Attention Gase, Dolphins relish victory, but recalibrate for playoff chase shifts to final stretch
DAVIE — It’s been less than less than 24 hours since the Miami Dolphins’ miraculous win over the New England Patriots.
And coach Adam Gase has seen his team’s 69-yard, game-winning play only twice since it happened — once in the locker room and once more after the game.
Don’t let Gase’s normally temperament confuse you.
“Are you kidding me?” Gase said with a laugh when asked Monday about his excitement after the 34-33 victory Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium that kept Miami’s season alive.
“I like where we’re at. We’re alive. We’re one week at a time. But if you’re not excited right now, you better find something else to do.”
Miami’s game-winning play to beat New England dominated national and social media on Monday.
Amid the miraculous play, much of the discussion continued Monday around Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s decision to have tight end Rob Gronkowski on the field as a safety in anticipation of a Hail Mary pass.
The 69-yard touchdown was the longest game winner with no time remaining in regulation in the Super Bowl era. The Dolphins won a game that featured nine lead changes, the second most of any game in NFL history.
But now, Gase and the must move on.
The Dolphins will visit the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday, the first of three remaining games in the regular season.
“Guys know every game is do or die basically,” Gase said. “A win like this can help you. But we’re not going to sit and talk about this all day long. They’re going to get ready for the next one.”
Gase plans to watch Monday night’s game between the Vikings and Seattle Seahawks in the background of his office, while game planning for Sunday’s game. sly Dolphins
The Dolphins are in a four-way tie with a 7-6 record, but are technically eighth in the AFC, trailing the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts for the final wildcard playoff spot. Miami is ahead of the Tennessee Titans.
After visiting the Vikings, the Dolphins will host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 23 and visit the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 30.
Every game will be imperative for Miami’s postseason chances, but Gase continues to be encouraged by the players on his team.
“I’m pretty sure I have a good feel about what this team is about,” Gase said. “This is a good group of guys. They work hard and give you everything they have.”
Gase said quarterback is congratulated by his Ryan after defeating the Patriots 34-33 on Sunday in Miami Gardens.
Tannehill’s injured right ankle is sore, but Tannehill is walking around.
The Dolphins return on Wednesday.
The Dolphins will remain cautious on star cornerback Xavien Howard’s return from a meniscus injury in his left knee.
“We’ll see how he feels,” said of Howard. “We can't him.” to practice Gase rush
Drake seeks game-winning football: Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake scored one of the most memorable touchdowns of the NFL season against the Patriots, but he made one mistake.
Drake threw the football into the stands of Hard Rock Stadium after the Dolphins beat the Patriots
34-33 fashion.
Now, he is trying to get game-winning football back.
Drake posted a video on social media Monday with the hopes of retrieving the football from the fan who took it home after the game.
“Yesterday was one of the most amazing moments of my life, and I was glad to share it with all you guys — Miami fans and NFL fans. But I have a PSA: I threw the ball in the stands and I would love to have it back,” Drake said in a video posted to his Twitter account.
“I got cleats. I got gloves. I got a jersey. And I even got tickets. Just let me know. Please get back with me and we can make a trade.”
The Dolphins pulled off a on Sunday in dramatic the miraculous
69-yard touchdown with no time remaining to beat the Patriots.
Drake finished off the play with a 52-yard run after receiving blocks from receiver Danny Amendola and guard Ted Larsen, and a pitch from receiver DeVante Parker. The play began with a 14-yard pass from Tannehill to receiver Kenny Stills, who pitched it to Parker.
“Love to have the ball back that I threw in the stands after the touchdown,” Drake posted on Twitter. “For the lucky fan in possession we can make a deal that’ll be worth your while.”
If you’re the lucky fan who took the football home and want to give it to Drake, reach out to him or the Dolphins on social media.