In a thrilling Christmas NFL showdown, the Miami Dolphins edged out the Dallas Cowboys 22-20, thanks to a late field goal that clinched the game. This closely contested match saw both teams battling fiercely, but the Dolphins emerged victorious in the end.
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The game’s pivotal moment came early when the Cowboys made a crucial error. Instead of utilizing Tony Pollard as a reliable backfield option on the goal line, they handed the ball to fullback Hunter Luepke, who was not accustomed to carrying it, leading to a disastrous fumble. This mistake proved costly for Dallas, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
For the Dolphins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa delivered a solid performance, throwing for 293 yards and a touchdown pass. The Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott wasn’t far behind, amassing 253 yards in the air along with two touchdown passes.
CeeDee Lamb stood out for Dallas, catching six passes for 118 yards. However, a noticeable absence in targeting Lamb during significant portions of the game raised questions about the Cowboys’ offensive strategy.
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Despite Lamb’s early success, where he had four receptions for 94 yards by the end of the first quarter, Dallas seemingly forgot about him as the game progressed. They shifted their focus to running the ball with Pollard, who, despite being one of the more dynamic backs in the NFL, faced a crucial shortcoming in a high-leverage situation. This included a one-yard carry where he was stopped just short of the end zone, leading to the fullback’s fumbling disaster.
Raheem Mostert dealt with an ankle issue on the Dolphins’ side but continued to play, though he didn’t appear as explosive as usual. With Jaylen Waddle exiting early due to a high ankle issue, the Dolphins need other fast players like De’Von Achane to make more plays in space. However, he seemed hindered by a turf toe injury, limiting his effectiveness.
The game’s outcome, while a significant win for the Dolphins, also highlighted the Cowboys’ missed opportunities and strategic mishaps. Dallas’s potential to build an offense that could rival the best in the NFC was evident, but their execution fell short in crucial moments. This inconsistency and failure to capitalize on critical situations ultimately led to their narrow defeat in this high-stakes NFL game.
