Loss to Packers on second-coldest game in Dolphins history didn’t freeze out playoff hopes
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The mood was subdued but certainly not defeatist Sunday in the Miami Dolphins‘ locker room. Players holding quiet conversations. Jaelan Phillips seeking some warmth. Tua Tagovailoa accepting hugs from passing game coordinator Darrell Bevell and Dan Marino at his locker after long conversations with both.Â
“Annoyed but encouraged,” is how linebacker Bradley Chubb described it.
Annoyed, perhaps, because the Dolphins now have lost four in a row after a 26-20 setback to the Packers at Hard Rock Stadium on a day that felt more like Christmas in Green Bay than in South Florida.
Encouraged because Miami still controls its playoff destiny, but only because the Jets and Patriots also have imploded.
Here’s the good news: A loss on the second coldest home game in Dolphins history (46 degrees at kickoff) did not freeze Miami out of the playoffs.
Follow every game: Latest NFL Scores and Schedules
But the playoffs are not, cannot, be the focus right now.
“Don’t even think about it,” linebacker Jerome Baker said about the playoffs.
“We just got to come back next week and get on track.”
OPINION:Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins unravel against Packers putting playoff hopes in jeopardy
NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE:Jaguars move into playoff field, Bills win AFC East
NFL NEWSLETTER:Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox
Dolphins remain confident despite four-game losing streak
The Dolphins (8-7) insist their confidence has not been shattered. Not after blowing a 10-point lead and allowing the Packers to score the final 16 points Sunday. Not after being held scoreless in the second half and finishing the game with a fumble, missed field goal, interception, interception, interception on their final five possessions. Not after allowing Aaron Rodgers to complete 12-of-16 second half passes while leading the Packers on three scoring drives (touchdown, two field goals).