Dolphins vs. Packers takeaways: Green Bay starts fast, holds off Miami comeback bid at frigid Lambeau

Thursday night’s game was a microcosm of the Miami Dolphins’ recent history in cold weather games. After a chilly start, the visiting Dolphins tried to mount a second-half rally against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving night. But the Packers made enough plays down the stretch to hold off the visiting Dolphins while recording a 30-17 win. 

Miami, who has now lost 12 straight games that were played in temperatures of 40 degrees or colder, trailed 27-3 midway through the third quarter before nearly making it a one-possession game early in the fourth quarter. But a sack by Packers linebacker Quay Walker on fourth-and-goal thwarted the Dolphins’ hopes of a comeback. The Dolphins showed resolve by scoring a touchdown their ensuing drive, but it was ultimately too little too late. 

Both teams received stellar play from their quarterbacks. Jordan Love went 21 of 28 for 274 yards that included a pair of first-half touchdown passes to Jayden Reed as the Packers took a 24-3 halftime lead. Tua Tagovailoa went 37 of 46 for 365 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort. 

Here’s a closer look at how the Packers ended the Dolphins’ three-game winning streak while continuing their cold-weather blues. 

Why the Packers won 

Green Bay was much sharper at the start of the game than Miami, which committed a major special teams gaffe on a muffed punt after forcing the Packers to punt on the game’s first drive. Green Bay quickly parlayed that turnover into the first of Love’s two touchdown passes to Reed. 

The Packers would proceed to score on four of their next five possessions despite the Dolphins’ best efforts to contain Josh Jacobs on the ground. While Jacobs was held to 43 yards on 19 carries, the Packers still managed to rush for 114 yards on 25 carries while receiving significant contributions on the ground from Reed, former Dolphin Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson. 

With the running game working, the Packers were able to run a balanced offense, something that the Dolphins were unable to do. Love spread the ball around, received sterling protection and was able to complete several big passes downfield to Christian Watson. Jacobs also made his impact felt in the passing game, as his 49-yard catch late in the fourth quarter set up Brandon McManus’ third field goal of the night. Tucker Kraft also loomed large with a team-high 78 yards on six receptions. 

Why the Dolphins lost 

The Dolphins defense struggled for most of the game, but was put in bad spots early as Miami’s offense got in its own way for most of the first half. Specifically, the Dolphins committed several costly pre-snap penalties that ultimately led to punts. 

As noted above, Miami’s lack of a running game also loomed large. The Dolphins ran for a scant 39 yards on 14 carries. Miami’s nonexistent running game was on full display during the Packers’ critical goal-line stand at the start of the fourth quarter. 

Despite all of this, the Dolphins received another memorable game from Tagovailoa, who continues to show that, when healthy, his name belongs in any conversation with today’s best quarterbacks. But if there was one thing missing from his performance, it was his lack of deep passes. He had only one completion of over 16 yards, and his most productive receiver was tight end Jonnu Smith, who caught 10 passes for 113 yards. 

Tyreek Hill finished the night with 83 yards and a touchdown on six catches, but he wasn’t a factor for most of the game. Fellow wideout Jaylen Waddle had his moments that included a balletic 2-point conversion catch and a 16-yard grab on a fourth-down play. But he was otherwise quiet with just 53 yards on four receptions (on four targets). Miami needs more big plays from its star players. 

Turning point 

It was early, but the turning point took place right off the bat on the game’s first drive. On third down, Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler appeared to force a fumble of Love that was recovered by teammate Calais Campbell. But the officials overturned the initial call of the fumble while stating that Love had successfully attempted a pass. 

On the next play, Dolphins returner Malik Washington muffed the punt, giving the Packers possession on Miami’s 9-yard-line. The Packers scored three plays later and never relinquished the lead. 

Play of the game 

Walker’s sack to Tagovailoa prevented the Dolphins from possible making it a one-score game with well over nine minutes remaining. It was the biggest play in what was a big game for Walker, who tied for the team lead with 10 tackles. 

Jacobs’ impressive catch-and-carry moments later that essentially sealed the win also deserves some credit here. In the win, Jacobs became the first Packers running back to eclipse 100 total yards in five consecutive games since Eddie Lacy in 2014, according to NBC Sports. 

Quotable 

“They had a game plan to come in and stop the run and make me a vocal point. So we found another way to get me the ball out of the pass, and it worked out (well).” — Jacobs to NBC Sports about his effectiveness in the passing game 

What’s next 

The Packers will head to Detroit for a huge NFC North showdown against the Lions, who improved to 11-1 after defeating the Bears earlier in the day. Miami will return home to face the 3-8 Jets.