With their playoff hopes seemingly down the drain, the Dolphins have an opportunity to play the role of the Grinch this Christmas against familiar foes.
Up first is Sunday’s matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. For the last couple of years the Ravens have physically dominated the Dolphins. In fact, the Dolphins last win versus the Ravens took place during the 2007 season when the Dolphins went 1-15. However this year they come in to the contest with several key injuries-Justin Forsett and quarterback Joe Flacco and their margin for error is razor thin as they battle the Steelers for a spot in the playoffs. A loss would almost guarantee them a spot on the couch once playoff season starts.
This could be a nice revenge game for Ryan Tannehill, who has taken his share of bumps and bruises via the physical Baltimore defense and hasn’t beat them in his 4 year career as quarterback of the Dolphins. In fact, while Tannehill has never had an interception against Baltimore, he’s had two touchdown passes in both contests but has been sacked a total of 12 times total.
at MetLife Stadium on September 24, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
After that the New York football Giants come to town. The Giants are battling for the NFC east title. The way things are shaping up, only one team from the NFC East will make the playoffs. On night when the Dolphins wear their throwback jerseys and best friends Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr square off for the first time, what better night to stick a fork in their playoff hopes than to serve the Giants a loss on a silver platter.
Finally the Dolphins can put coal in the stocking of the Colts. The Colts are currently tied with the Texans, and like the NFC east, only one team from this division will make the playoffs. With Andrew Luck injured for most of the season, the Colts are very vulnerable despite of old man Matt Hasselbeck leading the charge winning 4 games in relief of Luck. Depending on how their schedule and results play out, the Colts could be playing for the postseason. The Dolphins could knock them out of the playoffs and send them looking for a new head coach. As it is almost certain that Colts owner Jim Irsay will fire Chuck Pagano if the Colts fail to make the playoffs.
So there you have it, the Dolphins certainly have a chance to not only change the complexion of the playoff picture, but spoil contending teams’ holiday spirit.