Key Players in This Thrilling Match
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins QB: 21/35 for 242 yards, 1 TD
Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins WR: 6 catches for 77 yards, 1 TD
Jason Sanders, Dolphins K: 3/3 field goals, including the game-winner
Dak Prescott, Cowboys QB: 22/34 for 239 yards, 1 TD
CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys WR: 7 catches for 94 yards, 1 TD
Dolphins upset Cowboys 22-20 on Christmas Eve Thriller
Dolphins will head into the Wild Card Round of the playoffs with their heads held high, ready to face the Buffalo Bills in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.
The Cowboys, have their backs against the wall. They need to win their remaining games against the Titans and Washington Commanders and hope for an Eagles stumble to salvage their division title hopes.
Miami Miracle on Christmas Eve
The Miami Dolphins defeated the Dallas Cowboys 22–20 on Christmas Eve to guarantee their spot in the 2023 NFL playoffs. It was an exciting game. With only seconds remaining, Jason Sanders kicked a game-winning 29-yard field goal, setting off a wild celebration inside Hard Rock Stadium.
A Defensive Fall
For a large portion of the evening, the game was a defensive struggle as neither team could establish a consistent attack rhythm. The Dolphins rallied with a field goal and a score from Tua Tagovailoa to take a 10-7 lead into halftime, but the Cowboys struck first on a touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to CeeDee Lamb.
Horror in the Second Half
The lead changed hands multiple times in the second half. Ezekiel Elliott’s touchdown run gave the Cowboys the lead back, but Jaylen Waddle’s touchdown reception gave the Dolphins the match. The Dolphins were about to take the lead after a field goal by the Cowboys put them up 20–16, but Chase Edmonds’ blunder stopped them.
Dolphins Go Deep Down
The Dolphins were in danger of missing the playoffs, but they were determine not to give up. With 3:27 remaining, they forced a Cowboys punt and recovered the ball. Leading the Dolphins on a brilliant drive, Tagovailoa converted key third downs and displayed remarkable composure under duress. Sanders are set up for the game-winning kick by him as he led the team down the field.
Sanders Delivers the Gift
With frost in his veins, Sanders took the pitch as the clock was running out. He smoothly stroked the ball past the uprights, igniting a frenzied frenzy among the Dolphins players and supporters. Not only was this the game-winning kick a victory, but it also made a statement about the Dolphins’ resiliency and capacity for success under stress.
Cowboys’ Season Is Hit
The Cowboys’ goals of winning the NFC East were seriously harm by the setback. The Philadelphia Eagles and them are now tie for first place, but the Eagles have the tiebreaker. To win the division, the Cowboys will need to win their final two games and pray that the Flyers drop one.
This game was a true Christmas miracle for the Miami Dolphins and their fans. They showed grit, determination, and never gave up on their dream of reaching the playoffs. The Cowboys, on the other hand, will have to regroup and refocus if they want to make a run in the postseason.
