Emotions high for Drake, Sanders after victory
MIAMI GARDENS — Running back Kenyan Drake sat on the Dolphins bench with his head sunk into his hands, inconsolable by teammates after the most significant turnover of his young career.
Luckily for Drake, the Dolphins defense, their former kicker, and their rookie kicker produced an opportunity for him to quickly redeem himself before thanking the heavens.
Drake fumbled what would have been the go-ahead touchdown at the 1-yard line, but Bears kicker Cody Parkey missed a 53-yard field goal, and set the stage for Dolphins rookie kicker Jason Sanders’ 47-yard field goal that sealed a dramatic 31-28 overtime victory for Miami on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.
“As a playmaker on this team, I have to get across the end zone and score that touchdown,” said Drake, who fell to his knees on the sideline in relief with a towel covering his face after Sanders’ kick cleared the uprights.
“I’m very thankful that we have the defense to stop them at a crucial moment. Parkey missed that field goal, and we were able to get a second chance at life. It was awesome.”
The victory offers Drake a sense of redemption while giving Sanders a boost of confidence he can refer to during the rest of this season.
After the Dolphins fell behind 21-10 in the third quarter, it was Sanders who paced Miami’s offense before receiver Albert Wilson scored touchdowns of 43 and 75 yards in the fourth quarter to combat the Bears.
Sanders came into the game successfully kicking only three field goals, but finished with a career-long 50-yard kick, a 25-yarder and his game winner, which ended with Dolphins players mobbing him at midfield in celebration.
“I’m still learning — it’s still my first year,” said Sanders, a 22-year-old rookie out of New Mexico. “Everything I do every week, it’s still a brand new thing for me. I’m learning how to hit a game winner, and learning how to kick a 50-yarder. As long as I do my part, I’m happy.”
The Dolphins, especially Drake, are surely happy, too.
Before Drake’s fumble, Osweiler drove the Dolphins down the field with a 35-yard pass that deflected off of receiver Danny Amendola into Kenny Stills’ hands, and running back Frank Gore had a 32-yard run.
Gore, who reached the 7-yard line, tried to win the game for the Dolphins on the next two plays, but was gassed.
“I was tired,” Gore said. “We got another guy in No. 32 who is a lead dog, too. He’s a baller.”
The Dolphins inserted Drake into the game to win it, but he was hit by Bears defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, and fumbled the football before crossing the plane. Then, Drake sulked on the bench.
“It was a great hit,” Drake said. “It was a situation that was bang-bang, me trying to fall for the end zone and him hitting me at the point of attack. I just have to finish that as a playmaker.”
Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky drove down the field 45 yards to set up Parkey, who did not re-sign with the Dolphins this offseason, for a potential game-winning kick. But once Parkey missed his 53-yard kick, Drake and the Dolphins had new life.
Drake was quickly given the football, with two short runs and a 15-yard reception in the flat to begin the Dolphins’ drive in the final two minutes of the game.
Osweiler found Amendola for a 6-yard reception and the Dolphins spiked the football with three seconds left to set Sanders up at midfield.
“Before, everyone just kept to themselves. I was more on my own just focusing,” Sanders said before he made the field goal. “After the game, I don’t know a word one person said. It was crazy. But, I hit it good so we walked out with a win.”
Added Drake: “We have a great team. They came over there and lifted me up when I needed it. When we’re down, we’re never out.”