The Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes took another blow on Sunday as they fell to the Houston Texans 20-12, leaving them with a 6-8 record and struggling to stay in the AFC playoff race. Despite a valiant effort to rally late in the game, Miami’s chances were dashed when Tua Tagovailoa threw a costly fourth-quarter interception, sealing their fate.

Head coach Mike McDaniel reflected on the final play and shared his thoughts on Tyreek Hill’s involvement in the sequence. According to McDaniel, Hill managed to get separation from Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. at the line of scrimmage. However, the connection between Tagovailoa and Hill just wasn’t there.

“Tyreek won at the line of scrimmage on the game-sealing interception,” McDaniel explained. “But they didn’t connect.” McDaniel, while noting the crucial nature of the play, was careful not to place blame on any one individual. He mentioned that he would need to review the game tape to determine if the issue was with the throw or the execution of the route.

This interception marked the second of the day for Stingley and the third for Tagovailoa, underscoring the turnovers that contributed to the Dolphins’ defeat. While the Dolphins struggled to capitalize on the Texans’ offensive issues, their own mistakes were too costly to overcome.

The Dolphins’ loss was riddled with mistakes, but turnovers were a primary reason for their downfall. Miami’s offense was unable to get into a rhythm, especially when they needed it most. After Houston’s offense faltered in the second half, Miami had opportunities to capitalize and take control of the game, but each turnover kept them from gaining the momentum needed for a comeback.

The performance of the Dolphins during Tagovailoa’s absence earlier in the season only adds to the frustration. During the four games he missed due to a concussion, Miami went 1-3, with their only win coming against the Tennessee Titans. The team’s inability to perform without their starting quarterback has been a significant issue, and although Tagovailoa’s return gave hope for a turnaround, the Dolphins’ playoff aspirations continue to slip away.

The Dolphins’ playoff chances now appear to be hanging by a thread. With just 1:44 remaining in the game and down by eight points, Miami needed a miracle to win. They were starting from their own 23-yard line, which meant they had to execute a flawless drive to overcome the deficit. Unfortunately, the Dolphins couldn’t complete the comeback, and now their playoff hopes hinge on a nearly impossible scenario.

According to The Athletic’s playoff probability calculator, Miami’s chances of making the postseason are slim, sitting at just 5%. The team has already suffered too many losses to AFC opponents to realistically contend for the seventh seed. While the season is not officially over, it is quickly approaching the point of no return for the Dolphins. The biggest question now is the health of Tagovailoa, whose concussion issues earlier in the year have raised concerns about the team’s ability to rely on him moving forward.

Another major issue for the Dolphins this season has been their struggles to maintain consistency when Tagovailoa is not in the lineup. While many teams in the league manage to stay afloat with competent backup quarterbacks, Miami has not been able to make that work. Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley, who stepped in during Tagovailoa’s absence, struggled to find success. In those four games, Hill only recorded 14 receptions for 140 yards, a significant drop compared to his usual production.

In Sunday’s game, Tagovailoa attempted to force the ball to Hill, but his misfire resulted in the game-sealing interception. With the loss, Miami now faces an uphill battle to remain competitive in the AFC, with their playoff chances all but slipping away.

As the Dolphins’ season hangs in the balance, they will need to regroup and find a way to stay competitive, especially with the uncertain health of their star quarterback. A win on Sunday would have kept them in the playoff hunt, but now they need a miracle to secure a spot in the postseason. With Tagovailoa’s performance under scrutiny and the team’s continued struggles with turnovers and injuries, Miami’s road to the playoffs is looking increasingly difficult. Only time will tell if they can overcome their hurdles and mount a comeback to salvage their season.