The Miami Dolphins ended their season with a win against their rival the New England Patriots 33-24. They finish the season 9-8 giving them back-to-back winning records for the first time since the 2002-2003 seasons. It is also the first time Miami has swept the Patriots in a season since 2000. Despite having a 1-7 record midway through the season, Miami ends with a winning record, something that seemed impossible not that long ago.
Miami Dolphins End Their Season With Divisional Win
The Dolphins came out firing early on both sides of the ball. It was 7-0 in the blink of an eye, as rookie Jaylen Waddle caught a seven yard touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa on the opening drive. Tagovailoa was 7/7 for 54 yards and the touchdown, looking like the guy Miami drafted two years ago.
📺: Watch #NEvsMIA on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/RplrfIbb51
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 9, 2022
It was also a historic day for Jaylen Waddle. His 104 catches on the year were the most by any rookie receiver in NFL history. The previous record was held by Anquan Boldin, who had 101 receptions in 2003. The Dolphins wanted to make sure Waddle got the record, and they were able to do so on their first four plays of the game. Waddle finished the season with 104 catches, 1,015 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games played. Waddle has solidified himself as one of the league’s explosive players already, and he is just getting started.
Dolphins Defense Continues to Impress
It was the defense as well for Miami that was making plays like they have all year. They ended the season with 48 sacks, which is the fifth most in the NFL as they love to blitz. Star cornerback Xavien Howard recorded his fifth interception of the year and returned it for six for his first touchdown of the year.
Xavien Howard PICK-6! What a start for the @MiamiDolphins #FinsUp
📺: #NEvsMIA on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/wSch9wwxB4— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2022
Howard has been one of the best corners in the league. Before the season started he actually requested a trade out of Miami as he wanted more money and guarantees. The Dolphins listened, gave him what he wanted, and are now seeing the benefits. Howard has 27 interceptions now in his six seasons with Miami.
Record Day for Christian Wilkins
It wasn’t just Jaylen Waddle etched his name in the NFL records book. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins tied a record for most tackles by an interior defensive linemen with 89. He nearly doubled his total from last year as he only had 47 tackles in 2020. The 13th overall pick in the 2019 draft is breaking out at the perfect time. Wilkins has grown to become a true leader for this team, and he is quite hilarious as well, which goes will with his teammates.
This celly by Christian Wilkins 😂
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/0eSjcvsf3g
— ESPN (@espn) December 19, 2021
The Dolphins will now go into the off-season at least feeling better about the team. The big question still revolves around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and if he really is the long term solution. There were a lot of ups and a lot of downs, and Miami will have to start now and see what direction they want to go in next. Head coach Brian Flores should be back for at least one more season*, but nothing is for sure in the NFL.
*Note from editor: Since the writing of this article, it has been announced that Brian Flores has been fired
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Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
