MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – On Sunday the Dolphins went full Lil' Terio and "oooh, oooh killed" the Patriots. I'm guessing most Dol-fans watched the closing minutes with their hands covering their eyes, holding their collective breath, or in the fetal position.
Ryan Tannehill showed no signs of fear, despite taking a beating all day, and lead a great game winning drive. For Sunday's picks, we'll focus on the three key plays in that final dolphins drive.
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The drive started at the Miami 40 with New England leading 20-17.
Pick 1: 4TH and 5 at MIA 45
The game, and possibly the season, were on the line here. How many times have we seen the Fins fail in this spot? Miami needed five yards. Tannehill hit Charles Clay for a huge 6 yard gain and that kept the drive alive. Clay, last week's hero, hadn't caught a pass all day, but when the Dolphins needed him, he cut through a few Pats defenders and came through in the clutch.
Pick 2: 1st and 10 at NE 38
The run game was okay on Sunday, but the last drive was through the air. This time Tannehill hit Rishard Matthews down the sideline for a 24 yard pick up. Matthews made the tough grab and got both feet inbounds to extend the drive. I think, and this isn't easy to say, that Jeff Ireland deserves some credit. The Dolphins lost Dustin Keller and Brandon Gibson for the season and haven't really felt their absence because of Clay and Matthews. I don't think he's getting fired anytime soon.
Pick 3: 2nd and 10 at NE 14
Remember, the Dolphins were down by three and we've all been conditioned to expect this drive to fizzle out and sadly accept a field goal to tie the game. Then, Marcus Thigpen, like a white and aqua unicorn, catches a pass from Tannehill and strolls into the end zone for the game winner.
Honorable Mention:
Michael Thomas. I had no idea who you were before you picked off Tom Brady, and I'm not alone when I say that. Welcome to the Miami Dolphins, Michael.
This could be a total knee jerk, but this team doesn't feel like the same Dolphins we've been watching for the past 10 years.