On Thanksgiving Day, Miami saw its three-game win streak come to an end after being shut out by Green Bay. Although a tight game, Miami eventually fell short.
The Dolphins attempted to disprove two common myths on Thursday – that they can’t play in cold temperatures and that they struggle against better teams – but neither narrative was disproved.
Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs gave Green Bay a 14-0 advantage with 55 seconds remaining in the first quarter after running from 1-yard line into end zone for touchdown. Pushing through multiple Dolphins defenders to score his score was Josh Jacobs. Brandon McManus added an extra point and it quickly made seven points for Green Bay.
On the Packers’ subsequent drive, Jordan Love connected with Christian Watson for 46 yards on a go ball play to Miami 28. Jacobs then made an inside run that gained 15 yards before this drive ended with McManus kicking a 24-yard field goal.
Green Bay took control at Miami 41-yard line with 7:45 left in half and Jacobs carried seven times for 30 yards during this drive – his initial run gained six yards, and on subsequent runs gained an additional nine.
After an immediate three-and-out, Tua Tagovailoa connected with Jayden Reed for an 11-yard gain on short pass from Tua. On fourth down, however, they attempted to go for it but were penalized with delay of game penalties instead.
Jacobs continued his run for 6 yards before receiving a 13-yard pass from Love to set up Jared Cook’s two-point conversion and increase Green Bay’s lead by 27-3 with 6:42 remaining in the third quarter.
With their victory, the Packers improved to 9-3 for the season and secured their third straight win and first in which opponents scored less than 20 points against them this season. Their defensive efforts have been key; as they have given up only 117 total points so far – the lowest mark in NFL.
With their win, the Packers made strides toward securing their playoff spot. Now tied with the Vikings for second place in the NFC North and just one game behind Chicago Bears for first wild card spot; Miami Dolphins needing four wins just to have any hope at reaching playoffs;
Jaylen Waddle
Jaylen Waddle remains one of the Green Bay Packer’s primary receiving options despite recent struggles. A former Alabama star, Waddle averages 20.3 yards per catch this year and ranks third among wide receivers in the NFL. Additionally, Waddle has recorded seven total touchdowns — six rushing and one passing — over his past five games, making him an attractive option in daily fantasy football formats.
The Packers took an early 20-3 lead after dominating the first half. Keisean Nixon returned Keisean’s opening kickoff 43 yards for a touchdown, then the Packers used their running game well throughout the quarter, with Josh Jacobs having two goal-to-go opportunities that resulted in him pushing through piles of defenders for 6 yards before running in for 1-yard touchdown runs on consecutive goal-to-go attempts. Later, they forced a three-and-out and Tua Tagovailoa was sacked on fourth down, giving the Packers their advantage in this matchup.
Tagovailoa made his first interception of the day on his following drive, but it was nullified due to a pass interference penalty. On their next three plays – De’Von Achane was stuffed for no gain on one play while Jonathan Smith lost a fumble, Tagovailoa was sacked, and ultimately the Dolphins turned it over on downs – they stalled out for three plays with no gains made by De’Von Achane or De’Von Achane being stuffed for no gain on one play before finally relinquishment was reached on four.
On their next drive, the Packers advanced inside Miami 10-yard line through two running plays: first Jordan Love found Javon Wimbley for three yards before Jacobs used an elegant juke move to get past defenders and run 67 yards to gain first down.
Jacobs scored again on goal-to-go play and Brandon McManus converted the 2-point conversion, increasing their lead to 24-3.
In this matchup, the Packers hope to establish a running game while disrupting Miami Dolphins’ up-tempo attack. Their defense must pressure Tagovailoa while limiting big plays; tight coverage, sound tackling and consistent pressure are necessary in this endeavor. These teams have met 16 times before with 10-6 going their way for each opponent; it will be broadcast live by NBC and Fubo TV subscribers alike.
Tua Tagovailoa
Wins like these would do wonders for the Dolphins’ playoff hopes and alter narratives about their inability to beat tough teams and play in cold environments. On Thursday night at Lambeau Field, however, their hopes for comeback were thwarted by an aggressive Packers squad which completely outwitted them and dismantled any comeback chances they might have had.
The Packers started strong with an impressive first quarter run. Scoring on their initial possession after taking advantage of a Dolphins turnover, they held Miami to only one first down and one field goal on each drive; two of those drives saw Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare bring down Tagovailoa to force punt.
On the second of those drives, Dolphins offensive was forced to hold after Quay Walker sacked them and they received a defensive offsides penalty. On third down Tagovailoa overthrew De’Von Achane for six yards which enabled Green Bay to set up for a field goal attempt at halftime; Brandon McManus successfully hit it giving Green Bay the advantage at 21-3 at halftime.
The Packers defense was impressive on the ground as well. Rookie linebacker Isaiah McDuffie led all Packers linebackers this season by recording 10 tackles (7 solo and 1 pass deflection). That not only marked a career high for him but was also the highest total among any linebacker this year.
In the second half, the Packers added several points with Josh Jacobs catching four passes for 74 yards and scoring one touchdown; Christian Watson caught two receptions totaling 67 yards; Jayden Reed scored twice with short touchdown receptions from Jordan Love; while Dontavion Wicks caught shorter scores as well.
Tua Tagovailoa passed for over 300 yards, but his performance deteriorated under pressure from the Packers. He was sacked five times and ineffective when given time to throw. He missed several passes that would typically be completed when throwing to Tyreek Hill and overthrew De’Von Achane on fourth down late in the second half for an easy field goal and 24-3 lead for Green Bay.
Green Bay’s defense
After an inauspicious start, Green Bay’s defense appears to be back on track. Over their last three games, they have allowed only 20 points; led by an improved pass rush which has become one of the best units in the NFL. Unfortunately, however, Green Bay still struggles to create turnovers; ranking 21st on fourth down conversions is an indicator of this problem.
The Dolphins managed to get off to a strong start during their opening drive of the second quarter, but eventually fizzled out as Tua Tagovailoa was taken down on back-to-back plays by Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare, and Jonnu Smith lost possession on third down before fumbling away the ball on fourth down. To conclude their drive Jason Sanders kicked a 33-yard field goal.
Green Bay responded quickly with a quick drive that ended with Josh Jacobs scoring on a one-yard run for 24-3 lead after two-point conversion, before scoring another touchdown on their next drive with Jordan Love passing seven yards to Jayden Reed for yet another score putting them well ahead.
On the ensuing kickoff, Malik Washington fumbled and it was recovered by James Crawford. This allowed for short field play by the Packers, which capitalized by using four ball carriers – Isaiah McDuffie, Eddie Lacy, Chris Brooks and Jayden Reed all gained at least 20 yards rushing the ball.
Even with their strong running game, the Packers’ defense held their own. Xavier McKinney played well while Green Bay’s secondary limited the Dolphins’ big plays to keep Green Bay winning. Their unit, enhanced by former Browns cornerback Kevin Johnson’s addition as well as Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary as mainstays, began looking like an elite group.
Green Bay’s defense performed admirably against passes to the left side, where Jaire Alexander usually lines up, though they still need to improve their coverage on short and deep left passes, currently ranking 29th overall in NFL against both types. If they want to continue winning games they will need to address this area.