In the grand scheme, Sunday's game between the 49ers and Dolphins probably didn't mean much. The 49ers had been eliminated from playoff contention right before the game started, and the Dolphins faced an uphill battle. However, it was still an entertaining battle between two talented teams.
Special teams played a massive role in this game. Jason Sanders went 5/5 on field goals, and Jake Moody missed a 41-yarder that would've made it 16-13. The Dolphins only punted twice, while the 49ers had to punt four times.
For the 49ers, Deebo Samuel had his best game of the season, 121 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, but the injuries in the backfield made it difficult for them to establish the run. Jonnu Smith set franchise records for the Dolphins in receiving yards and receptions for a tight end as he continues his career year.
The Running Game
The Dolphins had seriously struggled on the ground. De'Von Achane hadn't had a game with more than 15 carries or 41 rushing yards since Week 11, and Raheem Mostert was getting almost no work. That changed in this game, as Achane managed 17 carries for 120 yards, and Mostert saw eight carries. Yes, the yardage numbers are heavily inflated by a last-minute 50-yard touchdown run by Achane, but it was essential to see a high volume of attempts.
Thirty total carries were the most for the Dolphins in a game since Week 9. In a match without Jaylen Waddle, the running backs stepped up. As usual, Achane was also involved in the passing game and was the leading receiver with 70 yards.
One thing that Achane has failed to do this season is break off those big runs he managed last season. He finally reminded us what he could do at the end of the game with the aforementioned 50-yard run that sealed the game.
Defense Stood Firm When Needed To
The 49ers offense didn't play too badly in the game, numbers-wise. Brock Purdy threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, George Kittle had 106 receiving yards, and Deebo Samuel had 96. However, they only gave eight carries to running backs due to all the injuries, and the offense felt a bit one-dimensional.
Crucially, the Dolphins were able to stop the 49ers in the red zone. They reached the red zone five times but only scored two touchdowns from those drives as the Dolphins' defense stood firm. The Dolphins also sacked Purdy three times; Zach Sieler and Chop Robinson added to their sack totals, with Sieler now sitting at 8.5 and Robinson at 6.
Kader Kohou made the game's biggest defensive play with two minutes to go. Calais Campbell forced Brock Purdy into a bad throw, and Kohou picked it off, which set up the Achane run to win the game. The defense made a few crucial plays that won them this game.
Not Over Yet?
It is a long shot, but the Dolphins' playoff dream isn't dead just yet. ESPN analytics give them an 8% chance. Here's what needs to happen for the Dolphins to make the playoffs. The first is simple: They must win both remaining games. They play the Browns and Jets, both away from home.
The Broncos then have to lose both of their games; they play the Bengals in Cincinnati and the Chiefs in Denver, which are not easy matchups. Aside from that, the Dolphins also need the Colts to lose one of their two last games. The Colts play the Giants in New York and the Jaguars at home, which, unfortunately for the Dolphins, are two teams fighting for the No. 1 pick in next year's draft.
So the odds aren't in the Dolphins' favor, but at least they kept the dream alive with a nice win this week. It's certainly a situation to keep an eye on.
Bet Recap from Preview
San Francisco closed as -1.5 favorites on most markets, but it didn't matter. The Dolphins won and comfortably covered the -1.5 I mentioned in the preview.
Up Next: Cleveland Browns
The Dolphins travel to Cleveland next, where the weather may be below freeze at kick-off. However, the Browns are a mess at quarterback and are fighting for the draft's first pick.
Final Score: Dolphins 29, 49ers 17
Souza's Three Stars
1st Star- De'Von Achane (17 carries, 120 yards, 1 TD, 6 rec, 70 yards)
2nd Star- Jonnu Smith (6 receptions, 62 yards)
3rd Star- Kader Kohou (1 tackle, 1 PD, Game sealing INT)
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