The Miami Dolphins are facing a crucial Week 18 showdown against the New York Jets, with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. The biggest question mark surrounding the Dolphins is the availability of their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who is highly unlikely to play due to a lingering hip injury. This marks the second consecutive week Tagovailoa will be sidelined, placing the team’s postseason aspirations squarely on the shoulders of backup quarterback Tyler Huntley.
Huntley’s performance in the Dolphins’ recent 20-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns offers a glimmer of hope. He efficiently managed the offense, completing 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing on the ground with seven carries for 52 yards and another score. While Huntley has shown flashes of competence, his overall record as a starter in relief of Tagovailoa stands at 2-2, leaving some uncertainty about his ability to lead the team to a crucial win.
The Dolphins’ playoff scenario is complex, hinging on both their own performance and the outcome of the Kansas City Chiefs’ game against the Denver Broncos. A Dolphins victory, coupled with a Chiefs win, would secure the Dolphins the seventh seed in the AFC, setting up a Wild Card matchup against the formidable Buffalo Bills. However, a Broncos upset over the Chiefs, who are reportedly resting their starters, would eliminate the Dolphins from playoff contention regardless of their result against the Jets.
Tagovailoa, despite his likely absence this week, has expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to return for the playoffs should the Dolphins qualify. He emphatically stated his intention to play, leaving no room for doubt about his commitment. This declaration offers a potential boost for the team, knowing their starting quarterback is eager to rejoin the fight should they advance.
Tagovailoa’s regular season concludes with a statistically solid performance, completing 72.9% of his passes for 2,867 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 11 games. However, his season has been marred by injury, including a significant concussion suffered against the Bills in Week 2 that sidelined him for several weeks. This pattern of missed games due to injury continues a trend for Tagovailoa, whose durability has been a concern throughout his five-year NFL career. Last season stands as the sole exception, marking the only year he managed to start every game.
The Dolphins’ playoff hopes rest on a combination of factors, including Huntley’s performance, the outcome of the Chiefs-Broncos game, and the long-term health of Tagovailoa. While Huntley’s recent performance provides some optimism, his inconsistent track record as a starter leaves room for concern. The Dolphins face a must-win situation against the Jets, with the added pressure of needing a favorable result in the Chiefs-Broncos game. Should they overcome these hurdles and secure a playoff berth, the return of a healthy Tagovailoa would undoubtedly bolster their chances of making a deep postseason run. However, his injury history raises questions about his ability to remain healthy throughout the playoffs, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Dolphins’ prospects.
