The Miami Dolphins saw their three-game winning streak come to a chilling halt on Thanksgiving night, falling 30-17 to the Green Bay Packers in the frigid conditions at Lambeau Field.
The Dolphins, known for their high-powered offense, couldn’t adjust to the cold, trailing 21-0 at halftime and struggling to claw back in a game defined by missed opportunities and poor execution.
Miami’s defense, a cornerstone of their recent success, faltered early and often, missing 20 tackles throughout the game. Despite the glaring errors, head coach Mike McDaniel was quick to dismiss the idea that the weather was solely to blame, emphasizing that technique breakdowns were the real issue. “We’re definitely not going to use that as an excuse,” McDaniel said. “The tape will show it was poor technique, not poor weather.”
Defensive Woes and Soft Play
Linebacker Jordyn Brooks didn’t hold back in his post-game comments, calling out the team for what he described as “soft” play. “Simple as that, I thought we were soft today. I don’t know if guys were too cold… I feel like the elements played a part in how we played as a group,” Brooks said via ESPN.
The Dolphins’ inability to adjust to the sub-freezing temperatures led to a string of missed tackles and blown assignments. Historically, Miami has struggled in cold-weather games, losing their last 12 games, including postseason, when the kickoff temperature was 40 degrees or lower. On Thursday, the mercury sat at 27 degrees with a wind chill of 18, conditions far from ideal for a team accustomed to South Florida heat.
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Packers Capitalize on Miami’s Struggles
The Packers didn’t miss their chance to exploit Miami’s discomfort. Running back Josh Jacobs noted how visibly affected the Dolphins appeared by the cold. “Them boys looked cold out there,” Jacobs said, via NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe.
Safety Xavier McKinney echoed that sentiment. “Obviously, they’re coming from Miami, it’s hot there, and when you come here and play in that cold weather, you get affected by it. So I think it affected everybody on that team,” McKinney said.
Early Miscues Set the Tone
The Dolphins’ troubles began early with a muffed punt that set up Green Bay’s first touchdown. The early mistake snowballed into a night of undisciplined football, with Miami racking up 10 penalties. Despite the sloppy performance, McDaniel continued to stand firm in his belief that the cold wasn’t to blame for their errors.
“We weren’t failing to snap the ball before a delay of game or false-starting because of the cold,” McDaniel said. “Eventually, you have to overcome it if you’re trying to do anything in this league.”
Playoff Hopes Dimmed
This loss drops the Dolphins to 5-7, halting the momentum they had built over their three-game win streak. They now sit two games behind Denver for the final wild-card spot in the AFC playoff race. While their postseason aspirations remain mathematically alive, history isn’t on their side. Since 2014, only two teams have earned a wild-card berth after starting 5-7 or worse: the 2021 Philadelphia Eagles and the 2020 Chicago Bears.
Familiar Cold-Weather Struggles
Thursday’s game is a stark reminder of Miami’s ongoing difficulties in cold climates. Last year, they suffered a brutal loss in sub-zero conditions during the postseason in Kansas City, and while Lambeau wasn’t quite as harsh, the elements once again played a factor. The narrative surrounding Miami’s inability to perform in cold-weather games continues to grow, casting doubts on their ability to make a deep playoff run if they can’t overcome these conditions.
Path Forward for Miami
The Dolphins have a steep hill to climb. With five games left, they’ll need to regroup quickly and tighten their defensive play if they want to keep their postseason dreams alive. The return to warmer weather for their next few games might provide a reprieve, but the lingering question remains: Can Miami adapt when the stakes are high and the temperature drops?
Looking Ahead
The Dolphins’ upcoming schedule is critical. They’ll face division rivals and other AFC playoff contenders, making each game a must-win. With their backs against the wall, Miami must shake off the cold-weather stigma and prove they can compete under any conditions.
The Thanksgiving loss to the Packers may serve as a wake-up call for a team with playoff ambitions. Whether they respond with resilience or crumble under pressure will define the remainder of their season.