Moeller: Dolphins' Latest Win Could Be The Start Of A Happy Holiday

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 Yes, Dolphins’ fans, there may just be a Santa Claus. Or, at least, it may feel like it.


It certainly may feel like they got a Christmas gift in Miami after the Dolphins dominated the Bills, 30-13, last week. The win marked Miami’s first over their AFC East division rival in seven games. 


All signs had been pointing to the Dolphins navigating through some rough waters ahead over the next two months.


It’s true, the Dolphins can win in a convincing fashion. Does it mean anything long term? At the moment, it doesn’t.


This is about celebrating the moment. There haven't been many this season, and there may not be many left. A few weeks ago, they had the same kind of moment when they shockingly dominated the Falcons.


The script temporarily changed for the Fins, but the overall story still remained the same.


Tua Tagovailoa completed 15 of 21 passes for 173 with a pair of picks, raising his league-leading total to 12 interceptions this season. However, his wasn’t sacked by the Bills.


Buffalo’s Josh Allen did throw for 305 yards with a pair of scores, but the Dolphins’ D did pick him off once and recorded three sacks. The defense, led by Jordyn Brooks and his 12 tackles, kept Buffalo off the scoreboard for three quarters. 


The victory further solidified head coach Mike McDaniel’s status with upper management, as he currently appears to be back next season depending on the new general manager hire. 


Miami does have a legitimate running back with De’Von Achane, who rambled for 174 yards and two touchdowns, and he also registered 51 yards receiving. At 24, Achane is a definite building block and can be a solid foundation. 


For the Dolphins, it’s just a matter of consistency. They have been searching for it since McDaniel’s second season in 2023. 


After they beat the Jets earlier, the Dolphins dropped three straight before they grounded the Falcons.


McDaniel recently hinted that some injured starters could return before the end of the season, and kicker Jason Sanders, right tackle Austin Jackson, and right guard James Daniels could all be back in the fold soon. 


As for the rest of the season, the 3-7 Dolphins have three “winnable” games on their docket, beginning with the reeling Commanders in Spain Sunday morning. They then will face the Saints and Jets.


In three weeks, the Dolphins could find themselves with a 5-8 or 6-7 record, and they suddenly will have a new perspective on the season. 


They also have a Sunday night, pre-Christmas Dec. 21 date with the Bengals after a Sunday night date in Pittsburgh. If the Bengals’ Joe Burrow isn’t ready, and the Bengals’ defense is still a sieve, that could be a nice Christmas present. 


Of course, there are the Bucs and the Patriots down the road, and they will present a challenge.


Yet, Dolphins’ fans should cherish the moment, and take it a game at a time. Go to Spain and come home with a win.


It could begin to make it a Christmas to remember.

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