A look back at the Miami Dolphins’ 2016
By Brian Miller
December
A traditionally bad month for the Dolphins, Miami opens with a brutal beating in Baltimore as the Dolphins’ six game winning streak comes crashing down.
Miami entered the month in control of their own destiny but the loss to the Ravens puts Miami back in the 8th spot in the AFC.
Miami returns home limping to face the Arizona Cardinals. In a torrential rain storm that lasts the entire game. Both teams combine for almost 7 turnovers in the first half.
Miami led 21-10 in the 4th quarter before surrendering 14 points to let the Cardinals back in the game. Miami would win on the final play with a field goal.
The story of the game however was the loss of Ryan Tannehill in the 3rd quarter bringing Matt Moore to the stage. Moore would lead the Dolphins on their game winning drive.
It’s announced that Ryan Tannehill, feared to have a torn ACL suffered a grade II MCL sprain. He will miss all of December.
Mike Pouncey is placed on season ending IR.
Matt Moore is the starting Dolphins quarterback.
The Dolphins travel to New York for their first of two New York back-to-back road trips.
Miami takes on the Jets and wins 34-13 over a struggling Jets team in Matt Moore first start in five seasons.
The Dolphins are in the 7th spot in the chase for the playoffs and need to win one of their two remaining games.
Miami travels to Buffalo where they have not won since 2011. Miami gives up two 14 point leads to the Bills as the two teams combine for over 1,000 yards in offense and the Bills put up over 600 yards. The Bills tied the game late and former Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter misses a game winning field goal. Matt Moore drives down the field with seconds ticking as Andrew Franks kicks a career long 55 yard field goal to send the game into overtime. With less than a minute left in the extra quarter, Moore leads the Dolphins down the field for a game winning field goal.
Matt Moore however plays a solid 2nd half and Jay Ajayi rushed for over 200 yards for the third time in 2016 as the Dolphins beat the Bills.
The Denver Broncos lose on Christmas evening giving the Dolphins their first playoff appearance since 2008.
The Dolphins finish the month of December with 2 wins and 1 loss. They clinch at least a 10 win season for the first time since 2008 and wrap their season at home against the Patriots on January 1st.