With everything on the line and nursing a two-point lead, the Dolphins turned up the intensity in the final quarter of a victory over the San Francisco 49ers. A defensive stand followed by a Jason Sanders field goal, a Kader Kohou interception and a 50-yard touchdown from running back De'Von Achane helped Miami stay alive for another week in the AFC Wild Card picture.
Here are three takeaways from the Dolphins' 29-17 win over the 49ers:
1. Ground Game Cleared for Takeoff
After a frustrating month and a half for the run game, the Dolphins broke through against the 49ers, led by the sophomore sensation Achane. His 50-yard score put the game on ice and capped off a performance with 190 scrimmage yards.
"He's a special player," tackle Terron Armstead said. "A special talent. Catching the ball, running the ball, making people miss in space. He's so dangerous when he just has the smallest amount of space. He gets through crevices that many people can't and then he's a home run threat at the same time."
It wasn't just Achane. The Dolphins incorporated three backs to net positive results. Raheem Mostert ripped a 20-yard run and added a 13-yard reception. Jeff Wilson rushed twice for 12 yards including a bruising conversion on third-and-1.
On the day, Miami ran for 166 yards on 31 attempts, the highest total since the Week 8 game against the Cardinals.
2. Dogs Barkin' on Defense
The Dolphins defense ranks 10th in the NFL in points allowed and is coming off two of its best performances of the season. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks has been a huge free agent signing. He has assumed a leadership role in his first year in Miami and is the only player in the NFL with at least 100 tackles, five passes defensed, two sacks and two fumble recoveries. He also leads the Dolphins defense with 904 downs played this season, 98.2 percent of the defensive snaps.
Zach Sieler registered another sack, giving him 8.5 on the season. That figure trails only Dexter Lawrence of the N.Y. Giants for sacks among defensive tackles. Since Week 10, when he returned from an orbital bone injury, Sieler has 6.5 sacks, which leads all NFL players.
Kohou nabbed his second interception of the season and it came right on time. Trailing by five, the 49ers had all three timeouts and the football near midfield with two minutes to play. All of that became irrelevant when Kohou stepped in front of the Purdy pass and gave possession back to Miami.
During Miami's 5-2 stretch dating back to Week 10, the Dolphins rank seventh in defensive EPA.
3. Record Breakers
Tight end Jonnu Smith and kicker Jason Sanders etched their names in the Dolphins record book. In his first season in Miami and with two games still to play, Smith has 76 catches and 802 yards – both franchise records for tight ends.
"How he is as a teammate, how he goes out there and approaches his business, like trust me, (Jonnu) is a dawg," Tagovailoa said.
The last time Sanders missed a field goal was before Halloween on October 20th in Indianapolis. Since then, he's piped 23 consecutive three-pointers, a Dolphins franchise mark. His five field goals helped lift the Dolphins to a win, much like his Week 16 performance from a year ago when he drilled five field goals to beat Dallas and clinch a playoff berth.
"Every kick is going to be the same," Sanders said. "Whether it's a 50-yarder or a 20-yarder, I'm still going to treat it like it is the same kick."
For more analysis, takeaways and breakdowns, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield, available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
