The Miami Dolphins clinched a playoff spot thanks to a Jason Sanders 50-yard field goal that put them up against the New York Jets and a New England Patriots loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The Dolphins skated past the Jets with an 11-6 victory to finish the season 9-8. The team needed the Patriots to lose to the Bills and New England did exactly that. Both scenarios helped Miami secure a playoff spot for the first time since the 2016 season.
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Miami Dolphins linebacker Duke Riley (45) tackles New York Jets running back Ty Johnson (25) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Miami had the odds stacked against them, as Tua Tagovailoa was out with a concussion and rookie Skylar Thompson had to lead the team to victory.
Thompson led the team on an 11-play, 36-yard drive. He had a 2-yard pass to Jaylen Waddle that resulted in a 15-yard horseneck tackle penalty to Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams. Waddle was hurt on the play and was out of the game.
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Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (19) aims for a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. .
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Salvon Ahmed had a 7-yard run that helped Sanders get into position for the go-ahead field goal. The kick put Miami up 9-6. The Dolphins were awarded two points in the Jets’ final scramble of that game which resulted in a safety.
Thompson finished 20 of 31 passing for 152 yards. Mike Gesicki led the team with four receptions for 46 yards. Waddle had five receptions for 44 yards.
Joe Flacco started the game for New York when Mike White was sidelined with an injury. Zach Wilson was the backup behind the veteran quarterback.
Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders kicks a field goal as punt Thomas Morstead holds during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Flacco was 18-for-33 with 149 passing yards. Garrett Wilson led the team with nine receptions for 89 yards.
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Miami will be the No. 7 seed when the playoffs begin.