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Dolphins’ date and kickoff time for finale at Patriots revealed

Sun, 12/28/2025 - 21:41

The Miami Dolphins‘ finale at the New England Patriots will be a 4:25 p.m. kickoff airing on Fox next Sunday, as the NFL announced.

The league unveiled the dates and times of Week 18’s slate of games after the Sunday night game between Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers.

The AFC East matchup between the Dolphins and Patriots, although Miami (7-9) is eliminated from playoff contention and New England (13-3) has clinched the division title, wasn’t a 1 p.m. kickoff because the Patriots are up for the No. 1 seed against the Denver Broncos. Their games are bound to kick off at the same time.

The Broncos (13-3) host the Los Angeles Chargers in their finale, and playing in the Mountain time zone, they don’t play 1 p.m. Eastern home games. Outside of scenarios involving ties, the Patriots need to win against the Dolphins and have the Broncos lose in order to claim the conference’s top seed for the postseason.

The Patriots sealed the division Sunday with the Buffalo Bills’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Week 18 Sunday night game will be the Baltimore Ravens visiting Pittsburgh and the Steelers for the AFC North crown.

The NFL has two Saturday games next weekend, with the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicking off at 4:30 p.m. and the Seattle Seahawks playing at the San Francisco 49ers for the NFC West title and the conference’s top seed.

‘Love the environment:’ Hurricanes arrive in Texas for Cotton Bowl

Sun, 12/28/2025 - 17:50

GRAPEVINE, Texas — The Hurricanes are back in Texas.

Eight days after upsetting Texas A&M at Kyle Field, Miami returned to Texas in advance of Wednesday’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup with Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

“I’m excited for the opportunity,” safety Jakobe Thomas said. “Love the environment, but (we are) here to be 1-0. (We are) taking everything day by day and just ready to go out.”

Said offensive lineman Anez Cooper: “We’re excited. … We’re looking at it as a playoff game. We’re not really like focused on being a bowl game, but we’re prepared. We’re excited. We’re ready to compete.”

Miami arrived at its team hotel on Sunday evening after spending the last week preparing for the Buckeyes, who feature several of the nation’s top players.

They’re definitely a talented group,” said Thomas, who played Ohio State in the playoffs last year when he was with Tennessee. “I’m excited. The opportunity to play them again. They’ve got a lot of talent from depth —starters, guys that on bench — all through the depth.”

Miami has two practices before Wednesday night’s game where they will have a chance to get accustomed to AT&T Field, which is the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Despite the intense atmosphere and NFL environment, Thomas said the Hurricanes have not prepared any differently this week.

“It’s been the same,” Thomas said. “We’re the same team every week, no matter who we play, where we playing, and we’re going to prepare the same way and be the same team we’ve been all year.”

The Hurricanes have arrived in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/AeRY3iamJT

— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) December 28, 2025

 

 

Hurricanes’ Damari Brown will miss the playoff quarterfinal against Ohio State

Sun, 12/28/2025 - 17:49

DALLAS — The Hurricanes will be missing one of their top cornerbacks again when they face Ohio State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

Cornerback Damari Brown is listed as out for the game, according to UM’s initial injury report that came out Sunday night.

“Damari Brown, it’s a little bit longer, but we’re hopeful that we’re going to get a favorable response here in a bit,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said last week.

Additionally, linebacker Malik Bryant and wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw were listed as out, and freshman defensive lineman Donta Simpson was listed as doubtful.

Brown has performed well this season after missing most of the 2024 season with an injury. Brown has 24 tackles and one pass deflection, and he has earned a 75.9 defensive grade from PFF. Brown’s 79.4 coverage grade is fourth on the team among players with more than 100 defensive snaps.

The Hurricanes expect to get several players back after they got banged up against the Aggies. Linebacker Mo Toure suffered what appeared to be a scary injury on the penultimate defensive play of the game. But Toure was seen on the sidelines moments later, celebrating freshman Bryce Fitzgerald’s game-sealing interception. He was not listed on Sunday’s injury report.

“That’s how Mo plays. Mo, since the day he got here, has been nothing but a team guy,” Cristobal said. “And his level of play, again, it was exemplified, epitomized in that one particular play. That’s what he is, and you know we feel really good about him getting healthy pretty quickly.”

Defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. and safeties Jakobe Thomas and Zechariah Poyser also were banged up against Texas A&M, but they were not listed on Sunday’s injury report.

Here is Miami’s initial availability report for Texas A&M

OUT

-DB Damari Brown

-LB Malik Bryant

-WR Daylyn Upshaw

DOUBTFUL

-DL Donta Simpson

 

Chris Perkins: Dolphins’ future looks bright(er) because of rookies and youngsters

Sun, 12/28/2025 - 17:14

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins saw good things from their young players in Sunday’s 20-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and it should give them reason to feel reasonably good about their future. Among Sunday’s 22 starters for the Dolphins, nine, almost half, were rookies, second- and third-year players. 

Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, a seventh-round pick, threw two touchdown passes and no interceptions in his second start. Rookie defensive tackle Zeek Biggers, another seventh-round pick, blocked a field goal attempt. Rookie cornerback Jason Marshall Jr., a fifth-round pick, had an interception. Rookie wide receiver Theo Wease Jr., who was undrafted, had a 63-yard touchdown reception.

In fact, you could say the young players, including Pro Bowl third-year running back De’Von Achane (112 yards from scrimmage), second-year left tackle Patrick Paul and second-year running back Jaylen Wright (56 yards rushing on five carries), were a big reason why the Dolphins (7-9) came away with the victory in the home finale.

And you could further say that the Dolphins’ future looks a bit brighter with the youngsters, starting with the 2025 draft class, being the foundation.

“I think we’ve been heavily reliant upon the rookie class,” coach Mike McDaniel said. “It was very calculated, the types of people that we brought in for the reasons of needing to be able to be professional football players at the NFL level.”

The rookies and young players have been getting better as the season progresses.

On one side of the ball rookie defensive tackle Jordan Phillips shows leadership and awareness beyond his years when he sprints onto the field before the first possession of every game. He does so to honor and respect those who have come before him.

“It’s all about taking the field the right way,” said Phillips, the fifth-round pick from Maryland who might be the team’s Rookie of the Year with his 15 starts, 401 snaps (42 percent) and 29 tackles.

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“It’s been many legends that came before me to take this field. Every time I take the field, I do it for the organization, do it for my teammates, for my coaches. You’ve got to have the right mentality. No walking onto the field.”

On the other side of the field you have a rookie quarterback who dares to challenge veterans before the game by telling them to remember their “why,” meaning why they play the game.

“I told these guys today, we’ve got to play for something bigger than ourselves because you end up playing better,” Ewers said. “I told them to think back on their why, even including myself, just to get fired up and ready to go because like you said, we’re not playing for the playoffs.”

Six of the Dolphins’ eight 2025 draftees have made a start this season. Four or five of the rookie draftees project to be starters next season — defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, the first-round pick, left guard Jonah Savaiinaea, the second-round pick, Phillips, safety Dante Trader Jr., another fifth-round pick, and perhaps Ewers.

Running back Ollie Gordon II, a sixth-round pick, could find a role as a short-yardage back.

This is the part where I must mention that perhaps former general manager Chris Grier, who deserved to lose his job in October, kinda, sorta knew what he was doing in putting together this year’s draft. And maybe he knew what he was doing in assembling this year’s offensive line, the group that has led to the resurgent running game and Achane’s Pro Bowl berth. 

But let’s not digress. Let’s move forward.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Rookies have good day vs. Bucs; will it carry over to next season? | VIDEO

The Dolphins hadn’t previously had a good draft class in the McDaniel era. The 2022-24 classes were marked by disappointment, a low number of picks, and a lack of success as rookies.

The Dolphins’ 2025 draft class has a chance to be different. This class, despite having six of its eight members selected in the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds, has quality and depth. It doesn’t display much star power right now, but it has playmaking ability, and that’s an irreplaceable quality in the NFL.

“It’s a game-changing play,” Biggers said. “We won by three points, so that could have been very different if I didn’t block that. I’m just grateful that I blocked that play and I’m living life. I’m happy.”

Show Caption1 of 30Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers (14) takes the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)Expand

Daily Horoscope for December 29, 2025

Sun, 12/28/2025 - 17:00
General Daily Insight for December 29, 2025

A well-balanced life is aided by daily choices. With the loving Moon stepping into grounded Taurus at 6:57 AM EST, we can achieve comfort — with a little bit of effort. As Luna squares transformative Pluto, midday dynamics may stir tension. Thankfully, we have the strength to respond with reasonable boundaries instead of dramatic reactivity. Later, Luna’s trine with romantic Venus softens edges by reminding us to appreciate the things that already work. Choosing patience gives us more time to build our ideal future.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

You deserve security when it comes to your basic needs. Thanks to Luna boosting your 2nd House of Self‑Worth, you’re prepared to price your work fairly and spend intentionally. Even as powerful Pluto in your 11th House of Community pulls for bigger contributions, your direct style sets limits that preserve respect and clarity. If a co-worker requests a last‑minute favor or a friend always “forgets” their wallet, suggest a fair plan before agreeing. Keep your connections balanced to ensure everyone feels respected.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Go, Taurus, go! The gracious Moon is rolling into your sign, illuminating your 1st House of Personality. You’re in charge of the pace today, without a doubt. Even though transformative Pluto activates your 10th House of Career and Status, potentially inciting sudden demands, keeping up a grounded tone will protect your authority without being harsh. You might also want to refresh your profile picture or social media bio, because subtle signals help others understand you before conversations start. Stay steady — you’ve got this.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Insight arrives as you reduce the world’s noise. Look for a few hours to spend in quiet contemplation as the intuitive Moon enters your 12th House of Seclusion, magnifying the benefits of restful reflection. If intense Pluto tugs on your 9th House of Big Ideas, try to postpone any debates until your mind feels collected again. A sibling text or a noisy thread may poke nerves, so mute all non-emergency alerts. Giving yourself this space today is the best way to prepare for tomorrow.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

This morning invites kinder, friendlier conversations. Your 11th House of Humanity welcomes the Moon’s entry, which energizes overall teamwork while specifically hyping up friendly check‑ins with peers. That said, Pluto may stir 8th-house-adjacent fears around shared resources or broken trust. To fend off such anxieties, make sure everyone understands the rules of any ongoing or upcoming events or projects. You might organize a holiday party or handle a team errand while calmly tracking who needs what and when. Don’t be afraid to take the lead!

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Confidence is earned at this time. With the temperamental Moon cantering into your 10th House of Status, you can handle visibility with poise and let your results speak for you. Should transformative Pluto test any pre-set 7th house agreements, you’re braced to renegotiate terms respectfully with personal bonds or professional clients. Be wary of shifting expectations or expanding scopes — don’t hesitate to restate your limits and put the goalposts back where they belong. Showing grace under pressure should get almost everyone in your court.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Patience under pressure is the center of today’s lesson. The thoughtful Moon is entering your 9th House of Belief, encouraging you to shape big ideas into reasonable steps that fit your life. Even when transformative Pluto stresses your 6th House of Routines, you can adjust timelines so your standards remain high without burnout. A legal form or other paperwork may need edits, so pay attention to the little details of such tasks. Some extra scrutiny can majorly boost progress on your ongoing goals.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Trust is necessary for your deepest bonds. Your 8th House of Delicate Topics asks for honesty as the intuitive Moon enters, stirring up calm talks about money, boundaries, and safety. Luna also squares Pluto in your energetic 5th house, so watch out for tempting risks or impulsive leaps. Stay diplomatic to ensure others respect your statements. Whatever you’re up to, state your desires plainly and don’t ignore the reasonable requests of others involved. That’s the best way to meet everyone’s needs.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Scorpio, your focus can cut through mixed signals. Clear agreements calm the day as the Moon activates your 7th House of Connections, highlighting promises that need both kinder and more precise language. Family tensions may also become an issue, but you can stay on top of any spats by avoiding intervening in anything that’s not your direct business. If necessary, start by asking thoughtful questions to get information before making any decisions. Lead with truth so closeness can deepen without confusion.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Small habits shape a greater sense of freedom. Your 6th House of Practice is blessed with the Moon’s presence, guiding you through tidying the most chaotic parts of your usual routine. Simply putting your breakfast supplies in their own basket could make your mornings run much more smoothly. Keep any unrelated conversations focused on what moves things forward. Double-checking your calendar settings to avoid double-booking yourself or temporarily muting notifications are also great ways to detangle a stressful schedule. Simplify your way to success!

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Getting stuff done can be fun right now! While the feeling‑centered Moon tumbles into your 5th House of Bliss, you’re gifted with inspiration that can be applied to any task. Though Luna does disagree with Pluto in your budget zone, as long as you set sensible spending caps, it should be fine. Once you finish your to-do list, try rewarding yourself with things you already have — it’s a great time to open any special snacks you’ve been saving or eat dinner on the fine china.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Your boundaries matter, even in urgent situations. Emotional safety sets the tone as the instinctive Moon begins traversing your protective 4th house. On the other hand, the Moon also snaps at intimidating Pluto. With Pluto in your sign, that might hurt! If need be, don’t hesitate to step back from an intense discussion or unexpected event. You can handle any true emergencies, then move away to rest and recover in your own time. Your loved ones should understand your need for space.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Conversations contain more depth than you might expect at present. Listening closely can change everything, especially once the sensitive Moon activates your 3rd House of Neighborhood Chatter. If Luna’s argument with impassioned Pluto in your cyclical 12th House pokes old wounds, you can take a breath and keep thoughts kind while planning a helpful reply. A sibling, classmate, or neighbor may need directions or comfort. Start by offering simple reassurance in the moment. Kind words bring clarity and keep hearts connected.

Dave Hyde: Top Miami Dolphins offseason issue, again, is finding franchise QB

Sun, 12/28/2025 - 16:55

MIAMI GARDENS — You’d always want Lamar Jackson on your team, because he’s a two-time Most Valuable Player and one of the top quarterbacks in a league built around quarterbacks. But there’s no chance Baltimore trades him despite the rumors.

And you’d surely want Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore as your quarterback, because they’re the hot college quarterbacks in the NFL draft that starts inching into view now. But for the Miami Dolphins to rise from the 12th spot in the draft, where they sit after Sunday’s 20-17 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to the first or second spot to get either one seems as fanciful as getting Lamar.

So, the Dolphins question as the season left Hard Rock Stadium until next summer is the question asked in some way around this team for a quarter-century: Where do they find a franchise quarterback? And can they even recognize one?

And, specifically, who is Quinn Ewers?

Eight days ago, Ewers was a before-the-fall Skylar Thompson, just another seventh-round rookie playing for a job. Now Ewers has a job. Now he’s replaced Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson and moves into next season as someone with a purposeful role.

What role? Ewers looked like a capable backup again Sunday. That’s a good step forward from eight days ago. He looks like someone who the next Dolphins’ front office, whoever it involves, could say was competing for the starting job.

The No. 1 challenge of this franchise hasn’t changed because of two respectable Ewers starts. Everyone surely knows that. The Dolphins have to find someone this offseason who looks and throws like a franchise quarterback or they have to say next year is another cost of rebuilding. Maybe both.

Malik Willis, Green Bay’s backup, would be an intriguing name to sign this offseason. He’s sat and developed for the past couple of years. He started Saturday and threw 288 yards and a touchdown. He ran for 60 yards and two more touchdowns in Green Bay’s loss to Baltimore.

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“Watch him, he has the chance to be special,” a veteran scout said before that game.

Willis also a free agent who probably will cost north of $30 million a year, a former general manager guessed Sunday. Can the Dolphins whose salary-cap hell only starts with owing Tua at least $67 million next season be a player in that money game? Is that even possible?

And would a quarterback with options like Willis pick a team handcuffed by money and roster problems?

A lot will be made about the Dolphins’ rookie class helps that roster because it had a nice day Sunday. Ewers completed 14-of-22 passes for 172 yards and a couple of touchdowns. The three defensive linemen, headed by top pick Kenneth Grant, helped hold Tampa Bay to 53 yards rushing. One of those linemen, Zeek Biggers, blocked a field goal.

All good as far as it went. None are sure things. And the other story Sunday was second-round pick Chop Robinson leaving with a concussion to probably end a disappointing second season. His sack total dropped from six to four, and his quarterback hits from 14 to seven. He was tomorrow at the position, too. Now?

But the big question is quarterback, just as it always is when you don’t have one. They’re in a division of Buffalo’s Josh Allen, New England’s Drake Maye and the New York Jets sitting in the third draft spot and loaded with No. 1 picks to trade from in-season deals.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Rookies have good day vs. Bucs; will it carry over to next season? | VIDEO

Before deciding on a quarterback, Dolphins owner Steve Ross has to decide on who’s picking him. It takes talent to find talent. The Dolphins haven’t had enough talent in the front office for years, and that’s been clear in the standings.

Early Sunday night, the cleaners were picking up trash around Hard Rock Stadium one final time this season after a Dolphins game. The middle of the field was being dug out and changed for the coming College Football Playoff game.

Another season is a game from gone. There was some good news Sunday in the sense any win brings good news. That starts with Ewers, whose good first half accompanied the win. The question that won’t be answered now  is if he’s a nice backup quarterback, the kind every team needs, or can grow into something more.

The Dolphins’ offseason always seems more intriguing than the season. That’s not a good thing. They’ll be doing what they often do in deciding on who looks for the quarterback they haven’t found in decades.

Show Caption1 of 30Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers (14) takes the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)Expand

Dolphins Deep Dive: Rookies have good day vs. Bucs; will it carry over to next season? | VIDEO

Sun, 12/28/2025 - 16:31

In this Dolphins Deep Dive video, the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Chris Perkins and Dave Hyde discuss Miami’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Dolphins’ home finale. They also touch on whether Quinn Ewers has shown enough to be serious contender for the starting QB job next season and the play of Miami’s 2025 rookie class.

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Things we learned in Miami Dolphins’ 20-17 victory over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sun, 12/28/2025 - 14:36

MIAMI GARDENS — Youth and curiosity are being served by the Miami Dolphins in the season’s final few games, and that combination added up to a 20-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in their home finale.

Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers was solid in his second start of the season and his third appearance, and the Dolphins’ youngsters (mostly third year and younger for this purpose) turned in promising performances for 2026. For example, rookie wide receiver Theo Wease Jr., a frequent target for Ewers during training camp, had a 63-yard touchdown reception while rookie cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. had his first interception.

Defensively, all of the rookie draftees got action.

Here’s what we learned Sunday:

The Crowd

The crowd at Hard Rock Stadium was outfitted with a good amount of red Tampa Bay jerseys, which is no surprise. Even some of the orange jerseys in the stadium were Tampa Bay as opposed to Miami. But the Dolphins fans outshined and outyelled the Buccaneers fans.

Overall, the stadium was perhaps 70 to 75 percent full, which is consistent with the past few home games. 

In three of the past four home games the opponent has made significant inroads at Hard Rock Stadium. It got to the point where Buffalo, Baltimore and Cincinnati fans were heard loudly.

But Tampa Bay fans were fairly subdued Sunday and Dolphins fans were excited. — Chris Perkins

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The Dolphins played lots of third year or younger players Sunday and got good results as evidenced by the 63-yard touchdown pass from Ewers to Wease, Marshall’s interception, and rookie defensive tackle Zeek Biggers blocking a field goal attempt.

To make room for the young players the Dolphins made moves such as veteran center Aaron Brewer, who has been dealing with a neck injury, being inactive so young center Andrew Meyer, a second-year player, could make his NFL debut and veteran defensive tackle Benito Jones going to the injured reserve list.

Veteran tight end Darren Waller didn’t play as much as usual as inexperienced fourth-year tight end Greg Dulcich continued to get snaps as well as third-year tight end Julian Hill.

All eight rookie draftees played Sunday. Rookie cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. recorded his first interception.

Second-year running back Jaylen Wright also got some work. 

Among offensive players third year or younger that got major work were Ewers, running backs De’Von Achane, Wright and Ollie Gordon II, Meyer, left guard Jonah Savaiinaea and left tackle Patrick Paul.

Defensively, tackles Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and Biggers got significant playing time as well as outside linebackers Chop Robinson (before leaving with an injury) and Cam Goode, Marshall, and safety Dante Trader Jr. 

McDaniel has good day at Hard Rock Stadium

There’s a chance Sunday was the final game at Hard Rock Stadium for coach Mike McDaniel, whose job security is in question. McDaniel closes the 2025 season with a 23-11 (.677) record at home, including 5-4 this season. Overall, McDaniel is 35-32 (.522) in the regular season, 35-34 (.507) including playoffs.

McDaniel has made two playoff appearances and also had two losing seasons. He awakened quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and lobbied hard for Tagovailoa to get a four-year, $212 million contract extension, but now Tagovailoa has regressed and been dropped to third team.

Last season McDaniel, known for his speedy offense that ushered in practices such as cheat motion, went to a dink-and-dunk offense and the Dolphins finished 6-3. This season McDaniel has turned to a running offense and the Dolphins won five of six games to get on the periphery of the playoff chase.

McDaniel’s team have always played hard but they’ve never shown they can compete with the best teams in the league. McDaniel entered the season 4-20 (.167) against playoff teams. According to the current standings they’re 1-4 against playoff teams this season. The Dolphins had the league’s No. 1 offense in 2023, the year they went 11-6. But they were 1-6 vs. playoff teams that season and were outscored by an average score of 32-16.

Run defense comes through

The Dolphins kept the Buccaneers running game under control Sunday, limiting Tampa to 53 yards on 16 carries. Running back Bucky Irving was held to 19 yards on nine carries.

The Dolphins entered the game having allowed four of their past seven opponents to rush for at least 100 yards. Miami was 1-3 in those games. 

Ewers shines

Quinn Ewers had another strong showing Sunday while going 14 of 22 for 172 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 117.9 passer rating. Ewers appeared calm and collected the entire game.

There was a hiccup early. Ewers had a deep pass on third-and-16 to wide receiver Malik Washington into double coverage that fell incomplete.

But that was about it. Ewers didn’t have any mindless plays and he never seemed to panic. This was a strong follow-up performance. Ewers was 20 of 30 for 260 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in his first start last week against Cincinnati, a 45-21 loss.

TO margin/penalties

The Dolphins won an important category Sunday — turnover margin. Miami committed no turnovers while forcing three turnovers from Tampa Bay. The Dolphins didn’t win in penalties, however. as it committed nine for 62 yards. Tampa Bay had five penalties for 45 yards. Still, the Dolphins didn’t have an outrageous penalty total.

The Dolphins began play Sunday tied for 24th in turnover margin at minus-5. They were tied for 11th in fewest penalties (95) when play began and tied for ninth in fewest penalty yards (744).

One of the biggest penalties against the Dolphins was a hold on wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. that negated a 28-yard completion in the first quarter.  

Offense has Texas feel

The Dolphins started four Texans on offense Sunday — Ewers, Achane, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and Paul. If Brewer played it would have been five Texans starting. Achane and Waddle, who are from the Houston area, were pleased to hear about the large number of Texans on offense when it was relayed to them in the locker room last week.

It’s a significant observation because the locker room was in a joking uproar last year when a loud, lively argument broke out about which state has better football players, Texas or Florida. 

By the way, Ewers’ 63-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter was to a fellow Texan, Wease. 

Achane puts up good numbers

Achane, the Pro Bowl running back, had another strong day from scrimmage with 112 yards. Achane ended with 83 yards rushing on 18 carries to go along with 29 yards receiving on three receptions. It turned out to be a laid back second half for Achane. In the first half he had 73 yards from scrimmage with five carries for 44 yards rushing and three receptions for 29 yards.

Special teams plays a role in the win

Special teams, which have had an up and down season, had a blocked field goal attempt, a 47-yard kickoff return by wide receiver Malik Washington and a recovered onside kick among their strong plays Sunday. Punter Jake Bailey also had a crucial tackle on a 27-yard punt return. Kicker Riley Patterson made two field goals.

Third-quarter success

The Dolphins struggled in third quarters entering this game but they came through Sunday, outscoring Tampa Bay, 3-0. Since Week 1, the Dolphins had been outscored, 113-27, in the third quarter, including 35-0 the past two weeks against Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Rookies have good day vs. Bucs; will it carry over to next season? | VIDEO

Newest-minted Pro Bowl selection soars to the second-best yardage year in club history

With a 7-yard run late in the third quarter, De’Von Achane passed Tyreek Hill into second place on the Dolphins’ all-time list for total yards in a season, with 95 yards at that point, Achane had 1,821 yards to Hill’s 1,814 in 2023. Achane finished with 112 against the Buccaneers and, at 1,838 for the year, would need a basically impossible 368 yards to catch Ricky Williams’ club mark at 2,206 yards from scrimmage in 2002. What a brilliant present and future for the first-time Pro Bowl selection. — Steve Svekis

Dulcich has been solid, for a while

In the first half against Tampa Bay, tight end Greg Dulcich, picked up by the Dolphins after being waived by the New York Giants in August, surpassed 40 yards in his fifth game in less than two months, with 58.

Ewers had the full enchilada in his second NFL start

Along with his two pretty touchdown passes to Theo Wease Jr. and Dulcich, the rookie also caught his own pass for minus-6 yards and then absorbed another 5-yard loss when he threw a ball backward out of bounds. He also was sacked for a 10-yard loss and a 9-yard loss. He capped off the winning effort with the Dolphins’ first running first down by a quarterback since Sept. 18. Quite the cornucopia.

Dolphins are on the verge of a club record for their runners’ ball security

The Dolphins have lost a mere five fumbles, or .313 per game. The club record per-game is the .353 fashioned by the 2022 squad (six in the 17 games). There also had been two other six-fumbles-lost seasons in Dolphins history (2006 and 2008), but those came in 16-game seasons for .375 fumbles lost per game. What was the worst such season in Dolphins history? The 1985 Dolphins gave away 20 fumbles, for a brutal 1.25-a-game figure. Interestingly, in each of the Dolphins’ championship seasons (1972 and 1973), a Miami runner handed the ball to the opposition 16 times (1.14 a game).

The ridiculous Pro Bowl snub Brooks kept doing his thing

With his hauling down of Tampa Bay running back Bucky Irving for minus-2 yards with 8:59 remaining in the first quarter, tackle-machine linebacker Jordyn Brooks marked down his 24th tackle for loss in his 33 career games as a Dolphin. In 64 games as a Seattle Seahawk, Brooks had 23 TFLs in 64 games. Unfortunately, he had to depart with an injury in the second half. What an amazing signing by ex-GM Chris Grier.

On deck: New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium, Sunday, 1 p.m.

The Patriots will have a chunk to play for, at least initially, as a win by them and loss by the Denver Broncos would hand New England the bye week and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. However, the Los Angeles Chargers, already in the playoffs, will have little to play for in Denver, so, the Patriots may also lose urgency if the Broncos start winning by a large margin.

Show Caption1 of 30Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers (14) takes the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)Expand

Hyde10: Ewers’ day, draft consequence, big-play defense — 10 thoughts on Dolphins’ win vs. Bucs

Sun, 12/28/2025 - 14:16

MIAMI GARDENS — There wasn’t much consequence for the Miami Dolphins’ Sunday and a lot for the Tampa Bay Bucs.

So, the Dolphins had a good day and settled for being spoilers, if nothing else.

Dolphins 20, Bucs 17.

Here are 10 thoughts on the game:

1. Is Quinn Ewers (deep breath) The Man? That will be the “talk” question. The answer is it’s silly to pronounce anything meaningful after two games. If your hope was he’d look better than a seventh-round rookie backup, mission accomplished. He completed 14 of 22 for 172 yards, two touchdowns and a 118 rating — mostly in a good first half. He threw a nice 11-yard touchdown to tight end Greg Dulcich. His throw of the day was one of time and place as much as execution. On third-and-11 from the Dolphins’ 3 early in the fourth quarter, Ewers threw a 15-yard completion to tight end Julian Hill. That said Mike McDaniel wasn’t holding Ewers’ hand this game — the easy call would be a run there — and Ewers did fine in the first half. Three points in the second half reminded everyone to not go crazy. The Dolphins are still in the market for a franchise quarterback. Ewers is throwing his hat in the ring to compete for the job next summer.

2. Consequence of the day: With early games recorded, the Dolphins dropped from 11th to 12th in the NFL draft order because of the win. They could have been picking eighth with a loss Sunday. The Dolphins actually are tied with the same 7-9 record as Tampa Bay. Despite beating the Bucs (so much for head-to-head) their .487 strength-of-schedule (opponents win percentage) is lower than Tampa’s .530. The tie-breaker here is the team with the easier schedule is the worst team. It appears they can’t drop lower than 14th even with an eighth win next Sunday due to that schedule.

3. Can we get a caused-missed-tackles stat from Dolphins running back De’Von Achane on Sunday? Every run he seemed to bust a tackle or three. It’s a steady sight that still surprises considering his 5-9, 191-pound size. Achane ran 18 times for 83 yards on Sunday to give him 1,350 for the season. He passed Jay Ajayi’s 2016 season (1,272 yards) for third on the all-time Dolphins list for a season. The first two seasons belong to Ricky Williams. There’s no catching Williams’ 1,853 yards rushing in 2002. But Achane should catch Williams’ 1,372 yards in 2003, the season that sent Williams to live in an Australian tent.

4. Play of the day: With the Bucs driving at the Dolphins’ 32-yard line, quarterback Baker Mayfield either made an awful throw or expected a different pattern, but Dolphins safety Ashtyn Davis intercepted the ball at the 5 and returned to the 26. Up 20-10 with 6:56 remaining, that gave the Dolphins some cushion. And on the next possession …

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5. Bradley Chubb got his second sack of the day and recovered the fumble by Mayfield. That effectively sealed the win and gave the Dolphins’ defense a third takeaway on the day. The 3-0 takeaway margin brought the Dolphins to a minus-2 for the season (Tua Tagovailoa’s 15 interceptions are the culprit there). Chubb has 8 1/2 sacks on the year to lead the Dolphins.

6. Tampa Bay was without three starters on the offensive line — both guards and All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs. So, this was a good opportunity for the young interior of the Dolphins to shine. You expect veteran Zach Sieler to be a force, and he was. The rookies did their part, too, with first-round pick Kenneth Grant in on three tackles, Jordan Phillips having two and Zeek Biggers having a tackle and a blocked field goal. The larger point than individual numbers was Tampa Bay’s run game didn’t produce much: 16 carries for 53 yards (3.3-yard average) through three quarters.

7. The larger idea is the Dolphins (or maybe some fans) wanted to see more of their youth Sunday. They accomplished that in some form. Edge rusher Derrick McClendon being inactive showed this wasn’t some youth mandate, but here’s a quick rundown of some young feats:

*Center Andrew Murphy, an undrafted rookie in 2024, was activated on Christmas Day after a season-long injury and started in place of Aaron Brewer. Here’s how you know Murphy did just fine: Bucs nose guard Vita Vea wasn’t heard from much on Sunday.

*Rookie Cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. had his first NFL interception.

*Receiver Theo Wease Jr., activated last week as Ewers’ practice partner, caught his first NFL touchdown on Sunday. He was left open in busted Tampa Bay coverage and caught a 63-yard touchdown from Ewers.

7. A quick word about the Pro Bowl. Center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks were victims of being on a losing team. Brewer missed his first start of the year Sunday, but has been a versatile — yes, versatile for as a center — piece for this team. Brooks entered Sunday leading the league in tackles. But the Pro Bowl voting has flaws that you can see without talking about them. Chargers tackle Joe Alt was named a Pro Bwler this season despite playing just six games. Seriously?

9. Quick Hits:

*Chop Robinson left with an apparent concussion and most likely will miss next Sunday’s game.

*Tampa Bay, at 7-9, can still win the NFC South by beating Carolina next Sunday. What a world.

*Biggers’ blocked field goal in the second quarter isn’t a surprise. At 6-6, he had four blocked field goals at Georgia Tech.

*The third-quarter blues didn’t happen Sunday for the Dolphins. Score in second half: 3-3.

*Jaylen Waddle was injured early Sunday and left with a rib issue and then returned.

10. Next Week: Dolphins at New England. The regular-season finale brings a surprise from both sides. The Dolphins have been out of it for a while. New England is 13-3 and could end up with the No. 1 seed in the AFC. It’s just like the days of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick for the Patriots in the first year of Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Rookies have good day vs. Bucs; will it carry over to next season? | VIDEO

Show Caption1 of 30Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers (14) takes the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)Expand

Instant Analysis: Miami Dolphins 20, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17

Sun, 12/28/2025 - 14:11

Quick thoughts from South Florida Sun Sentinel staffers on the Dolphins’ victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium as Miami improved to 7-9:

Dave Hyde, Columnist

They didn’t have much to play for — well, other than that $900,000 for Bradley Chubb reaching his sack bonus. Good for him and good for the Dolphins not mailing it in. Quinn Ewers was fine in the first half. The defense took over the second half. A good day to close the home season.

Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist

This was a fairly clean performance starring many of the Dolphins young players. Coach Mike McDaniel had the team sharp and the players were on top of their games. Nice showing in a relatively meaningless game that shows the future might have more promise than the present.

David Furones, Dolphins Writer

The Dolphins’ youth came to the forefront in Sunday’s win. Quinn Ewers threw his first two touchdown passes. One went to Theo Wease. Jason Marshall had his first interception. Zeek Biggers, the rookie DT, blocked a field goal for the first time. Center Andrew Meyer made his first start. It’s what you want to see for the future as Miami is eliminated from playoff contention.

Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor

The Dolphins kept alive their chances to avoid a 10-loss season with a highly entertaining game. They got the full Baker Mayfield experience, with Houdini escapes mixed in with “Who was he throwing to? interceptions. For the second game in a row, the Dolphins offense moved the ball decently and, most importantly, protected it. It was the Dolphins’ sixth game of the season with zero giveaways.

Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor

With Quinn Ewers effectively moving the offense despite his lack of experience (and Jaylen Waddle missing much of the game), the Dolphins finished their home schedule on a surge, and now, if they can win in Massachusetts next week, they can avoid a double-digit-loss campaign and match last year’s record.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Rookies have good day vs. Bucs; will it carry over to next season? | VIDEO

Show Caption1 of 30Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers (14) takes the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)Expand

Today in History: December 28, U.S. Afghan war formally ends

Sun, 12/28/2025 - 02:00

Today is Sunday, Dec. 28, the 362nd day of 2025. There are three days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Dec. 28, 2014, the U.S. war in Afghanistan came to a formal end after 13 years with a quiet flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul, marking the transition of fighting from U.S.-led combat troops to the country’s own security forces. More than 2,200 Americans had died in Afghanistan since the war began.

Also on this date:

In 1895, the Lumiere brothers, Auguste and Louis, held the first public showing of their films in Paris.

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In 1908, a major earthquake followed by a tsunami devastated the Italian cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria, killing at least 70,000 people.

In 1912, San Francisco’s Municipal Railway began operations with Mayor James Rolph Jr. at the controls of Streetcar No. 1 as 50,000 spectators looked on.

In 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance.

In 1972, Kim Il Sung, the premier of North Korea, was named the country’s president under a new constitution.

In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was signed by President Richard Nixon, a law designed to protect plants and animals from extinction.

In 1981, Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American “test-tube” baby, was born in Norfolk, Virginia.

In 1991, nine people died in a crush of people trying to get into a celebrity charity basketball game at City College in New York that was headlined by hip-hop stars.

In 2015, a grand jury in Cleveland declined to indict two white police officers in the killing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was Black. He was shot while carrying what turned out to be a toy pellet gun.

In 2019, a truck bomb exploded at a a busy security checkpoint in Somalia’s capital of Mogadishu, killing at least 78 people, including many students.

Today’s Birthdays:
  • Actor Denzel Washington is 71.
  • TV personality Gayle King is 71.
  • Hockey Hall of Famer Ray Bourque is 65.
  • Linux creator Linus Torvalds is 56.
  • Political commentator Ana Navarro is 54.
  • TV host-comedian Seth Meyers is 52.
  • Actor Joe Manganiello is 49.
  • Musician John Legend is 47.
  • Actor André Holland is 46.
  • Actor Noomi Rapace is 46.
  • Actor Sienna Miller is 44.
  • Actor Jessie Buckley is 36.
  • Singer and songwriter David Archuleta is 35.

Winderman’s view: Pain real ‘for a while now’ for Adebayo, as Heat again win in his absence

Sat, 12/27/2025 - 20:32

MIAMI — Observations and other notes of interest from Saturday night’s 142-116 victory over the Indiana Pacers:

– So perhaps this is why.

– Asked Friday in Atlanta about whether the back issue that now has had Bam Adebayo out for consecutive games could have been contributing to Adebayo’s recent slide, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he wouldn’t feel comfortable speaking for his team captain.

– Before Saturday night’s game against the Pacers, Spoelstra somewhat reversed course.

– Spoelstra acknowledged pregame the time off was needed for Adebayo due to the discomfort.

– “He flew to Atlanta with us, with that kind of intention,” Spoelstra said of Adebayo sitting out Friday night’s victory over the Hawks. “But he clearly was not moving well enough to compete in that kind of game.”

– Spoelstra added, “But he’s definitely making progress. He really needed this time just to get . . . he was dealing with some deals because of overcompensation. I think he’s feeling a lot better each day.”

– As for guard Tyler Herro missing a ninth game with a toe contusion, Spoelstra said, “He’s definitely making progress. I don’t have a timeline for you. But I’m encouraged by what I’m seeing.”

– Spoelstra added, “The same goes with Bam.”

– After the game, Adebayo said, yes, the back had impacted his play.

– “I mean, for a while now,” he said. “It finally got to the point where I had to sit down.”

– So, Pelle Larsson as a starter again.

– “He doesn’t really need to score to be the glue in whatever lineup he plays in,” Spoelstra said of the second-year guard. “It’s those intangibles, winning intangibles, that probably don’t get celebrated enough.”

– This time he had 16 points and seven assists.

– Without Adebayo and Herro, a team can compete with the likes of the Hawks and Pacers.

– But to follow are the Nuggets, Pistons and Timberwolves.

– That will require more than the rough patches the Heat persevered through these past two nights.

– With Adebayo and Herro again out, the Heat opened for the second consecutive night with Larsson, Kel’el Ware, Andrew Wiggins, Norman Powell and Davion Mitchell.

– The Heat are now 6-2 with that starting lineup.

– Ware surfaced on the pregame injury report with quadriceps contusion, but was cleared two hours before tipoff.

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– Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis entered first off the Heat bench.

– Their energy impressive on the second night of the back-to-back set.

– Dru Smith followed, recording his 50th steal of the season in the second quarter.

– With Nikola Jovic again in the rotation.

– And again having his moments.

– That for the second consecutive night had Simone Fontecchio out of the mix.

– Jaquez said even with Adebayo and Herro out, this is not a time for excuses.

– “I mean, obviously we got two of our big guns out, and it’s a moment for everybody to step up,” Jaquez said. “We always talk about no one’s going to come save us. We got to do it ourselves.”

–The Heat certainly do not stand as strangers to shorthanded this season.

– “Like Spo said, sometimes you’ve got to have a chip on your shoulder and show what you can do and show that you can win,” Jovic said.

– Powell extended his streak of games scoring in double figures to 30, six off the longest such run of his career.

Heat make it two in a row, power past NBA-worst Pacers 142-116 as Adebayo, Herro sit again

Sat, 12/27/2025 - 20:26

MIAMI — For most of Saturday night’s Miami Heat game, if you hadn’t watched much of the Indiana Pacers, you would have thought they were high percentage with their shots, relentless with their offense.

Instead of entering the night last in the NBA in field-goal percentage and second-to-last in scoring.

With defensive anchor Bam Adebayo sidelined for a second consecutive game with back pain, the Heat stood as less than stout on the defensive end for extended stretches before finally finding a way in a 142-116 victory at Kaseya Center.

So, misery averted against the team with the NBA’s worst record, and instead a two-game winning streak after previously losing eight of nine prior to the Christmas break.

“It was great spirit, really the last 48 hours, guys just getting lost into the game, into the team,” coach Erik Spoelstra said. “There was just great clarity of mind, nobody was getting in the way of each other.

“The bodies and the ball have been moving for two nights. We know what the formula is, and it was great to see it the past two nights.”

With guard Tyler Herro also out, the Heat turned to supporting players for leading efforts, rewarded with 28 points apiece from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Andrew Wiggins.

With the Heat also getting 25 from Norman Powell and 19 from Nikola Jovic, it ultimately proved more than enough to offset the 33-point effort of Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, who sizzled in the first half.

Through it all, the Heat’s offense appears to have regained its stride when gifted a pair of turnover-prone opponents the past two nights, getting 21 from the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night and then 26 from the Pacers in this one.

It is the seventh time the Heat scored at least 140 this season, after doing it that many times in the franchise’s previous 37 seasons.

Five Degrees of Heat from Saturday night’s game:

1. Game flow: The Heat led 29-28 after the first period, with Indiana then moving to a 60-59 halftime lead. The Heat then went down four in the third period, before taking a 98-94 lead into the fourth.

From there, the Heat extended their lead to 14 with 7:21 left in the fourth quarter, with a 13-4 surge sparked by Jaquez.

Eventually, the lead moved onto the 20s, with the Heat scoring 83 second-half points, including 44 in the fourth quarter.

“The pace was fantastic,” Spoelstra said.

2. All-out attack: Jaquez again was solid in anchoring the bench, his attacking style needed on a night when there was plenty of meandering elsewhere with the Heat offense beyond Wiggins’ play..

Jaquez has now scored 20 or more in three of his last four games, after doing so just once in his previous 10 appearances.

“He’s been very consistent this year,” Spoelstra said. “I know there’s a stretch when we were losing those games, he was missing some shots. But the competitive will and the competitive spirit, that’s what we need.”

Jaquez closed 11 of 15 from the field.

“I think collectively we’re really just buying into the principles we’re working with since training camp,” Jaquez said. “We kind of got away from it. We kind of got back to what works for us.”

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3. Way of Wiggins: Wiggins continues to quietly warm up to the season, with another solid effort after Friday night’s 18 points in the victory in Atlanta.

Wiggins early in the third period stood 3 of 3 on 3-pointers at a stage when the rest of his teammates were 3 of 15.

With Herro and Adebayo out, Wiggins appears to have found a rhythm he often has lacked while playing as more of a complementary component.

“Both nights, he was really good, assertive on both ends of the court,” Spoelstra said. “It’s just fun to see him when he’s competing at that level. He has those gifts to make the difficult look easy. He really got on a roll offensively, and he did it from every facet.”

Wiggins closed 12 of 16 from the field, including 4 of 4 on 3-pointers.

“We’re just trying to look out for each other, that’s the main thing,” Wiggins said of the Heat finding a way in the absences of Adebayo and Herro.

4. Suddenly Siakam: Siakam was up to 24 points by intermission, at one point scoring eight points in the 57-second stretch in the second period.

Siakam was 10 of 13 from the field in the first half, including 4 of 5 on 3-pointers.

The Heat then increased the number of double-teams thrown at Siakam, leaving Pacers shooters wide open at times.

Siakam nonetheless became the 15th player to score 30 or more against the Heat this season, with New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson doing it twice, including his 47-point performance on Sunday night.

5. It gets real: Next up for the Heat is a three-game stretch against the elite of the league, starting Monday night against the Denver Nuggets (22-9), continuing with a New Year’s Day road game against the Detroit Pistons (24-7) and then next Saturday at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves (20-12).

The Heat are 6-13 against teams with winning records.

Panthers’ ineptitude on power play costly as Lightning win 4-2

Sat, 12/27/2025 - 20:08

SUNRISE — Pontus Holmberg scored with 7.3 seconds left in the first period to put Tampa Bay on top for good, Nikita Kucherov scored twice and the Lightning beat the Florida Panthers 4-2 in another penalty-filled matchup between the Sunshine State rivals.

Jake Guentzel also scored for Tampa Bay, which has won three straight. Kucherov sealed it with an empty-netter with 56 seconds left.

Brad Marchand and Eetu Luostarinen scored for the Panthers, who lost for just the second time in their last seven games. Florida was 1 for 11 on the power play and also gave up Guentzel’s shorthanded tally.

Both teams set season-highs for penalty minutes — by far. Tampa Bay finished with 87, Florida finished with 49. The Lightning had 33 on Nov. 16 against Vancouver; the Panthers had 20 on Nov. 22 against Edmonton.

And there were reminders that these teams, as has been the case forever, simply do not like one another.

Tampa Bay’s Scott Sabourin — who had a starring role in the preseason game that featured more than 300 penalty minutes — drew two minors and a misconduct early in the third period for roughing and slashing the Panthers’ Niko Mikkola. Sabourin was called up earlier in the day, and three of his nine games with the Lightning this season have been against Florida.

Those penalties against Sabourin came after play was stopped for about eight minutes late in the second period while referees sorted out 13 roughing penalties — seven against Tampa Bay, six against Florida. At one point during a stoppage, there were six players in the Lightning’s penalty box.

Sabourin was given another misconduct with 33 seconds remaining, part of a 26-penalty night for Tampa Bay.

Up next

Panthers: Host Washington on Monday night.

Daily Horoscope for December 28, 2025

Sat, 12/27/2025 - 17:00
General Daily Insight for December 28, 2025

Today invites honest, gentle self-reflection. The Moon and Jupiter kick things off with a square that may stretch us beyond our comfort zones. We have the strength to handle this — especially once the emotional Moon conjoins comforting Chiron at 6:26 PM EST. Our sore spots will make themselves heard, but in doing so, we’ll have an opportunity to face them and respond with care. It won’t be easy, but we’ll have the strength to handle it. Choose gentleness with yourself to build lasting progress.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

It takes courage to be soft right now. While Luna merges with cosmic medic Chiron in your sign, you’re invited to peel back your armor and show the real you. An introduction could feel risky, but push through! Being open with others is a great way to build trust. Someone may say something hurtful, but that doesn’t have to hold you back. Your story carries more layers than labels suggest. Share your truth with those you trust to boost your influence where it matters.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Quiet energy permeates your current mindset. Your 12th House of Karma takes priority while the nurturing Moon connects with tender Chiron, encouraging thoughtful reflection. Something as small as writing down a few sentences about your emotions on any nearby paper could be quite enlightening. You could also turn off your phone for twenty minutes or take a chill walk. If discomforting memories surface, let them pass through you without getting stuck in the gory details. Afterwards, banish any remaining aches with your favorite soothing beverage.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

What’s really on your mind, Gemini? Conversations with friends are excellent for discussing in-depth ideas, particularly once the Moon conjoins therapeutic Chiron in your 11th House of Hope. You can bring up pipe-dream travel pitches without being wounded by any honest feedback. With their advice, you can summarize your options without rushing decisions. If a friend overshares, try asking a genuine question before shutting them down. Nonjudgmental listening can deepen every connection. Speak simply so people feel safe opening up with you.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Certain priorities may need handling before you can find clarity on anything else. That doesn’t mean you have to organize your entire life, of course, but a clear workspace should make for a much clearer mind. Under the homely Moon’s alliance with vulnerable Chiron in your professional 10th house, pay attention to the locations where you feel most productive. How can you ensure they suit your professional or personal needs? A supervisor or household meeting would be the ideal place to mention any issues.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Old wounds could be making it harder to open your heart. Thankfully, the Moon, tied to your instincts, is blessed with Chiron’s wisdom during this conjunction in your pensive 9th house. Don’t let anxiety stop you from making meaningful, lasting choices. You might rewrite a pitch so your message reflects what you truly believe, or share thoughts with a mentor who appreciates your voice. If a debate heats up, try sharing a personal story to invite real curiosity. Be willing to have tough conversations!

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Tempered focus helps you handle sensitive details. Your 8th House of Mutuality activates as the invested Moon hugs Chiron there, helping you speak gently about any delicate topics. You might review a shared bill to start a transparent conversation about the split, because small fixes prevent greater stress later. If you crave reassurance, ask for a clear timeline with a specific amount. People worth collaborating with should, at minimum, be willing to talk about such things. Once you’ve gotten the details, you can relax.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Understanding grows when you actively work toward better compromises. Partnerships need kindness as the moody Moon supports Chiron within your 7th House of One-on-One Relationships, encouraging adjustments that respect dignity. Whatever your relationship shape, a respectful boundary talk can clear tension without blame while keeping goodwill alive. If a promise slips, propose a new time and one step you will deliver, because structure reassures souls that want to stay connected. Strengthening your partnerships of any kind should be easier when you aim for fairness.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

The truth is in sight. Once the subconscious Moon connects with aching Chiron in your 6th House of Wellness, you’ll be equipped to notice how pressure affects your body more than you’d likely want to admit. Speak up for your needs! You may tell someone you need quiet for an hour to finish a task, pairing the request with an offer to help them in return. Whatever you’re doing, don’t forget to drink plenty of water and rest when necessary. Prioritize healthy pacing.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Creative curiosity can lead you to growth opportunities. Your upbeat 5th house hosts today’s conjunction between the pattern-seeking Moon and promising Chiron, shaping choices in hobbies that feel practical and fun. You might shape a project pitch into something playful and easier to try, then share a preview with a friend who can be trusted with such things. It’s okay to be nervous — just don’t let any nerves stop you from trying anyway! Your adventurous spirit thrives when courage boosts you past outdated limits.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Today favors honest, grounded family talks. Yes, this includes chosen families as well as blood relatives! Your 4th House of Roots is the center of this Moon-Chiron conjunction, reminding you to address foundational issues — not just surface concerns. You might have a household meeting about chores, letting everyone name one wish so you can shape a fair plan. If necessary, be willing to pause for water or a short walk. A little bit of structure can make your living situation more comfortable for everyone.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

When tenderness meets purpose, progress gets easier. The grounded Moon pairs with edgy Chiron in your 3rd House of Neighborhoods, prompting talks about day-to-day timing with the people around you. Let your friends and peers know when you’ll be unavailable to avoid scheduling frustrations. You could even set up a group quiet hour for focused work. If someone seems overly harsh, ask a direct question before reacting. Genuine concern prevents misunderstandings and protects your independence. Clarify plans now so teamwork keeps flowing with ease.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Trusting your gut may not be as easy as it sounds. Fortunately, you’ve got the guidance of the Moon and Chiron in your 2nd House of Money and Self-Worth. They’re helping you keep an eye on your spending! Before buying a gadget, make sure you actually need it. If a rate negotiation makes you nervous, practice your points out loud and memorize any relevant numbers. Sticking to your budget on the small things will give you space to invest in your actual needs.

Dolphins place three on IR, bring up several players for Bucs game

Sat, 12/27/2025 - 14:50

The Miami Dolphins announced a series of roster moves Saturday that ends the season for three players and brings up several other players from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Dolphins placed wide receiver Dee Eskridge, cornerback Isaiah Johnson and defensive tackle Benito Jones on injured reserve. In addition to being out for Sunday’s game, none of the three will return for the finale at the New England Patriots.

Johnson tore an ACL in a knee in Thursday’s practice, according to coach Mike McDaniel on Friday. Jones has a back injury, and Eskridge suffered a toe ailment in last Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

With one of the roster spots created, Miami activated reserve offensive lineman Andrew Meyer off IR. He is a candidate to start at center if starter Aaron Brewer, who is questionable with a neck injury, can’t play.

The Dolphins also signed undrafted rookie wide receiver Theo Wease to the roster from the practice squad after he made his NFL regular season debut against the Bengals.

Miami elevated outside linebacker Derrick McLendon and offensive lineman Josh Priebe from the practice squad for Sunday. Both are bound for their first active game in the NFL.

The elevation of Priebe, along with activation of Meyer, could serve as an indication toward Brewer’s status.

The Dolphins opted against activating kicker Jason Sanders (right hip) off IR, so Riley Patterson will handle placekicking duties, as he has the previous 15 games.

 

Kwanzaa community celebration in Fort Lauderdale | PHOTOS

Sat, 12/27/2025 - 14:10
Show Caption1 of 10Celebrants participate in an African dance at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center during “Africa Rising,” a Kwanzaa Community Celebration of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) on Saturday, December 27, 2025. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)Expand

More student loan borrowers are shedding debts in bankruptcy

Sat, 12/27/2025 - 11:45

Student loans have long been perceived as impossible to cast off in bankruptcy. Few borrowers dare to even try.

To do so, borrowers must file a separate lawsuit, enduring a costly, stressful process that came with no guarantees. In some parts of the country, they had to prove that their financial lives were “hopeless” before a judge would be willing to wipe their student debts away.

But a recent analysis has uncovered a significant shift: The vast majority of student debtors who seek discharges in bankruptcy are getting them, in large part because of a simpler legal process that was introduced three years ago.

Borrowers have an 87% success rate in dismissing most or all of their loans in bankruptcy, according to the study by Jason Iuliano, a professor at the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law. That is up from 61% in 2017 and more than double the rate nearly two decades ago.

“That’s strikingly high when you think about the narrative being it’s impossible to discharge,” said Iuliano, whose analysis was published this month in The American Bankruptcy Law Journal and who has been studying the issue for 15 years.

Though success rates had slowly improved over previous years, the latest increase can be largely attributed to a Biden-era change adopted by the Justice and Education Departments, which provided clearer guidelines on what types of cases would result in a loan dismissal. It also enabled borrowers to present their cases on a simplified 15-page attestation form.

Student loans aren’t discharged in bankruptcy as easily as other consumer loans, like credit cards or medical debt. Debtors need to file a separate lawsuit, known as an adversary proceeding, which many lawyers haven’t been inclined to take on.

The 3-year-old process has tried to streamline all of that. And the recent analysis indicates — at least for roughly 650 completed cases filed from mid-October 2022 through mid-November 2023 — it has been working.

‘A Scary Process but Worth the Gamble’

Amy Howdyshell, 43, a licensed practical nurse, recently won the dismissal of more than $78,000 in federal student debt, largely accumulated at a for-profit college for a business degree she never received.

She and her husband, a warehouse forklift operator, filed for bankruptcy in 2023 after he suffered extensive medical issues, including a heart attack. But Howdyshell was referred to another lawyer, Malissa Giles, who had more experience with student loans, and she thought that Howdyshell was a solid candidate. They filed their case last year.

Howdyshell, who lives in Virginia, said the school had mismanaged her financial aid and wouldn’t let her enroll during her last semester or release her transcript. She abandoned her earned credits, but she later attended a different school and became a licensed practical nurse, paying out of pocket and through employer programs.

But her old debt had cast a long shadow over her family’s finances, making it impossible to save for a down payment on a home or make progress on retirement savings.

“Now I have the financial freedom to pursue my dreams of homeownership,” Howdyshell said. “It was a scary process but worth the gamble.”

She is just one among the small fraction of borrowers who file adversary proceedings. In Iuliano’s view, the newer process hasn’t yet encouraged enough debtors, or perhaps their legal advisers, to try.

Based on prior research, he estimated that 99% of student loan debtors who filed for bankruptcy didn’t even ask the judge to consider discharging their loans.

“That is a big problem,” he added.

But a shift could be beginning. This year, 1,693 student loan debtors have filed adversary proceedings, up 12% from 2024 and more than 92% higher than in 2023, according to an analysis of public records by Stretto, a legal services and technology firm.

In Iuliano’s analysis sample, the majority of student debtors were women. The typical borrower was 47 years old and owed $115,000 in student loans, with her expenses exceeding her income by $200 each month.

In a traditional adversary proceeding, borrowers must show that their student loans are an “undue hardship,” a legal standard that Congress never defined and that courts across the country have interpreted differently. As a result, borrowers have received uneven outcomes.

Satisfying the Test, and the Judges

Many jurisdictions define undue hardship using a rigid framework known as the Brunner test.

Under Brunner, debtors must answer three questions before their debt can be dismissed: Can they currently pay the loans and maintain a minimal standard of living? Is their situation likely to persist for a significant portion of the repayment period? And have they made a good-faith effort to repay the loans?

Under the newer approach, each piece of the test becomes easier to pass if the debtor can check certain boxes. For example, if a debtor’s allowed expenses equal or exceed his or her income, that may satisfy the first question. Being over 65, or having loans in repayment status for at least 10 years, for example, would fulfill the second question.

If the federal government’s analysis finds that a borrower has satisfied the test, the Justice Department lawyers can recommend a discharge to a bankruptcy judge.

In the vast majority of cases, the judges do exactly that. But in at least two cases, the judges did not immediately usher a discharge through, even though the government had determined it was appropriate.

“Some judges are taking a more aggressive stance and not just rubber-stamping these settlements,” said Stanley Tate, a consumer lawyer who specializes in student loans.

In one case, a 68-year-old retired teacher who had heart problems and a dying partner was carrying nearly $125,000 in debt — an amount that had ballooned from the $36,000 he borrowed to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, court documents show.

Given his limited income and circumstances, it was clear — to his lawyer and to the federal government — that he was not able to pay the loan back. But the judge could not get past the fact that the borrower had repaid only $9,000; he had applied for forbearance or deferments 38 times and tried to enroll in a payment plan that would tie his payment size to his income.

“It doesn’t smell right to me,” Judge David M. Warren of U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina said during a hearing last winter. “I don’t like it, and I don’t think it’s an appropriate use of the judicial system.”

The judge wanted to hold a hearing to learn more, but the Education Department ultimately recounted the borrower’s payments, which allowed it to provide an administrative discharge in 2024 through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, his lawyer said. That meant the borrower received relief outside court.

The legal community questioned whether the Trump administration, which has an aggressive plan to dismantle the Education Department, would want to eliminate the guidance.

A spokesperson for the Education Department said there were no plans to change the program at this time. “The department is currently focused on helping borrowers back into repayment and improving the state of the portfolio,” said Ellen Keast, the press secretary for higher education at the department.

The Justice Department, which often represents and works with the Education Department in bankruptcy cases involving federal student loans, did not immediately respond to an inquiry seeking comment.

Though the legal guidelines were introduced during the Biden administration, the first Trump administration had acknowledged that discharging debts in bankruptcy wasn’t easy: The Education Department sought public input in 2018 about the high legal standard and sought to explore whether borrowers were being “inadvertently discouraged” from pursuing relief.

Igor Roitburg, senior managing director at Stretto, which also helps lawyers screen student loan debtors and prepare documents for those who may qualify for discharges, said he didn’t expect the Trump administration to abandon the policy. Cases continue to wind their way through the system, and he expects the number of filings to grow.

“It’s also really important to understand what this process does — it is a thorough review on a case-by-case basis,” Roitburg added. Not all distressed borrowers will qualify for bankruptcy, nor will all filers be eligible for a student loan discharge, but it provides an important safety net for those who do.

More borrowers are teetering on the edge. The student loan landscape is in upheaval because of legal challenges that will end the Biden-era SAVE repayment plan, the most affordable option. Congress’ reconciliation bill this summer also dismantles the current repayment program menu and creates a new one. And forced collections and wage garnishment for federal student loans in default are ramping up again, after an extended pandemic-related pause.

The most vulnerable borrowers will be searching for alternatives.

Latife Neu, a lawyer in Seattle who has filed about 16 cases using the streamlined process, with several more in the pipeline, said she was hearing from more people seeking options, including many borrowers approaching or in retirement.

“The anxiety level among borrowers is really high right now,” she said.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

Catch a glimpse of the 2026 Dolphins on Sunday vs. Buccaneers

Sat, 12/27/2025 - 10:40

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins will be looking into a mirror as well as a crystal ball when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their home finale. 

Here’s what they’ll see: There’s a good chance many of their key players on Sunday — quarterback Quinn Ewers, running back De’Von Achane, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, center Aaron Brewer, left tackle Patrick Paul, left guard Jonah Savaiinaea, defensive tackles Zach Sieler, Jordan Phillips and Kenneth Grant, linebacker Jordyn Brooks, edge rusher Chop Robinson, safety Dante Trader, Jr. — will be key players in 2026.

The 2026 Dolphins, whose general manager and coach haven’t been confirmed, could welcome back as many as eight offensive starters and five defensive starters along with a decent amount of youthful depth.

After all, most likely the Dolphins’ 2026 rebuild, re-tool, rebuild-on-the-fly — or whatever it gets called, will be aimed at reining in finances more than overhauling talent.

Coach Mike McDaniel doesn’t talk about 2026. He maintains he’s only looking at 2025 and trying to beat the Buccaneers (7-8), who are still fighting for a spot in the postseason.

But owner Steve Ross and fans are likely looking ahead to 2026, when young, low-priced labor becomes more of a necessity. 

McDaniel acknowledges that he has conversations with interim general manager Champ Kelly that have overlapping benefits.

“I think the bigger thing is (that) having an open dialogue of who gives us the best chance to win has been very beneficial this particular year with the given roster we have,” McDaniel said.

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To that end, one goal for the 2025 season was trying to win with youth and draftees. The Dolphins (6-9) haven’t won, but they’ve played a number of young players and all of their draftees.

Begin at quarterback where Ewers, the rookie seventh-round pick, will make his second consecutive start against Tampa Bay. Ewers has his eyes firmly set on beating the Buccaneers. But he’s aware good performances in these final few games could earn him a shot at a starting job in 2026.

“To be honest, I’m not really thinking about that right now,” Ewers said, before later adding. “At the end of the day, whatever happens, happens; but I hope to put myself in a position for sure to be in the mix whenever the time comes.”

In the bigger picture, consider all the Dolphins’ key players on Sunday who will be key players in 2026.

In the backfield, Achane, a Pro Bowl selection who will likely seek a contract extension this offseason, will return for 2026 as well as fullback Alec Ingold, a Pro Bowl first alternate.

Waddle, a Pro Bowl first alternate, is another returning starter. 

On the offensive line Paul, Savaiinaea, Brewer and right tackle Austin Jackson are all scheduled to return.

Defensively, Sieler, Phillips and Grant, the first-round pick, return along with Brooks, fellow linebacker Tyrel Dodson and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (who won’t play Sunday due to a calf injury).

Of course, there will be some 2026 uncertainty among those on the field Sunday.

Behind the aforementioned returning starters are a group of veteran starters or key contributors who are either on one-year contracts in 2025 or in the final year of their contracts such as defensive tackle Benito Jones, cornerbacks Jack Jones and Rasul Douglas, and safeties Ashtyn Davis and Iffy Melinfonwu. It’s unclear who returns among this group.

Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, who will cost $31.2 million against the salary cap next season, might be in a class by himself as a high-salaried veteran starter who could be on his way out the door. Well, benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the injured wide receiver Tyreek Hill are also in that category but technically they’re neither starters nor major contributors at this point.

The Dolphins knew what they had to do in 2025 to set themselves up for 2026, and to a certain extent they can say they succeeded.

For example, six of this year’s eight draftees have started at least one game this season, and all eight could get playing time Sunday. Many are headed for big roles on the 2026 team. 

“That’s a calculated measure that I think, especially in today’s salary cap era where 45 percent of players are new really on every team, it’s that much more important guys that you have on a committed four- to five-year contract that they will end up painting the picture of what type of team you are based on their character and how they handle themselves,” McDaniel said. 

“It’s a bright spot that I’ll surely reflect on after it is reflection time. But right now it’s Tampa time.” 

Dolphins Deep Dive: Prediction time — Will Ewers, Miami defeat Bucs? | VIDEO

Game time: Fast facts, odds and injury report for Dolphins vs. Buccaneers

Sat, 12/27/2025 - 10:29

Dolphins (6-9) vs. Buccaneers (7-8)

Kickoff: 1 p.m., Sunday, Hard Rock Stadium

TV: FOX (Ch. 7 in Miami-Dade, Broward counties; Ch. 29 in Palm Beach); RADIO: WBGG (105.9-FM), WIOD (610-AM), WTZU (94.9-FM, Spanish); Palm Beach: ESPN (106.3 FM); WEFL (760-AM, Spanish)


Coaches: The Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel is 34-34, including the playoffs, in his fourth season as a head coach; the Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles is 61-76 in his eighth season among Miami (interim), the New York Jets and Tampa Bay.

Series: The Buccaneers lead the all-time series, 7-5. Tampa Bay has won the past three, but the teams haven’t played since 2021.

Weather: 77 degrees, 61 percent humidity; 0 percent chance of precipitation, 4 mph winds from E, gusts up to 7 mph.


Line: The Buccaneers are 6-point favorites; the over-under is 44 points.

Injuries: Dolphins — Out: S Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf), DT Benito Jones (back), CB Isaiah Johnson (knee); Doubtful: WR Dee Eskridge (toe); Questionable: C Aaron Brewer (neck), LB Tyrel Dodson (chest), OL Andrew Meyer (triceps), K Jason Sanders (right hip); Physically unable to perform: OL Liam Eichenberg; Injured reserve: WR Tyreek Hill (knee), RG James Daniels (pectoral), Sanders, Meyer, CB Storm Duck (knee), CB JuJu Brents (ankle), DB Jordan Colbert (neck), LB Caleb Johnson (shoulder), CB Kader Kohou (knee), RB Alexander Mattison (neck), CB Artie Burns (knee), TE Jalin Conyers, CB Jason Maitre, OL Obinna Eze, OL Germain Ifedi, OL Yodny Cajuste …

Buccaneers — Out: OLB Calijah Kancey (pectoral/IR), OLB Anthony Nelson (knee), OT Tristan Wirfs (toe); Injured reserve: G Cody Mauch among eight players on list.

Noteworthy: Miami ranks No. 2 in rushing yards since its Week 10 win against Buffalo at 160.2 yards per game. …

The Dolphins are No. 5 in third down defense (32.7 percent) since that win over Buffalo. …

Unfortunately, the the Dolphins have allowed four of their past seven opponents to rush for 100 or more yards and they’ve gone 1-3 in those games. … 

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RB De’Von Achane (1,267 yards rushing) is No. 3 in the league in rushing yards and No. 1 in yards per carry (5.8). … 

QB Quinn Ewers (0 TDs, 2 INTs, 69.3 passer rating) is making his second start and third appearance of the season. …

Ewers displayed a good huddle presence, a lively arm and good pocket awareness last week against Cincinnati and should be better this week. …

DT Zach Sieler (5.5 sacks) has 4.5 sacks in the past three games. …

LB Jordyn Brooks (169 tackles) leads the league in tackles. … 

Tampa Bay is on a three-game losing streak and has lost six of its past seven games. …

The Buccaneers have a 55 percent chance to make the playoffs with their odds increasing if they win Sunday. …

Bucs WR Emeka Egbuka (59 receptions, 910 yards, 6 TDs) is among the league’s best young talents. WR Mike Evans (25 receptions, 303 yards, 2 TDs) must always be watched. …

Tampa Bay QB Baker Mayfield (23 TDs, 8 INTs, 90.0 passer rating) has lost his magic this season as the injuries mount but remains a threat to ignite the offense. …

Bucs DT Vita Vea (28 tackles, 4.5 sacks) is a force in the interior.

Dolphins Deep Dive: Prediction time — Will Ewers, Miami defeat Bucs? | VIDEO

  
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