The Miami Dolphins have a huge contest against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night, and it looks like they’ll have to deal with tons of snow during the matchup.
NEW: 9+ inches of snow is expected in Buffalo by Saturday night for Dolphins-Bills, the National Weather Service says.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) December 15, 2022
Despite usually playing in very warm weather, Dolphins players seem to be up for the challenge of playing in the snow. Pass rusher Jaelan Phillips expressed excitement about getting a chance to play in the snow for the first time in his career.
Jalean Phillips is excited to play in Buffalo, playing in snow for the first time in his career. “It’s going to be a winter wonderland.”
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 14, 2022
Head coach Mike McDaniel wore a shirt that read, “I wish it were colder” at a recent Dolphins practice. It also seems like the organization made things a bit chilly inside the practice facility on Wednesday in order to prepare its players for Saturday.
Mike McDaniel strutting around with his pants rolled up wearing a “i wish it were colder” t-shirt is priceless😭 pic.twitter.com/McFeUT7NDf
— Smoke (@nickysmokess) December 14, 2022
Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said on Wednesday that he made it a point to throw in the cold in Maryland while visiting his brother during the offseason to prepare himself for these types of games.
Tua made a point to throw the ball in 20 degree temperatures, with snow on the ground, in Maryland this past offseason. Was visiting his brother and threw to Terrapin players. He hopes that prepares him for this weekend in Buffalo.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 14, 2022
In cold and wet conditions last season against the Tennessee Titans, Tagovailoa struggled and completed just 18 of his 38 passes for 205 yards and one interception. He also fumbled the ball three separate times.
Miami desperately needs a win in order to keep up with the Bills in the standings. Buffalo currently leads the AFC East division by two full games, and it would be really tough for Miami to end up taking home the division crown with a loss on Saturday.
A win would move it to one game back of the Bills with just three games left in the regular season. Miami is set to close things out against the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and New York Jets. Buffalo ends things with games against the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals and Patriots.
The Dolphins are currently on a two-game losing streak after reeling off five straight wins. They still sit in a playoff spot in sixth place in the AFC, but they cannot afford to let up as teams behind them continue to string together victories.
A playoff berth seemed guaranteed earlier on in the season, but that isn’t the case now. The organization will hope to gain some momentum and clinch its first playoff berth since the 2016 campaign.
