The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins hosted the New Orleans Saints in Week 13, sneaking out with a win as the Saints tried to make a comeback at the end of the game. This game featured just about everything, including a defensive two-point conversion and a recovered onside kick.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Miami jumping out to an early lead, but allowing the Saints back into the game in the second half. The defenses of both teams were the story of the game, with big plays being made by both teams to try to keep the game close.
In the end, Miami held on just enough to come up with the win, improving to 5-7 on the season and winning their third-straight contest. The Saints fell to 2-10 with the loss.
Saints 17 – 21 Dolphins
The Dolphins opened the game with the ball, and they immediately started moving it downfield. Starting at their 31-yard line after a strong return from wide receiver Malik Washington, running back De’Von Achane established Miami’s momentum with an eight-yard run. Running back Jaylen Wright made a rare early-game appearance on the second snap, adding eight yards of his own. After quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was sacked for an eight-yard loss, the quarterback found tight end Darren Waller, making his return from the injured reserve list, for 13 yards. A bad snap on the next play, with Tagovailoa having to pick it up off the ground, still turned into a 19-yard gain as the quarterback connected with Washington. The drive ended with a 29-yard run from Achane to the endzone.
What a start! The Dolphins to overcame a sack and a bad snap to never miss a step, which is not something we have seen in a long time. Miami attacked on the ground and through the air, staying fairly well balanced on the six-play, 69-yard touchdown drive.
Dolphins 7-0
New Orleans opened at their 27-yard line, but could not gain a first down. The three-and-out drive picked up eight yards, but defensive tackle Zach Sieler stuffed a second-down run for a one-yard loss and tipped the third-down pass just enough to keep the Saints from converting.
Okay defense. Keep that up all day.
Miami did not have the same effectiveness on their second drive. Achane picked up two yards on the first play, but two incomplete passes on the next two snaps killed the drive and Miami punted.
Not the backup to the first drive that was wanted. Now the defense needs to step up. There was potential on the third-down pass attempt, but wide receiver Jaylen Waddle ran into Achane as they were running their routes and Tagovailoa threw to where he thought the receiver would be.
The second Saints’ possession looked much like the first. On second down, linebacker Jordyn Brooks stuffed the run for a one-yard...
