Miami keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
The Miami Dolphins turned up the heat at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday night, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 29-17.
It was a must-win game to keep their postseason hopes alive.
It was a balanced performance from Miami, fueled by a consistent offense, a solid defensive effort, and clutch contributions from special teams.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa orchestrated the offense efficiently, throwing for 215 yards and a touchdown. While the numbers were not eye-popping, Tagovailoa’s poise under pressure was evident throughout the game.
His ability to spread the ball among his playmakers kept the 49ers’ defense on its heels with only key holding penalties stopping further scoring drives.
Miami also finally found its run game after six weeks of disappointing output.
The star of the night was running back De’Von Achane. Achane had a career game, rushing for 120 yards on 17 carries and adding 70 receiving yards on six catches.
His electrifying 50-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for the Dolphins and serves as a reminder of his talents, as one of the NFL’s premier dual-threats out of the backfield.
He also set the franchise record for running back receptions in a single season, as did Jonnu Smith at tight end.
On the defensive side, the Dolphins showed that they can rise to the challenge, holding San Francisco to just 17 points.
Cornerback Kader Kohou provided the game’s pivotal moment with a late fourth-quarter interception, halting a 49ers drive that could have brought them within one score. The defensive front also sacked Purdy three times and hurried him consistently, disrupting his rhythm.
Special teams played a crucial role as well. Jason Sanders was perfect on the night, drilling all five of his field goal attempts, including a 52-yarder that extended Miami’s lead in the third quarter. He could well lay claim to currently being the NFL’s best kicker from 50 plus yards.
The Dolphins playoff chances remain precarious and they have no margin for error, indeed a Denver Broncos victory on Saturday night ends their season.
But for now, we can still dream.
