Dolphins Pick Up Big Win

The Miami Dolphins picked up a huge win against the San Diego Chargers.  Both teams are fighting for that last playoff spot and Miami now has a 1 game advantage over the Chargers after their win. 

With all the controversy the Dolphins are facing with Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito, it seemed like it was going to take over their season and have the Dolphins be distracted the rest of the season.  It looked that way when the Dolphins lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but the Dolphins did pick up a big win against the Chargers.

If Miami wanted any shot at making the playoffs, they had to beat the Chargers. 


Charles Clay scores on a 39 yard touchdown pass

The Chargers and Dolphins finished the first half tied at 10-10 with a touchdown from Rivers to Gates for the Chargers and a 1 yard touchdown run by Thomas for the Dolphins.  When the third quarter came around, Ryan Tannehill made a nice pass to tight end Charles Clay who went on to score a 39 yard touchdown.  Here is the highlight of his touchdown.
http://www.miamidolphins.com/multimedia/videos/Must_See_Charles_Clay_39yard_TD_Catch_/0fde61e2-ce52-44f2-aba8-3ae64c80677b

 In the fourth quarter the Dolphins went up 20-16 on a 37 yard field goal from Sturgis to seal the win for the Dolphins.  Miami improved to 5-5 and sit tied for 6th place for the last wild card spot with the New York Jets.  Here is a highlight of coach Philbin's speech after the game.
http://www.miamidolphins.com/multimedia/videos/Coach_Philbins_Post_Game_Locker_Room_Speech_vs_SD/3918fcef-3d57-471a-b5fc-9f422d3bc3e7

Miami has a rough road ahead of them if they want to make the playoffs.  They play the Carolina Panthers next week who are on a six game winning streak.  Then play the Pittsburgh Steelers followed by the New York Jets. 

This is tough for Miami.  They still have four division games, two against the Jets and one each against the Patriots and Bills.  If Miami wants to make the playoffs, I feel like they need to beat both the Patriots and Bills and take at least one from the Jets.  Then take one from either the Panthers or Steelers. 

Its going to be tough for the Dolphins these next couple weeks especially with the controversy still going on with Martin and Incognito.  I'm looking forward to see what the Dolphins do against the Carolina Panthers who are on a six game winning streak.