure the win.
While the Dolphins were able to maintain composure, the 49ers faced notable hurdles, including self-inflicted wounds. San Francisco was penalized 11 times for 90 yards, which significantly hindered their momentum. Consequently, the 49ers were unable to convert key third down opportunities. Despite their statistical advantages on the field—Purdy finishing with 313 passing yards and two touchdowns—these penalties proved costly.
Looking at the playoff scenarios, Miami needs to win their final two games against the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets to remain competitive. They also require losses from teams like the Broncos, Chargers, and Colts for any shot at making the playoffs. The Dolphins' performance on Sunday, seen as the necessary boost, provides hope as they look forward to their remaining games.
Coach Mike McDaniel praised the defensive efforts, acknowledging how the players stepped up when it counted. He hopes to maintain this momentum as the team heads toward the season's conclusion.
The 49ers are set to host the Detroit Lions next Sunday, with both teams striving to close out their seasons on high notes. After Sunday's loss, San Francisco ended its run with the unfortunate reality of marking their first losing season since 2020, as they ended the day 6-9.
With their playoff dreams flickering, the Dolphins must finish strong and hope for the best as the NFL season quickly nears its finish line. Fans and players alike are buoyed by the recent win, excited about the potential for becoming playoff contenders for the third consecutive season.
