The Miami Dolphins were struggling midway through the season, playing nothing like a potential playoff contender.
“We started off 2-6,” wide receiver Jaylen Waddle said, “and look at us now.”
The Dolphins are 8-8 heading into the regular-season finale Sunday against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets (4-12) needing a win — and some help elsewhere — to reach the postseason for the third straight year.
It seemed a highly unlikely scenario for Miami just a few weeks ago.
“It’s a long season,” Waddle said. “We came a long way. The team grew in different ways with people being in and out of the lineup, being banged up. It allowed the team to grow. Playing meaningful football in January, it means a lot. This team really stepped up to the plate, stepped up to the challenge all year.
“I’m proud of it.”
The Dolphins kept their playoff hopes alive last week by beating the Cleveland Browns 20-3 with Tyler “Snoop” Huntley filling in at quarterback with Tua Tagovailoa dealing with a hip injury. Huntley could again be under center Sunday with the season on the line.
Miami also needs a loss by Denver to Kansas City, which will rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes and start Carson Wentz instead. So, the Dolphins will also be Chiefs fans this week.
“My wife is from Missouri, actually, so I think I have to be a little bit, right?” defensive tackle Zach Sieler said, drawing laughs.
