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Here’s how to update your Amazon Echo Show 15 to use it as a Fire TV

Sun, 12/24/2023 - 23:13
Getting the most out of your Echo Show 15

One thing you can count on during the holidays is finding tech surprises under the tree. Another is not knowing how to get those devices to do everything you want. For instance, did you know that the latest software update for one of Amazon’s popular Echo devices, the Echo Show 15, now comes with Fire TV built in? All you need to do is access it and you can watch endless hours of content. Here’s how to do exactly that.

How to get Fire TV on your Echo Show 15

Getting Fire TV on your Echo Show 15 might sound like a daunting task. However, since it is included in the latest software update, it’s mostly a matter of checking to make sure you are running the latest software and knowing where to navigate to set up your Fire TV. In other words, it is a very simple, intuitive process, especially if you already have a Fire TV account.

Check for software updates

Fire TV is included with Fire OS 7.5.0.0. In order to watch Fire TV, you must have the latest software installed. To do this, swipe down from the top of your Echo Show 15 to get a pull-down menu. From there it only takes three taps: tap on Settings, tap on Device Options and tap on Check for Software Updates.

Set up your Fire TV

Once you are certain you are running Fire OS version number 7.5.0.0 (or later), your Echo Show 15 should run the Fire TV setup. If it doesn’t automatically start, you can swipe down from the top of the screen and tap on Fire TV. From there, simply follow the guided setup to get started.

Start watching Fire TV

To make things super easy, Fire TV on the Echo Show 15 works with Alexa. To start watching, simply say “Alexa, open Fire TV” or “Alexa, play ‘Wednesday,'” and you will immediately be taken to where you need to go.

Pair a remote

The Echo Show 15 has an on-screen remote, but, to be honest, it is rather clunky. To have the best Fire TV experience, it is best to pair an Alexa Voice Remote (3rd Generation) to your Echo Show 15. To do this, it only takes three taps: tap on Settings, tap on Fire TV Settings and tap on Fire TV Remote. You’ll be paired up in seconds.

Amazon’s Echo devices

Echo Show 15 ]

What sets the Echo Show apart from all other Amazon Echo devices is it is the only one to have a screen. The Echo Show 15 has the largest screen: 15.6 inches. Besides having Fire TV, this model lets you make video calls, display photos and more.

Echo Frames (2nd Generation) ]

The Echo Frames are basically earbuds that also protect your eyes from bright sunlight. Unlike smart glasses, such as Ray-Ban Stories, Echo Frames are only used for audio applications. You can listen to music, podcasts, make calls and more, but you cannot take photos or capture video.

Echo Buds (2nd Generation) ]

Amazon’s earbuds have dynamic audio and active noise cancellation. They are compact, stay secure in your ears and are sweat-resistant. A full battery charge gives you up to five hours of listening time. And wearing the Echo Buds means you can leave your phone in your pocket because you can use these smart devices to make calls, set reminders and more.

Echo Auto (2nd Generation) ]

Echo Auto gives you Alexa for your car. Whether you just want to listen to music or you have to make an emergency call for roadside assistance, Echo Auto can do it all.

Echo Dot with Clock (5th Generation) ]

The 5th generation Echo Dot with clock is the latest Alexa device for your home. The improved LED lights that normally display time can also show song titles, weather and more. It also has improved audio that delivers a better listening experience than previous generations.

Echo Dot (5th Generation) ]

If you want to save a little money, this version of the Echo Dot is the same as the Echo Dot with Clock, only there is no LED display.

Echo Dot Kids (5th Generation) ]

If you have kids, this is the Echo device you need. It features a fun design (either an owl or a dragon) and comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon KidsPlus. It has parental controls and is designed to protect your child’s privacy.

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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Stay warm year round with the best outdoor heaters

Sun, 12/24/2023 - 23:10
Which outdoor heater should you buy?

Even in the summer months, the evenings can bring a chill once the sun goes down. When fall and winter months approach, it’s disappointing not to be able to use your outdoor space for months on end.

In both these scenarios, an outdoor heater lets you make the most of your patio, yard or deck. With a heater to keep you cozy, you can extend the longevity of your outdoor time throughout the year.

Types of outdoor heaters

From size to energy source, there are many types of outdoor heaters you can choose from, including:

What to consider before buying an outdoor heater

Before you spend money on an outdoor heater, it’s important to consider the space you’re trying to heat and the most convenient way for you to fuel the heater. Some things to think about include:

best outdoor heaters to buy

East Oak Stainless Steel Outdoor Patio Heater ]

This heater has high heat-, cold-, rust- and corrosion-resistance. Coupled with its sleek design, it also has a convenient and chic table to place drinks. With an 18-foot heat range, you can rest warmly knowing that its triple safety protection system prevents tilts, flameouts and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Trustech Infrared Patio Heater ]

Ideal for large outdoor spaces, this patio heater works using a gold-coated carbon tube that heats within three seconds, is quiet, and has a 24-hour timer. The broad base helps protect against falls, and its infrared function targets people without letting heat slip out into the environment.

Serenelife Infrared Outdoor Electric Space Heater ]

Using infrared heat, this outdoor space heater offers a natural sun-like heat experience for outdoor spaces in the winter or while sitting out at night. It is waterproof, and its adjustable height can also be controlled using a remote control for easy use.

Pamapic Patio Heater ]

This heater uses a glass flame tube to heat your outdoor space and add flare to it with its beautiful design. The double stainless-steel burners are complemented by its user-centric design since you can use wheels to move it and a thermostat for easy temperature control.

East Oak Infrared Electric Patio Heater ]

Using an instant-heat Ultra Low Glare lamp, this heater kicks in after just one second for a comfortable outdoor heating experience. It’s also waterproof, dustproof and provides a candle-light atmosphere in your outdoor space.

Dr. Infrared Heater Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater ]

This heater is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and comes with brackets included for you to mount it to your wall. It uses infrared heat and comes with three power settings so you can adjust the temperature as needed.

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.

Lauren Farrell writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Chris Perkins: Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders proves his value in many ways

Sun, 12/24/2023 - 20:37

MIAMI GARDENS — They call him “7 Dog.”

And if you look at the Miami Dolphins’ victories that secured playoff berths the past two seasons — Sunday’s 22-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys and last season’s 11-6 victory over the New York Jets — you’ll notice the common denominator is the man they call “7 Dog.”

Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders, who happens to be the best golfer and best ping pong player on the team, drilled five field goals in Sunday’s monumental victory over Dallas. Three of Sanders’ field goals were longer than 50 yards.

“We call him ‘7 Dog’ for a reason,” said punter Jake Bailey, who is also Sanders’ holder, of the nickname that is based on Sanders’ jersey number. “He was a dog today.”

But it was Sanders’ shortest field goal, the 29-yarder as time expired, that was the most significant of the day.

He didn’t hear crowd noise. He didn’t feel nervous. He didn’t know the distance.

“You’re locked in,” Sanders said of his mentality before the kick. “It’s between you and the uprights.”

Sanders won that battle all five times against Dallas.

As a result, in Sunday’s high-stakes, high-profile game in which Miami’s league-best offense (411.5 yards per game, 30.9 points per) only produced one touchdown, Sanders was the hero.

“We call him ‘7 Dog’ for a reason,” long snapper Blake Ferguson said.

“We call him ‘7 Dog’ because he’s so even-keeled. Whether he makes one or misses one it doesn’t matter. We don’t feel like it affects him at all so that’s why we coined that nickname, because he’s just a dog.”

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Sanders, the 2020 All Pro who is the most accurate kicker in franchise history at 83.1% (148 of 178), etched his name in NFL record books earlier this season by going a league-record 10 of 10 on extra points in the 70-20 victory over Denver.

That was after he became a hero of sorts last season when his 50-yard field goal with 18 seconds left secured Miami’s first playoff berth since the 2016 season.

Sunday was different, though.

Sunday was the Dolphins getting a huge load off their collective back. Miami entered the Dallas game with an 0-3 mark against teams with a winning record this season.

Sanders didn’t blink.

He booted a career-best 57-yard field goal in the first quarter, a 52-yard field goal in the second quarter, and a 54-yard field goal in the third quarter. And just for good measure he added a 35-yarder late in the third quarter.

The 29-yard game winner was easy after those.

Ferguson made sure to secure the ball.

“It’s in his backpack,” he said in the locker room, pointing to Sanders’ locker.

“I ran straight to the ballboy. I said, ‘We’re not getting rid of that one. That one’s going straight to our equipment manager.’

“And now it’s in (Sanders’) backpack. I hope he’s taking it home. If he’s not I’m taking it home. Somebody’s taking it home.”

When this season began, Sanders was 4 of 13 on field goal attempts of 50 yards or more in the previous three seasons. He’s now 5 of 7 this season from 50 yards or more.

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He’s gone through his fair share of adversity,” Ferguson said, “and it’s great to see him have a day like today because it reminds you how special his talent really is.”

After every one of those adverse days media members would ask Dolphins special teams coordinator Danny Crossman whether he still had faith in Sanders. Each time Crossman would say he still has faith and that Sanders’ mentality is unshakeable.

That was on display early in the game Sunday. Before Sanders’ 57-yard field goal attempt you could see Bailey counting. Miami eventually called a timeout before Sanders could kick. They only had 10 men on the field.

“It’s just part of the process,” Bailey said. “You’ve got to count. Four on each side of Blake.”

Nothing could shake Sanders on Sunday.

Players tell me that’s how he is on the golf course.

“He’s the best golfer on the team, 100%,” Ferguson said. “It ain’t even close.”

“He has to give everybody strokes,” fullback Alec Ingold said. “He has to play down to the competition. … He’s a killer on the course when he wants to be.”

Apparently, Sanders is a short-game wizard.

“He gets on the green and it’s one putt almost every time,” Ingold said, later adding, “I think it has a lot to do with his kicking game, too. I don’t know how he controls the blood pressure or whatever, but no kick is too big for that man.”

In a sport in which kickers are often an afterthought, Sanders was a big part of the offseason crew that made it out to Florida Panthers playoff games earlier this year.

“He’s chill,” running back Raheem Mostert said of Sanders at hockey games, “but then gets a little rowdy when the time comes.”

Don’t get it twisted. Sanders knows how to have fun.

You might have seen him on the field Sunday counting his made field goals on his fingers — one, two, three, four, five — as teammates were mobbing him.

“I was in the moment,” Sanders said.

Bailey said in the grand scheme of things, Sunday was just one of 17 games, not a  huge deal.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “It’s just the next Sunday, that’s about it.

“It was a fun one though.”

As for Sanders, he’s planning on keeping the good times rolling on the field and off.

You recall how the Dolphins had that ping pong table in the locker room last season and then they removed it largely for superstitious reasons after they went on a losing streak. Sanders, brimming with confidence after the game, was told his teammates liked his performance so much they jokingly discussed bringing the ping pong table back into the locker room.

“If they wanna lose,” he said. “I was the guy so if they want competition, I’ll be there.”

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to throw against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert scores a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Fans cheer as the Miami Dolphins take on the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott scrambles with the ball against the Miami Dolphins running during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott scrambles with the ball while under pressure from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel tackles Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.(John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel tackles Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel celebrates after tackling Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg before a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to throw against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill catches a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • A fan cheers as the Miami Dolphins take on the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa before a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hands the ball off to running back Raheem Mostert against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders kicks the game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders is hoisted up by teammates after one of his field goals earned the Dolphins a playoff berth for the second consecutive season. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

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Dave Hyde: Dolphins answer questions and ‘don’t ruin Christmas’ in 22-20 thriller against Cowboys

Sun, 12/24/2023 - 19:47

MIAMI GARDENS — So much for not beating a good team.

“Awesome, check that box,” Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said.

So much for not having a signature comeback this year.

“It means the team isn’t crazy for feeling the way we feel,” McDaniel said.

So much for the kicker also not making 50-yard kicks.

“Our locker room is filled with they-said-you-cants,” McDaniel said.

There were so many nagging questions and so much good answers in the Dolphins’ 22-20 thriller of a Christmas Eve win over the Dallas Cowboys in Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday that it was time to consider more pressing concerns. Like the weather next Sunday in Baltimore against the Ravens.

“I hope it doesn’t rain,” Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill said.

It’s never too early to be too prepared, huh? Next Sunday’s game is probably for the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed and home-field playoff advantage, which brings up the next, the-Dolphins-haven’t done this hurdle:

They have only beaten two winning teams on the road in the past two seasons (the Ravens and Detroit Lions last year).

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That isn’t just a natural issue heading to this next game. It’s a reminder of how important the home-field advantage is in the playoffs, too.

Tua Tagovailoa is now 18-2 in games he’s started at Hard Rock Stadium. Does that explain things well enough? It sure helped his offense to have a majority (yes, Dallas was represented) of fans staying quiet on that final, 12-play, 64-yard drive that ended with Jason Sanders game-winning field goal in the seconds.

“It was a juggernaut game,” Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said. “It was what we expected.”

You’ve heard of must-win games and body-bag games. But ‘Juggernaut Games?’ ”

Well, the Dolphins evidently won one and it was an uneven game for the NFL’s two highest-scoring offenses. Nothing came easy for either one right from the start. Dallas’s game-opening drive was so effective Dolphins’ safety DeShon Elliott appeared to delay the inevitable with a great, twisting, pulling tackle of running back Tony Pollard at the 1-yard line.

Dallas fumbled the hand-off exchange the next play. The Dolphins recovered. Are we at the point, as Rick says in “Casablanca”, ‘It seems that destiny has taken a hand?” Maybe not. Maybe destiny hasn’t even shown its hand. But it’s on plays like that a good win was built.

Among the Dolphins standouts Sunday, Sanders shone brightly. He didn’t just kick the 29-yard game-winner. He became the first Dolphins kicker to make three field goals over 50 yards in a game, including his career-high of 57 yards He went 5 for 5 on field goals. He even mouthed a good working title to his future autobiography.

“It’s just me and the uprights,” he said.

Sanders not only won the game but he won the sweater contest afterward. “Tree Rexosaurus,” read a sweater that appeared to be the result of two knitters violently colliding. The only disappointment is a snazzy dresser McDaniel didn’t wear such an item.

One Sunday second-guess: If Sanders had six field goals maybe the Dolphins wouldn’t have needed to drive down the field for the win. McDaniel passed on a chip shot in the second quarter and elected to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line. Tagovailoa’s pass to Cedrick Wilson didn’t connect. So there went three easy points.

Winning is the perfume that covers such ideas, and Tagovailoa’s winning drive answered one of Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott that gave the Cowboys a 20-19 lead. But there were more than three minutes left, meaning, “We had plenty of time,” Tagovailoa said.

He connected on a few medium-sized passes. Jeff Wilson Jr. made a few nice runs. Sanders made his kick. It was all done except for a little happy crowing.

“Nobody on this team thought we were going to lose this game, and that’s pretty cool when everybody tells you you can’t beat X, Y or Z,” McDaniel said.

He checked that box. And this one:

“A lot of us are happy because their Christmas isn’t ruined,” McDaniel said.

Late Sunday afternoon, Hill even got his Christmas Eve request for next week. The weather next Sunday in Baltimore is forecast to be 44 degrees, with a zero chance of rain and one-hundred percent certainty of being a Juggernaut Game.

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  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to throw against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert scores a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Fans cheer as the Miami Dolphins take on the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott scrambles with the ball against the Miami Dolphins running during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott scrambles with the ball while under pressure from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel tackles Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.(John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel tackles Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel celebrates after tackling Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg before a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to throw against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill catches a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • A fan cheers as the Miami Dolphins take on the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa before a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hands the ball off to running back Raheem Mostert against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders kicks the game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders celebrates with teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

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Chris Perkins and David Furones break down Miami Dolphins’ win over the Dallas Cowboys | VIDEO

Sun, 12/24/2023 - 19:19

In this video, the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Chris Perkins and David Furones discuss the Miami Dolphins’ defining moment of the season so far — getting their first victory over a winning team this year with their win over Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins improved to 11-4, and clinched a postseason berth with the win. Miami will get another big test next week when they play the Ravens in Baltimore.

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Things we learned in Miami Dolphins’ 22-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys

Sun, 12/24/2023 - 18:06

MIAMI GARDENS — It was a possible Super Bowl preview, this huge matchup between Miami and Dallas at Hard Rock Stadium, as well as a meeting between two teams that have struggled against high-quality opponents.

Miami came out ahead on all counts with a riveting 22-20 victory on a 29-yard field goal by kicker Jason Sanders with no time remaining. It was his fifth field goal, three of which had been in excess of 50 yards.

The Dolphins and Cowboys both had lots of storylines to diffuse in Sunday’s matchup.

But the enduring narrative is Miami can beat good teams. This was the Dolphins’ first victory of the season against a team with a winning record. It carries lots of significance.

Here are some more takeaways from Sunday’s game:

Mostert eclipses 1,000 yards rushing

Running back Raheem Mostert (46 yards on 11 carries) went over the 1,000 yard rushing mark in the third quarter on his first carry of the second half, which was a 14-yard gain. Mostert, 31, rushed for a then-career-best 891 yards last year.

Mostert became the Dolphins’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Jay Ajayi in 2016. — Chris Perkins

Lamm starts at right tackle, and does well, as Austin Jackson plays reserve

Veteran Kendall Lamm, who had made seven starts at left tackle, started at right tackle Sunday in place of Austin Jackson (oblique). That meant Lamm faced Dallas pass-rushing linebacker Micah Parsons on many occasions. Parsons didn’t do anything in the first half except draw a roughing the passer penalty late in the second quarter. Parsons (seven tackles, 0.5 sack) ended with a decent showing but nothing special.

Sanders hits career-long 57-yard FG … then adds 52-yarder, 54-yarder and game-winner

Sanders, whose previous struggles from 50 or more yards has been well-documented, hit the game-winning 27-yard field goal with no time remaining. But he also had a career-best 57-yard field goal in the first quarter. And he hit a 52-yarder in the second quarter, making it the first game since 2020 that he’s hit two field goals of 50 yards or more. And for good measure he added a 54-yarder in the third quarter.

Sanders hit a 50-yarder last year to deliver an 11-6 victory over the New York Jets and get the Dolphins their first playoff berth since the 2016 season.

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Give a nod to punter Jake Bailey, too. On the 57-yarder he noticed Miami only had 10 players on the field when it originally lined up for that field goal. The Dolphins took a timeout to get tight end Durham Smythe on the field for the successful kick.

Fins go for it on fourth-and-goal from 5 with no bad repercussions

Miami went for it on fourth-and-goal from the Dallas 5-yard line early in the second quarter and didn’t get it. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw an incomplete back shoulder pass for wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr.

But going for it was a good decision.

Dallas ended up gaining just 14 yards on five plays, including a questionable roughing the passer call against defensive lineman Christian Wilkins. 

Interestingly, coach Mike McDaniel called a fade pass, the same thing he called unsuccessfully against Tennessee and, in so many words, called it a bad play-call.

No remnants of the big trade

Neither Dallas cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, one of the Dolphins’ three first-round picks in 2021, nor former Dolphins cornerback Kelvin Joseph, who was traded to Miami from Dallas in exchange for Igbinoghene during training camp were involved in the game.

Igbinoghene, who has no stats from scrimmage, was inactive for Sunday’s game. 

Joseph was eventually cut by the Dolphins and is now with Seattle on its practice squad. 

Lamb and Parsons moved all day and had some success

Dallas moved wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (six receptions, 118 yards) and Parsons all over the field, as expected. Parsons had a key fourth-quarter half-sack.

Lamb had his best early successes lined up in the slot, where he faced cornerback Kader Kohou when Miami wasn’t in zone coverage. But Lamb was positioned against cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard throughout the game with limited success. Miami didn’t frequently double team Lamb or have Ramsey shadow him the way they had Ramsey shadow New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

Parsons lined up over left tackle Terron Armstead, Lamm and center Liam Eichenberg without much success at any position. The Dolphins didn’t double team Parsons often and one reason is because Tagovailoa gets rid of the ball so quickly.

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Wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is battling a left ankle injury while trying to attain his goal of 2,000 yards receiving, entered the game with 1,542 yards receiving.

Hill ended with nine receptions for 99 yards. He now has 1,641 yards receiving and needs 359 yards in his final two games to reach 2,000 yards.

Hill sustained his ankle injury in the first quarter against Tennessee and missed last week’s New York Jets game, meaning he’d reach the 2,000-yard mark in 16 games, not 17.

 Waddle gets knocked around again

Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who has absorbed big hits all season, sustained an eye injury in the second quarter and a left shin injury in the third quarter. He left the game both times and went to the locker room.

Waddle, who ended with one reception for 50 yards, has only missed one game this season and that was due to a concussion. But he’s left the field several times this season due to various ailments. Waddle has proven his toughness this season.

Tua vs. Dak isn’t the big faceoff we expected

The big quarterback showdown between Miami’s Tagovailoa and Dallas’ Dak Prescott didn’t materialize. Tagovailoa ended 24 of 37 passing for 293 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions and a 98.1 passer rating. Prescott ended 20 of 32 for 253 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 107.9 passer rating. He was sacked four times.

Neither quarterback was able to consistently establish the passing game but both quarterbacks were able to negotiate situations well enough to keep their offenses moving.

By the way, both quarterbacks drew questionable roughing the passer calls. Tagovailoa got one from Parsons and Prescott got one from Wilkins.

Elliott makes huge play, then huge penalty

Safety DeShon Elliott stopped running back Tony Pollard short of the goal line on Dallas’ first possession and it was a big play because Dallas lost a fumble on its next snap. But Elliott (along with Howard) was called for pass interference on wide receiver KaVontae Turpin at the 1-yard line. Dallas scored three plays later to take a 20-19 lead in the fourth quarter.

(new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=40bacbdb-084a-4980-bafa-92da3b5cd8f1&cid=38d5daa3-18ac-4ee1-a905-373c67622f25'; cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "40bacbdb-084a-4980-bafa-92da3b5cd8f1" , mediaId: "a2e96ad8-3905-4ae0-bd9d-a4ccd6fcf711" }).render("858b20c9fa1d447a994b48d07b521f2b"); }); A Dickens-ian day! Elliott had one of the great tackles in years for the Dolphins, but then got bit late

It unequivocally should have been a touchdown for the Cowboys. On second-and-inches from the Miami 1 ½-yard line, Tony Pollard took a shovel lateral going left. He looked like he could have sprinted to the pylon, but halfway there, he cut upfield. Somehow, defensive back DeShon Elliott, with Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson trying to screen him from the ball carrier, latched onto Pollard and forcefully swung him away from the end-zone line. The ball was marked inside the 1 and gained a first down, but the Cowboys botched a handoff on the next play and the Dolphins took over, and on that drive, grabbed a 3-0 lead on a 57-yard Jason Sanders field goal.

However, late in the game, on a second-and-goal pass into the end zone, Elliott clearly held CeeDee Lamb but got away with it. Then, two plays later, he was called for pass interference at the half-yard line. It looked like he would escape paying for the transgression when Dak Prescott was sacked at the Miami 8 and then threw incomplete on second down. However, he then threw the go-ahead touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks to give Dallas the 20-19 lead. Luckily, his team got the win. — Steve Svekis

Going for it on fourth-and-goal from the 5 was high-end questionable

On fourth-and-goal from the 5, down 7-3 with the skies having just opened with a downpour, coach Mike McDaniel eschewed a chip-shot field goal that would have gotten the Dolphins to within 7-6 of the Cowboys. Scoring on fourth down from the 5 is a difficult ask in the best of circumstances, with all 11 defenders within a dozen yards of the line of scrimmage. Miami was a hair away from those three points being pretty massive.

Tale of two roughing-the-QB calls

One was hot garbage, with Prescott hooking his hand around the back of Christian Wilkins’ helmet to force the defensive tackle’s full weight to come down onto the passer. I guess credit to him, as he totally fooled the referee. The other, on Micah Parsons, was fully justified, despite the All-Pro’s angry histrionics afterward. After Tua Tagovailoa’s release of the pass, Parsons laid a forearm into his back.

The coin-toss mojo seems to have turned again on McDaniel in December, but in THIS case…

Again, it is a wild stat. In Dolphins’ McDaniel has won 19 of his 22 pregame coin tosses before December. However, on Sunday, he lost his eighth toss in 11 games played in December or January. Dallas, however, did Miami a favor, it seemed, when they decided to receive after winning the toss. The Dolphins, as usual, received the second-half kickoff. When the Cowboys fumbled away their first possession at the Miami 1, McDaniel had to feel fantastic.

Fox announcer Olsen made a fine point after a Waddle injury

Jaylen Waddle had injured his leg after a third-quarter catch. He pogo-sticked himself the 50ish yards all the way the field to the Miami sideline. However, the offense then needed to call a timeout because the play clock had started as Waddle was about halfway through his deliberate journey. Greg Olsen said that Waddle needed to be instructed to sit down and stop the clock without the Dolphins having to spend an ultra-valuable second-half timeout.

Campbell was big on the punt coverage unit

In the second half, Elijah Campbell first downed a Jake Bailey at the Dallas 2 to give his punter a net 58 yards. Then, on a punt that looked like it might have given Cowboys returner KaVontae Turpin a lot of return space, but Campbell tracked him down across the field, forcing him out of bounds after only 2 yards gained, a 51-yard net for Bailey.

Dolphins in their Super Bowl rematches

The Dolphins have played in five Super Bowls against four franchises (the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl 6, Washington in 7 and 17, the Minnesota Vikings in 8 and the San Francisco 49ers in 19). Sunday’s result, the Dolphins first win over Dallas at Hard Rock Stadium in four tries, made Miami 8-7 since the 24-3 loss to the Cowboys in New Orleans in 1972.

Against Washington in regular-season games since the 14-7 win in Los Angeles in 1973 that finished The Perfect Season, Miami has gone 9-5. The Dolphins are 6-6 against the Vikings since Miami pulled the Lombardi repeat by hammering Minnesota 24-7 in Houston in 1974. Miami has had the roughest time in the Super Bowl rematches against the San Francisco 49ers, who rallied to rout the Dolphins 38-16 in Palo Alto, California, in 1985. The Niners have gone 6-4 against Miami since then.

On deck: At Baltimore Ravens, M&T Bank Stadium, Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Ravens will be coming off a short week and a cross-country flight from San Francisco following their Monday night game, but they also have had this Miami matchup circled since the schedule came out, with revenge in mind after they blew a 35-14 lead with 12:13 left last September, losing 42-38 to the Dolphins.

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to throw against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert scores a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Fans cheer as the Miami Dolphins take on the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott scrambles with the ball against the Miami Dolphins running during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott scrambles with the ball while under pressure from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel tackles Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.(John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel tackles Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel celebrates after tackling Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg before a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to throw against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill catches a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • A fan cheers as the Miami Dolphins take on the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa before a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hands the ball off to running back Raheem Mostert against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark Sunday in Miami's 22-20 victory over Dallas. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders kicks the game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders celebrates with teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

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Hyde10: Sanders’ big foot, Tua’s late drive, AFC playoffs — 10 thoughts on Dolphins’ 22-20 win vs. Cowboys

Sun, 12/24/2023 - 17:34

Scratch one more question about these Dolphins.

Yes, they can beat a winning team.

The Dolphins went to 11-4 in beating Dallas, 22-20 on Sunday night in Hard Rock Stadium. It sets up an even bigger game next Sunday in Baltimore with possibly the AFC’s top playoff seed on the line. Here are 10 thoughts on Sunday’s game:

1. Player of the Game: Jason Sanders. He went 5 for 5 on field goals, including the 29-yarder to win it on the final play. He was the first Dolphins kicker to have three field goals over 50 yards in a game. And, to think, he’s faced questions this year about kicks over that distance. He was 1 for 4 on them at one point (entering Sunday: 2 for 4r) and 6 of 16 in the past three seasons. Sunday he was 3 for 3 from distance — 52, 54 and a career-high 57. The Dolphins needed all of them.

2. Drive of the Game: Dolphins get the ball at their 25 with 3:27 left. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott just took his offense down the field for a touchdown and their first lead of the game at 20-19. Now it was Tua Tagovailoa and his offense. Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn switched from the zone he’d played much of the game to man-to-man. Tagovailoa completed 4 of 5 passes for 31 yards on the drive. Tyreek Hill had two catches for 15 yards. Jeff Wilson ran three times late on the drive for 8, 15 and 6 yards. And Sanders made the kick for the win after their 12-play, 64-yard drive.

3. Play of the Game: With Tony Pollard appearing headed for a game-opening touchdown, safety DeShon Elliott hit, yanked, turned and ultimately made the tackle so while Pollard’s body crossed the goal line the ball never did. That mattered because on the next play Dallas fumbled the hand-off exchange and safety Brandon Jones fell on it. Dallas lost a great opportunity to take control early in a game where points weren’t as abundant as expected. That opening drive stats: 15 plays, 70 yards, zero points.

4. One big strategic question was if Dallas would stick to its man-to-man preference against Hill and Jaylen Waddle — and how the Dolphins would react if they did. It took the second play to answer. Tagovailoa threw deep from his 4-yard line to Hill and just missed. Next play: Tagovailoa went the other way for a deep pass to Waddle for a 50-yard completion. Dallas played more zone than usual after that because of opening plays like that. Neither Waddle or Hill got deep after those opening plays. Waddle was poked in the eye in the first half and had only that one catch as Cedrick Wilson and Durham Smythe had expanded receiving roles. Hill had 9 catches for 89 yards.

5. How would the Dolphins cover Dallas receiver CeeDee Lamb? Dallas wondered, too, moving Lamb around to both wide-out and the slot receiver positions on their first drive. Seeing the answers, they had Lamb in the slot on a big, second-drive play. Kader Kohou was opposite him, and he passed Lamb off to Elliott, who didn’t appear to immediately pick him up. That left Lamb open enough to turn a simple pass over the middle into a 49-yard touchdown. Lamb had 93 yards on four catches in the first quarter. He was then shut out in the second and third quarters before coming alive again in the fourth quarter. The Dolphins did a good job this year taking away top receivers like the Chargers’ Mike Williams, Washington’s Terry McLaurin and the Jets’ Garrett Wilson. Lamb had six catches for 118 yards.

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6. Fourth-and-goal at the six: What do you do? McDaniel went for it down 7-3 in the second quarter. Tagovailoa threw incomplete to CedricK Wilson in the end zone. It’s hard to know where the line is that McDaniel won’t go for it. Was he confident in that play? Thinking field goals wouldn’t be enough this game? He went for it on fourth-and-five at the Jets 14-yard line last week, but a penalty made them kick a field goal. You can find anecdotal evidence On fourth-an-2 at the 45 against Tennessee Tagovailoa was sacked on the opening drive.

7. How to touch the quarterback if you’re a defensive lineman? Christian Wilkins was penalized for roughing the passer when he clearly tried to keep from landing hard on Prescott and Prescott grabbed him to keep him close. But the call that changed the gam was when Micah Parsons was called for hitting Tagovailoa late when it was less than two steps and he hit him first with his forearm, as if to lessen the blow. Next play: Raheem Mostert caught a TD to make it 13-7. On both those penalties, FOX officiating analyst Dean Blandino said they were wrong calls and didn’t look like roughing the passer. “I just don’t see a foul,” he said of the Parsons penalty.

8. Andrew Van Ginkel has found a good role after a summer of the Dolphins allowing him to shop his skills around. He had 10 tackles playing primarily an edge rushing role to led the Dolphins. He also had 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hits and a pass defensed. Put him among the many offseason decisions this team has to make.

9. Quick Hits:

Sanders hit a career-long 57-yard field goal to open the scoring;

Waddle’s 50-yard catch in the first quarter put him over 1,000 yards receiving for his third straight season. He’s the first Dolphin and only the ninth NFL player to have 1,000 yards in the opening three seasons;

For all the talk of the Dolphins missing their interior linemen, Dallas missing All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith was a place the Dolphins attacked with impact;

Congrats to former Dolphins interim coach Dan Campbell, whose Detroit Lions won their division for the first time since 1993.

10. Next week: Dolphins at Baltimore. The game that could decide the top seed in the AFC comes with a scheduling story. The Ravens play San Francisco on Monday night, then have a cross-country flight to get back home Tuesday morning. That’s about two days of rest the Dolphins have on the Ravens heading into next Sunday’s game. Does it matter? Well, you want every margin of an advantage in a game like this.

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  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to throw against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert scores a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Fans cheer as the Miami Dolphins take on the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott scrambles with the ball against the Miami Dolphins running during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott scrambles with the ball while under pressure from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel tackles Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.(John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel tackles Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel celebrates after tackling Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg before a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to throw against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill catches a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • A fan cheers as the Miami Dolphins take on the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa before a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hands the ball off to running back Raheem Mostert against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders kicks the game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders celebrates with teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

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Dolphins edge Cowboys on late Sanders field goal, beat a contender and punch ticket to postseason

Sun, 12/24/2023 - 17:33

MIAMI GARDENS — In the “prove you can beat a contender” bowl, the Miami Dolphins finally got one of those wins.

Behind a late game-winning drive and five field goals from kicker Jason Sanders — three from long range — the Dolphins took down the Cowboys, who came in with a similar narrative of coming up short against winning teams, 22-20, on a Christmas Eve Sunday evening at Hard Rock Stadium.

Sanders’ final boot from 29 yards with no time remaining was the difference.

“These kind of games, in December, that’s how they go,” said quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was 24 of 37 for 293 yards and a touchdown and orchestrated the final drive. “Whoever has the ball last.”

Miami (11-4) clinched a playoff berth with the victory. It’s the first time since the 2001 season the team has qualified for consecutive playoffs.

“I felt like I’ve been waiting for that moment since the Jets game last year,” said Sanders, who also kicked the Dolphins into the postseason in 2022. “It just feels that much better that it was against a quality opponent.”

The hard-fought victory helps negate the narrative that these Dolphins can’t beat winning teams — in a week that started with coach Mike McDaniel telling anyone bringing up that outside talk to “F off.”

“I think it’s really hard to ignore the noise, so to speak, or not hear it,” McDaniel said after Sunday’s win. “I think you’re going to hear it. And so it’s impossible for people not to know all the things that we’re not capable of doing.

“I’m proud for this team because, regardless of what people say, you have to get to a mode where you’re solely worried about doing your job and being responsible for that with your teammates. And anything else, you get distracted and lose focus on what actually matters.”

The Dolphins are now one win away from clinching the AFC East, and they would take over No. 1 in the AFC with a Baltimore Ravens loss on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers — a playoff position that will be decided in next week’s showdown in Baltimore anyway. Miami can also clinch the division over the Buffalo Bills before their meeting in Miami Gardens in the finale with a win over the Ravens on Dec. 31.

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Sunday’s win can catapult the Dolphins into the final two regular-season games and the postseason with confidence, but Tagovailoa refutes that idea, stating the confidence is already within the team.

“I don’t think anyone is necessarily worried about what anyone else is saying outside of the guys in the building,” Tagovailoa said. “The confidence, I mean, everyone has confidence in each other and themselves. I don’t think winning these games do anything more or anything less.”

The Cowboys (10-5) fall in back-to-back weeks to the top teams in the AFC East after losing to Buffalo last week. Quarterback Dak Prescott battled through four sacks and 12 quarterback hits, often evading pressure to get passes off under duress, and finished 20 of 32 for 253 yards and two touchdowns.

The two teams’ top receivers dueled. The Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill went for 99 yards on nine receptions, and Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb amassed 118 yards and a touchdown on six catches — but 93 of them were in the first quarter.

The final drive went 12 plays for 64 yards before Sanders’ short field goal, which was a chip shot compared to the 50-yarders he made earlier.

Facing third-and-3 from the Dallas 33-yard line, a quick screen from Tagovailoa to Hill after the two-minute warning kept the Dolphins going deeper into Dallas territory. Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. then took the next three carries, the third being a powerful 6-yard plunge that picked up a first down on third-and-2 and allowed Miami to run out the clock for Sanders’ game-winner. A facemask penalty on Cowboys linebacker Damone Clark was instrumental in getting the Dolphins up the field quickly.

“I feel like every  guy on the team knew what was at stake,” said Hill of the late drive that saw him pick up 10 yards on the big third-and-3. “Coach (McDaniel) was like, ‘Look, I’m coming to you no matter what.’ And the rest of the guys were, ‘All right, ‘Reek, we’re going to block for you. Just make sure you get 3 yards right here.’ And it was a thing of beauty.”

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Trailing throughout much of the second half, the Cowboys took a 20-19 lead when Prescott threw a touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks in the corner of the end zone that Cooks came down with against cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Kader Kohou.

The score came after Miami nearly had a fourth-down stop, but safety DeShon Elliott was called for pass interference that set Dallas up inside Miami’s 1-yard line. The Cowboys immediately made the touchdown more difficult with Prescott taking a sack on first down as Dallas opted against pounding it in.

The Dolphins went into halftime with a 13-7 lead thanks to running back Raheem Mostert’s one-handed touchdown catch by the goal line with no one around him. Mostert missed significant time in the first half with an undisclosed injury, but he was always seen on the sideline near the line of scrimmage and re-entered late in the second quarter with Miami 4 yards away from scoring.

Early in the second half, Sanders expanded the lead with his third field goal make from 50-plus. His 54-yarder gave Miami a 16-7 lead. By the middle of the third period, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey made a 43-yard field goal to get Dallas back within one possession, 16-10. That drive could’ve gone for more had it not been for an illegal shift penalty that negated a big Prescott scramble in the red zone.

Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio opted not to have Ramsey, his elite cornerback who shut down the Jets’ Garrett Wilson last week, shadow Lamb. And Lamb made Miami pay early.

In the first quarter, he had four receptions for 93 yards and a 49-yard touchdown in which he ran free on a slant across the middle of the Miami defense. Lamb, though, did not have his next catch until the fourth quarter.

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The Cowboys’ opening drive went 15 plays and 73 yards, and consumed 7:43, getting down to the Miami 1-yard line, but Dallas came up empty. Prescott and Hunter Luepke had a fumbled exchange on a goal-line carry, and safety Brandon Jones recovered the football.

Taking over deep in their own territory, the Dolphins missed an opportunity to score a long touchdown as a deep pass from Tagovailoa to Hill, open beyond Dallas cornerback DaRon Bland along the left sideline, was dropped.

Tagovailoa, however, followed with a deep pass to Jaylen Waddle down the opposite sideline that went for 50 yards. It turned out to be Waddle’s only catch, as he missed time with eye and shin injuries. It also advanced Miami to set up Sanders’ first field goal, a career-long 57-yard make.

“It’s just Christmas. Christmas is here,” Sanders said, laughing, about what got into him for the three deep kicks. “I treat every game the same.”

In the second quarter, after Lamb’s long touchdown, the Dolphins drove down as deep as the Dallas 3-yard line before ending up in a fourth-and-goal at the 5-yard line. McDaniel opted to go for it instead of taking the 3 points, and Tagovailoa’s fade route to Cedrick Wilson Jr. in the end zone was not caught inbounds.

Later in the second period, Sanders connected on his second 50-yarder, from 52 yards out.

Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and Bradley Chubb each had 1 1/2 sacks, and defensive tackle Zach Sieler had another.

The Dolphins next travel to Baltimore for a New Year’s Eve showdown with the Ravens before a home regular-season finale against the Bills.

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to throw against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert scores a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Fans cheer as the Miami Dolphins take on the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott scrambles with the ball against the Miami Dolphins running during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott scrambles with the ball while under pressure from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel tackles Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.(John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel tackles Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel celebrates after tackling Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg before a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to throw against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill catches a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • A fan cheers as the Miami Dolphins take on the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa before a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hands the ball off to running back Raheem Mostert against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders kicks the game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

  • Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders celebrates with teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

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Instant Analysis: Miami Dolphins 22, Dallas Cowboys 20

Sun, 12/24/2023 - 17:32

Quick thoughts from South Florida Sun Sentinel staffers on the Miami Dolphins’ victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens:

Dave Hyde, Columnist

A Christmas Eve thriller right down to giving the present this team needed with a win against a playoff team. Timely kicks, strong defense (until the end) and a timely drive led by Tua Tagovailoa were just what this season ordered.

David Furones, Dolphins Writer

Finally! A win against another winning team. The Dolphins proved they can get that done against another contender, and that will be huge for their confidence down the final stretch of the Ravens, Bills and then the playoffs, which were clinched Sunday. Merry Christmas to Dolphins fans!

Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor

The Dolphins dispatched a narrative and left the Cowboys with one, but, most importantly, Miami is a win in Baltimore (or a Bills loss vs. New England) from winning the AFC East. And, if Kansas City for some reason loses to the Raiders on Christmas, the Ravens game is for the top AFC seed. Taut, playoff-caliber display on Christmas Eve.

Steve Svekis, Sports Senior Content Editor

That? That was a quality, quality win. The Dolphins had to toss that gorilla off their back, and they figured out how to. Now, if the Dolphins win in Baltimore, they clinch a home playoff game, and have an outside chance of getting the No. 1 seed before New Year’s Day.

General Daily Insight for December 25, 2023

Sun, 12/24/2023 - 17:00
General Daily Insight for December 25, 2023

Undeniable positivity adds charm to the day. Alluring Venus is reaching out from seductive Scorpio to form a harmonious trine with gentle Neptune in Pisces at 12:15 pm EST, which will send out wonderful vibrations throughout the universe. Both of these planets want us to enjoy ourselves, so they will do their best to remove any impediments to our pleasure. Meanwhile, the Moon in Gemini will oppose passionate Mars in Sagittarius, so the day will probably close out on anything but a quiet note.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

A softer touch is the way to handle things. Easy-going Venus in your 8th House of Sensuality is trining Neptune in your 12th House of Surrender, and while the 8th house is normally a very extreme territory, these two planets want you to ease up on the intensity. Instead of thinking about what you can get right now, think about what you can give! Neptune is encouraging you to lean into your altruistic side, and Venus is coming along to ensure you enjoy the process.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

People can bring joy into your life from every angle. The lovely collaboration between your sign’s ruler Venus in your partnership sector and Neptune in your friendship sector is opening opportunities to have fun with just about anyone on a day like this! You could also meet someone who turns out to be very beneficial to your life down the line, so although you shouldn’t assign value to people based on what they can do for you, they can indeed do a lot.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Your usual responsibilities might begin to feel wonderfully easy. Loving Venus is moving along through your efficient 6th house, mitigating many work issues — and is currently embracing Neptune in your career-driven 10th house for a harmonious trine. The little things you do now could reflect quite well on you in a larger sense, and people should notice all the detail and extra effort you put in. The less you worry about making a big splash, the larger it will be.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Your creativity is practically boundless. A wonderful trine between Venus in your joyful 5th house and Neptune in your expansive 9th house will provide you with endless inspiration and ideas that could propel you forward to intriguing places, bringing you lots of excitement and satisfaction in the process. Look beyond your usual boundaries in order to find so much more waiting out in the world than you ever imagined! Don’t wait to get going and see what you discover along the way.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Knowing people have your back is extra reassuring at present. You’ll be reminded of the support available to you as Venus in your emotional 4th house trines Neptune in your transformative 8th house, which may result in a relative or close connection providing you with some sort of assistance, possibly even financial. You probably won’t see this coming — even if you do, receiving such a windfall will feel wonderful. Keep your eyes open and be gracious whenever it arrives, big or small.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

There’s rarely been a better time to circulate and socialize. Venus in your communication sector is collaborating for a rare trine with Neptune in your partnership sector, which could inspire you to reach out and form beneficial fresh connections. This can be terrific for both romantic and professional endeavors — as long as you take time getting to know the person across from you before you make any final decisions or sign on any dotted lines! Remember, Neptune can confuse fact with fiction.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Work probably won’t feel like work to you today. Everything is flowing smoothly, thanks to a gentle trine between Venus in your income sector and Neptune in your responsible 6th house. You’re capable of making steady, gentle progress without breaking a sweat. This energy may inspire you to take an updated approach to an ongoing project or profession. Plus, Venus will do its part to make sure it’s profitable — though don’t be afraid to use your own creativity to ensure that as well.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

You can shine more brightly than anyone at this time. Venus in your dramatic sign is lighting you up from within. You’re almost glowing as it trines Neptune in your shimmering 5th house. Let this energy invigorate your inner Muse! Even if you don’t think of yourself as a performer or artist, give it a whirl and see what your inspired mind designs. You could uncover a talent you never knew you possessed as Venus supports your efforts to present your very best self.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

It’s a wonderful day to let go and go with the flow. Pleasing Venus is swimming through your dreamy 12th house, encouraging you to don your rose-colored glasses! You’ll probably be delighted to do so when Venus trines wistful Neptune in your comfort-craving 4th house. It’s fine if you don’t want to do much more than putter around the house, focusing on self-care and your own needs. The planets want you to take it easy, so there’s no need to push.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Right now, it may only take a single kind word to make someone else’s day ten times better. A special trine between loving Venus in your connected 11th house and gentle Neptune in your 3rd House of Interactions will make it easier to get along with others. Still, you may wind up being something of a support for other people. That doesn’t mean you’ll feel put out or put upon; rather, you could find this experience cathartic, too, so lead with the heart.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

You can skate all the way to the finish line today. There is a wonderful trine between Venus in your 10th House of Career and Neptune in your 2nd House of Finances, coordinating with each other so you can be your best with less effort than usual. A VIP or other supervisor could recognize your skill and decide to promote you or offer another reward or recognition for services rendered, so remember to lead with your best foot forward at all times. You’ll go far!

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

The world is wonderfully limitless all of a sudden! Darling Venus in your 9th House of Foreign Cultures is designing a collab with magical Neptune in your inspired sign, showing you a selection of the boundless options available to you beyond your typical arena. Don’t hold yourself to old standards or expectations for a second longer! Instead, gear up and explore the person you are becoming every day by the minute. You’ll find that there is more to yourself than you once believed.

FHSAA releases 2024-25, 2025-26 football districts after ditching Metro, Suburban classifications

Sun, 12/24/2023 - 02:59

The FHSAA, after announcing the dissolution of its two-year stint with Metro and Suburban high school football classifications, has announced a return to seven “A” classifications to go along with one Rural grouping for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

Some notes as a result of the reshuffling:

St. Thomas Aquinas, who won a Florida-record fifth straight state championship earlier this month, drops to 5A. Where in 2023, the Raiders’ 3M classification included 10 schools from Miami-Dade County — including the team they edged for the five-peat, Homestead — this year, their 5A class will have only two teams from south of Broward, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy and North Miami.

After two straight years of Soul Bowl rivals Blanche Ely and Dillard playing a second time in the 3M regional playoffs, there will be no postseason matchups the next two years, at least, with Ely going to 5A and Dillard 4A.

Meanwhile, in the one 3A district that contains Broward teams (Pompano Beach, Somerset Academy and Stranahan), the fourth team is the football powerhouse that was also was trying to accomplish a five-peat this year, Miami Central.

There are 10 Palm Beach County schools in 7A, compared with five from Broward, but only five Palm Beach teams total in classes 5A, 4A and 3A (Atlantic and Forest Hill in 5A, Boynton Beach, Dr. Joaquin Garcia and Suncoast in 4A, and no schools in 3A).

The redistricting is considered tentative until the completion of the FHSAA appeals process.

These are the new districts as they pertain to schools in Broward and Palm Beach counties:

7A

12-7A: Jupiter, Palm Beach Central, Palm Beach Lakes, Wellington

13-7A: John I. Leonard, Lake Worth, Park Vista, Santaluces

14-7A: Boca Raton, Coral Glades, Stoneman Douglas, Spanish River

15-7A: Cypress Bay, Taravella, Western, Miami Goleman

6A

12-6A: Dwyer, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Seminole Ridge, West Boca Raton

13-6A: Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Monarch, Piper

14-6A: Cooper City, Nova, South Broward, South Plantation

15-6A: Flanagan, West Broward, Miami Dr. Krop, Miami Beach

5A

14-5A: Atlantic, Blanche Ely, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Forest Hill

15-5A: Boyd Anderson, Hollywood Hills, McArthur, St, Thomas Aquinas

16-5A: Everglades, Miramar, Pembroke Pines Charter, North Miami, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

4A

14-4A: Boynton Beach, Dillard, Dr. Joaquin Garcia, Northeast, Suncoast

15-4A: American Heritage, Archbishop McCarthy, Miami Norland, Plantation

3A

15-3A: Pompano Beach, Somerset Academy, Stranahan, Miami Central

2A

10-2A: Glades Central, Clewiston, Fort Myers Bishop Verot

11-2A: Inlet Grove, King’s Academy, Somerset Canyons

12-2A: American Heritage-Delray, Calvary Christian, North Broward Prep

13-2A: Cardinal Gibbons, Hallandale, Pine Crest

1A

12-1A: Benjamin, Cardinal Newman, SLAM, Fort Pierce John Carroll

13-1A: Somerset Academy Key, Somerset Prep, St. Andrew’s, St. John Paul II

14-1A: Chaminade-Madonna, Avant Garde, Florida Christian, Miami Edison

Pahokee is the only school from Broward or Palm Beach to be in the 32-team Rural classification.

General Daily Insight for December 24, 2023

Sat, 12/23/2023 - 17:01
General Daily Insight for December 24, 2023

Being our most productive selves is easier than usual today. The Moon in steady Taurus starts out with a trine to alchemical Pluto in Capricorn, helping us draw upon our deepest energy sources. The Moon then enters chatty Gemini and squares Saturn in Pisces, forcing us to get more serious. Happily, the Sun in Capricorn will then sextile Saturn at 12:28 pm EST, so we can use all these vibrations to our benefit. Long-term thinking will be the most useful kind.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Rest assured that you know best, Aries. A helpful sextile overhead between the Sun in your 10th House of Career and masterful Saturn in your 12th House of the Subconscious is guiding you in the right direction. Your intuition may seem stronger and louder than usual, and you could have an important epiphany or two, possibly related to your work or other goals. Don’t question this profound sense of assurance and understanding — you know exactly what you are doing.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Your support systems can boost you up in the world. The Sun in your adventurous 9th house is making a supportive sextile to Saturn in your social 11th house, so friends or other acquaintances could prove especially helpful right now. Your membership to a special club or other group could come in handy, especially when it secures you a wonderful new opportunity. If you’re looking to expand your horizons, turn to the people in your network — they may have some surprising suggestions!

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

It’s time to be rewarded for all your efforts. The skies are pulsating with a positive sextile between the Sun in your 8th House of Big Money and karmic Saturn in your 10th House of Professional Goals, so it will come as no surprise if all your time and dedication pays off with a rather nice bonus of one kind or another. Saturn specifically rewards hard work, so if you’ve been giving it your all, you could finally see some wonderful results. You deserve it!

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

One person is all it takes to change your perspective. There is a special sextile overhead between the Sun in your partnership sector and Saturn in your expansion sector, and together they have the power to broaden your horizons. It’s likely that a partner or other close friend will be the catalyst for a new experience that opens your eyes up to possibility, but this may feel quite fated, like you were always meant to have this experience. Don’t allow it to pass you by.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

It’s not your imagination if everything feels more intense. There is a potent connection between the Sun in your extra-efficient 6th house and Saturn in your transformative 8th house, asking you to go the distance just to prove that you can. You may feel like you’re being put through the ringer for someone else’s kicks, but rest assured: this will actually work out in your favor. It’s not always fun to run the race, but it’s certainly fun to reach the finish line.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

It’s tempting to throw caution to the wind at a time like this. Life seems free and easy as the Sun dances through your fun-loving 5th house, but a sextile to Saturn in your relationship-focused 7th house could result in you pinning a bit too much of your pleasure on one particular person. Don’t let someone have too much sway over your own satisfaction, or you may feel like you’re giving up your autonomy. Remember: you are in charge of your own happiness.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Getting organized is easy when you put your mind to it. The Sun in your emotional 4th house is making a helpful sextile to hard-working Saturn in your responsible 6th house, and this energy will spur you on to be your most efficient self, checking off one thing after another on your to-do list. This energy is rare, but you can really make a lot of it if you try, so don’t sit back and let laziness overtake you. Dare to accomplish something impressive.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Creativity and productivity can be one and the same. A special sextile between the Sun in your quick-thinking 3rd house and Saturn in your artistic 5th house will help you channel your buzziest ideas into something that could withstand the test of time. The smallest interaction, even a ten-second chat with a stranger, could inspire a spark of curiosity that carries you along for years to come. Be true to your ideals, and whatever you come up with will be wonderful.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

A bit of necessary spending may be required today. The Sun in your financial sector is sextiling Saturn in your family sector, which could bring a bill or debt to your door that requires you to pay up, perhaps directly to a relative or possibly on their behalf. However, the angle between these planets is a positive one, so you could also make some wise investments in your own space, maybe with renovations or remodeling. Consider your options carefully — and spend even more carefully.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Your words carry extra weight right now. The Sun is in your own sign, lighting you up from within, and its energy is further amplified through a sextile to your sign’s ruler, Saturn, currently in your 3rd House of Communication. This is an especially helpful vibration for any important conversations or deals that need to be hammered out. You should be able to present your views with uncommon clarity. You can also make major headway on any writing projects. Let the words flow!

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Your daydreams are not worthless. It’s easy for your mind to wander while the Sun drifts through your sleepy 12th house, but a sextile to Saturn in your 2nd House of Income could result in your musings leading you to a very financially viable idea. Saturn will present you with sturdy options. You never know what you’ll come up with until you allow yourself to try, so open your mind up and see what eureka moments await when you stop pushing.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Self-control isn’t a dirty word. The Sun is in your outgoing 11th house, encouraging you to go off and play with your friends, but when it locks into a supportive sextile with stoic Saturn in your 1st House of Self-Expression, you might feel like you have to play the adult in every situation. There’s a fine line between being mature and being too serious or controlling, so make sure you aren’t overdoing it in the pursuit of being your best self.

Davis’ 35 points lead No. 14 FAU to 96-95 win over No. 4 Arizona in double OT

Sat, 12/23/2023 - 16:18

By MARK ANDERSON (AP Sports Writer)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — With Florida Atlantic and Arizona going back and forth Saturday, forcing one overtime and then a second, it didn’t feel like an early-season tournament game.

These teams could wind up facing each other again in March with much more on the line than the Desert Classic.

If so, they will have a difficult time topping the No. 14 Owls’ 96-95 victory over No. 4 Arizona for FAU’s first win over a top-10 team. Johnell Davis scored 35 points, just one short of his career high, and had nine rebounds.

“It felt like a high-level basketball game,” FAU coach Dusty May said. “This felt like a February game with the conference championship on the line.”

May should know, having last season taken the Owls on a stunning run to the Final Four. Only eight other teams seeded ninth or lower have ever made it that far.

They are showing that was no fluke, having beaten their second ranked team this season to improve to 10-2. FAU defeated then-No. 12 Texas A&M 96-89 on Nov. 24.

Giancarlo Rosado made the back end of two free throws with just under a minute remaining for what turned out to be the winning point against Arizona (9-2).

Caleb Love, who led the Wildcats with 26 points, missed a 3-pointer at the final buzzer. He was one of five Wildcats to score in double figures. Pelle Larsson was Arizona’s next highest scorer with 15 points, and Oumar Ballo had 13 points and a career-high 21 rebounds.

This was the first loss in Las Vegas for Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd, who was 9-0 including back-to-back Pac-12 Conference tourney championships.

“We told our guys these are the type of teams you’re going to play once you make a deep tournament run,” Lloyd said. “They’re an incredible team, incredibly well-coached. That No. 1 kid (Davis) was nails and they’re veterans.”

Davis nearly reached his all-time best of 36 points, which he scored against Alabama-Birmingham on Jan. 5.

“I just try to go out there and play each game the same,” Davis said. “When we get in between the lines, just compete.”

In addition to Davis, Jalen Gaffney scored 20 points for FAU and Alijah Martin had 13.

Vladislav Goldin, who entered the game leading FAU in scoring (15.1 points per game) and rebounds (7.0) and the nation in shooting at 75.9%, was in foul trouble most of the game and picked up his fifth early in the first overtime. He finished with seven points and three rebounds.

Love put Arizona in front 73-71 with a 3-pointer with 1:09 left in regulation. FAU tied the game with 7.2 seconds remaining when Gaffney rebounded Davis’ missed 3-point attempt and found Goldin alone under the basket for the dunk.

Davis’ 3-footer with 10.2 seconds left put the Owls ahead 84-82 in the first overtime, and Love’s two free throws with 5.9 seconds remaining sent the game to another extra session.

BIG PICTURE

FAU: The Owls were 1-19 against ranked teams before 2023, but have since gone 5-2 in such games, including Saturday’s. May downplayed what beating Arizona might do to get his team ready for the postseason, but at the very least beating two ranked teams this season should help the Owls receive better than a nine-seed barring they don’t stumble in American Athletic Conference play.

Arizona: The Wildcats would’ve walked out winners if Love’s last shot had fallen, so Lloyd was largely upbeat afterward. Arizona can take plenty good out of this game, such as dominating inside with a 52-39 rebounding advantage, including 23-9 on the offensive end. That helped the Wildcats outscored FAU 20-10 on second-chance points.

UP NEXT

FAU: At Florida Gulf Coast on Dec. 30 before entering AAC play.

Arizona: At California on Friday to open Pac-12 Conference play.

___

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___

AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Panthers start fast and finish strong, topping Golden Knights 4-2 in Cup rematch

Sat, 12/23/2023 - 15:55

By COLBY GUY (Associated Press)

SUNRISE — Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart scored power-play goals 1:59 apart in the third period, and the Florida Panthers went into their Christmas break by topping the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 on Saturday in a rematch of last season’s Stanley Cup Final.

Sam Bennett and Gustav Forsling also scored for Florida, and Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov and Brandon Montour each finished with two assists. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 23 shots.

Mark Stone and Pavel Dorofeyev scored for Vegas, which topped Florida in five games last spring for the title. The Golden Knights matched a season-worst by losing their third straight and are just 10-9-4 following an 11-0-1 start to their title defense.

Jiri Patera stopped 38 shots for Vegas. Florida had lost four of five before Saturday.

“They got our best tonight,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “We were pretty good. … We couldn’t win the Cup or lose the Cup tonight, but we did as well as we could have.”

The Panthers came out flying, taking 15 of the game’s first 16 shots. Add in those shot attempts that missed the net or were blocked in the first 15 minutes of play, and Florida had 29 of the game’s first 30 tries to get a puck on goal.

“We’re grinding and trying to get pucks to the net,” Verhaeghe said. “We’re getting really good chances. Some of them aren’t going in but it was nice to see a couple go in finally and hopefully we can continue that.”

And there were clearly memories of what happened last June, including the hit from Vegas’ Keegan Kolesar that left Tkachuk with a fractured sternum and out of the series. Kolesar fought Florida’s Ryan Lomberg midway through the first period Saturday; the fight lasted exactly one punch, with Lomberg landing the first and only blow before Kolesar wound up on the ice.

Kolesar seemed shaky at the time, but eventually had an assist on the second Vegas goal Saturday.

“He gave me the chance to kind of even the score. Obviously, he’s a pretty tough customer,” Lomberg said.

But Patera stoned Florida time and again despite the early flurry of pucks headed his way, and then Stone opened the scoring early in the second.

Bennett tied it for Florida and Forsling scored to put the Panthers on top, before Dorofeyev seemed to give Vegas a big shot of momentum by tying the game with 22.3 seconds left in the second period. He stayed locked in on a pass into the slot by Ben Hutton that hit the stick of Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, and then slid the deflected puck into the open side of the net.

Verhaeghe’s goal from the high slot just 17 seconds into a power play put Florida on top for good, and Reinhart provided the insurance tally about 2 minutes later — with Tkachuk helping by perfectly screening Patera on the play.

Vegas went 0-3-0 on its trip east to Carolina, Tampa Bay and Florida.

“It’s probably a good time for the break,” Stone said. “This wasn’t our best road trip by any means. We didn’t play enough 60-minute hockey in those three games, but we’ve been through adversity before and we’ve got to come out of the other side of the break rested and recovered.”

UP NEXT

Golden Knights: Visit Anaheim on Wednesday.

Panthers: Visit Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Dolphins’ Melvin Ingram set for 2023 debut after elevation; Cowboys T Tyron Smith out

Sat, 12/23/2023 - 14:52

Veteran pass rusher and former Pro Bowler Melvin Ingram could be in line to make his 2023 debut in Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys after he was elevated from the practice squad Saturday.

Also called up for the Dolphins to the game-day roster was cornerback Ethan Bonner.

Ingram, 34, who played in every game for Miami in the 2022 season, was an expected elevation this week after he was signed Dec. 13 and the team waived fellow veteran outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul from the active roster Tuesday.

The Dolphins, who have edge defender Jaelan Phillips out for season with a torn Achilles, could use the experienced three-time Pro Bowl selection as a rotational pass rusher with Andrew Van Ginkel starting in Phillips’ former spot, opposite team sack leader Bradley Chubb.

Ingram’s elevation could hint at the status of defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, who enters Sunday questionable with a hamstring injury. Second-year outside linebacker Cameron Goode could also be worked in after he received 20 defensive snaps in last week’s 30-0 win over the New York Jets.

Miami used its first of three available elevations on Ingram, with three games remaining in the regular season.

The 11-year veteran with 57 career sacks had 22 tackles, six sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries — one for a touchdown — last season with the Dolphins.

Bonner is elevated for a second consecutive week as Miami starting cornerback Xavien Howard is questionable with a hip injury. The Dolphins also have safeties Jevon Holland and Elijah Campbell questionable, both with knee injuries, along with rookie cornerback Cam Smith due to an ailing hamstring. If Campbell or Smith can’t play, Bonner could be utilized in their special teams roles — and provide depth in the secondary should more injuries occur in the game.

Dallas’ Smith out

The Cowboys will be without eight-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith for Sunday’s game.

Smith was downgraded from doubtful to out Saturday as he didn’t travel with the team due to his back injury.

Chuma Edoga is in line to start for Smith at the post that will be pivotal in protecting Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott’s blind side against Chubb, who has 9½ sacks for Miami.

The Cowboys also have six-time All-Pro right guard Zack Martin questionable with a thigh injury.

Crash closes Turnpike for second time Saturday in Palm Beach County

Sat, 12/23/2023 - 14:21

A multi-vehicle crash shut down Florida’s Turnpike in central Palm Beach County Saturday afternoon, in the second major accident of the day to block that segment of the roadway during the holiday weekend.

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One injured person was flown to the hospital by helicopter, and two other victims were transported on the ground. There was no immediate word on victims’ names or conditions.

The crash, which happened on the northbound side between Okeechobee Boulevard and the Beeline Highway, was reported at about 12:45 p.m. It happened around mile marker 104 when a heavy-duty pickup truck that was hauling three other vehicles collided with a car, according to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Several other cars sustained minimal damage.

The Turnpike, which had been shut down in both directions, is currently open.

Earlier Saturday, a truck hauling scrap metal crashed on the Beeline Highway’s overpass of the Turnpike, leading authorities to shut down northbound lanes to rescue the driver from a cab suspended over the Turnpike.

3 things learned from UCF’s loss to Georgia Tech in Gasparilla Bowl

Sat, 12/23/2023 - 12:29

TAMPA — UCF hoped to continue its recent dominance at Raymond James Stadium as the Knights took on Georgia Tech in Friday’s Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl.

The program had won five straight games in Tampa since 2018, and the announced crowd of 30,281 fans hoped to add another victory in its second ‘hometown.’

But the Yellow Jackets had other ideas, scoring 27 unanswered points in the final three quarters to rally for a 30-17 win.

Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee finished 16 of 29 for 198 passing yards with 2 touchdowns before leaving late in the fourth quarter after reinjuring his right knee.

The loss sent UCF (6-7, 3-6 Big 12) to its first losing season since 2016 and wrapped up its first season in the Big 12.

“We’ll put this behind us and turn the page pretty quickly going into next year,” said Malzahn. “We’ve got a lot of talented guys coming back and a great recruiting class,  and we’ll do well in the [transfer] portal, so we’ll put this [loss] behind us.”

Here are three things learned from the loss:

UCF can’t overcome surging Georgia Tech in Gasparilla Bowl loss

Knights continue to struggle to stop the run

UCF’s inability to stop the run ranked as one of the season’s biggest disappointments. That trend continued on Friday as the Knights could not contain Georgia Tech’s ground game as the Yellow Jackets rushed for 284 yards and two touchdowns. It was the fifth time this season that UCF allowed more than 225 rushing yards in a game.

Running back Jamal Haynes became the 10th player to rush for over 100 yards against UCF’s defense this season in rushing for a career-high 128 yards, 85 of which came after initial contact. The redshirt sophomore averaged 7.1 yards per carry and escaped 7 missed tackles.

Haynes wasn’t the only Yellow Jacket to take advantage of the porous defense as quarterback Haynes King (89 yards) and running back Dontae Smith (65) also contributed to the effort. Smith’s 1-yard touchdown run at the start of the fourth quarter pushed the Yellow Jackets’ lead to 27-17.

During one stretch in the 3rd and 4th quarters,  Georgia Tech ran 23 consecutive rushing plays.

The Knights finished the season allowing 194 rushing yards per game, the most since allowing an average of 193 yards in 2020.

UCF running back RJ Harvey returning for 2024 season

RJ Harvey and Javon Baker finish on high notes

Running back RJ Harvey and receiver Javon Baker capped stellar seasons with solid performances against Georgia Tech.

It was the perfect encore to a week in which both players announced they would return to the program next season.

Harvey finished with a team-high 120 rushing yards on 15 carries for an 8-yard average.  It was his seventh 100-yard rushing game as the redshirt senior finished with 1,416 yards, the third-highest single-season total in school history. He moved into ninth place overall with 2,215 career rushing yards.

Baker had game-high marks for receptions (9) and receiving yards (173) against the Yellow Jackets. It was his fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season, giving him 1,139 yards. He became the first Knight with 1,000 yards in a season since Marlon Williams in 2020.

“That’s big for us next year,” Malzahn said of the return of Baker and Harvey.

UCF AD Terry Mohajir sees signs of growth in first Big 12 season

Too many missed chances

UCF finished the season averaging 31 points and 487 yards per game, but as prolific as the Knights were on offense, the team struggled once it got into the red zone.

The Knights converted just 40% (2 of 5) chances inside Georgia Tech’s 20 and finished with a 75% conversion rate, ranking them 114th out of 133 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Twice against the Yellow Jackets, UCF was within striking distance in the red zone but failed to convert on downs.

The first came in the third quarter when the Knights appeared to convert on a 4th-and-1 at the Georgia Tech 20 but were called for holding. Facing a 4th-and-11 on the 30-yard line, UCF tried again, but Plumlee missed on a short pass to Baker.

In the 4th quarter, Timmy McClain’s pass to tight end Alec Holler was broken up on a 4th-and-4 on the Yellow Jackets’ 16.

The other time UCF failed to convert in the red zone came at the end of the first half, with the Knights driving to the GT 13 with less than 8 seconds and no timeouts. Malzahn rushed out the field-goal unit with the clock ticking, and kicker Colton Boomer missed a 30-yard field goal.

“We’ve got to make that and we didn’t make it,” said Malzahn. “We had a couple of opportunities … but the bottom line is we didn’t execute.

“You’ve got to make plays. You’ve got to find a way to put the ball in the end zone. We got down there and didn’t get points. Every time they got in the red zone, they scored and we didn’t get that done.”

Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @osmattmurschel.

Heat’s Duncan Robinson as Butler, Wade, Giannis, Harden? For one quintessential quarter, yes

Sat, 12/23/2023 - 11:02

MIAMI — This was not false modesty, considering the moment created and the company joined.

“It just sort of happens,” Heat guard Duncan Robinson said after scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter of Friday night’s 122-113 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

No, it doesn’t.

Because prior to Friday night, only three other Heat players had scored as many in a fourth quarter over the franchise’s 36 seasons: Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry.

And because prior to Friday night, the only players this season to score as many in a fourth quarter were Giannis Antetokounmpo, LaMelo Ball, De’Aaron Fox, Anfernee Simons and James Harden.

Such is the company Robinson joined after shooting 6 of 7 from the field, including 2 of 3 on 3-pointers, as well as 7 of 7 from the foul line in the fourth quarter to help the Heat close out their fifth victory in their past seven games.

“I thought I kind of let the game come to me a little bit,” Robinson understated, “and then just had some opportunities in that second half. So I tried to take advantage and be aggressive.”

This was not just 3-point Robinson. This was a mix of drives, cuts, take-charge moments in the second consecutive victory for the Heat amid the injury absence of Butler.

“It shows you how much he’s improved all across the board,” coach Erik Spoelstra said.

By that, Spoelstra meant on both ends, including the defensive assignment against Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, who went 0 for 7 in the decisive fourth quarter.

“He had a tough cover in Bogdanovic,” Spoelstra continued, “and they’re an explosive offensive team, they run a lot of different things full speed, and he was able to be in the right spots.”

That defensive effort came after Bogdanovic had erupted for 20 first-half points.

With Butler sidelined for a second consecutive game with a calf strain, one that potentially could also have him out for Monday’s Christmas night game against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, it appeared that it would be Tyler Herro or bust at the close against the Hawks.

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But on a night Herro went for 30 points, it was Robinson as closer.

“I think we’re a pretty well-rounded group,” Robinson said. “That’s what makes us hard to prepare for. It’s not necessarily who’s going to step up. Moreso, it’s just going to be a beneficiary of good offense and unselfish play.

“So I just tried to be aggressive in the spots where I kind of got the ball. And once you make a couple of guys start looking for you, and you kind of have that compounding effect.”

In finishing with a season-high 27 points, Robinson closed with the highest-scoring fourth quarter of his career and tied the highest scoring period in his six seasons, having scored 21 in a second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 20, 2019. At 4 of 7 on 3-pointers, he recorded his 11th game this season with at least four.

Streak extended

With Friday’s victory, the Heat extended their regular-season home winning streak against Southeast Division opponents to 20, tying the franchise record set from March 9, 2004 to March 24, 2006. The Heat’s next home divisional game is Jan. 12 against the Magic. …

The Heat now have averaged 65.3 points in the first half of their past three games, with 66 in the first half in the loss to the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 68 in the first half of Wednesday night’s road victory over the Orlando Magic, and then 62 Friday night. …

Herro has now scored in double figures in the first quarter, including 14 on Friday night, in each of the three games back since missing 18 with a sprained right ankle, averaging 27.7 points over those three games. …

With the exception of his single-digit scoring game when he played only the first half against the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 30 due to a hip contusion, Heat center Bam Adebayo has now scored at least 18 points in each of his 18 full games. He closed with 18 points, 11 rebounds and a team-high six assists Friday. Adebayo’s first assist Friday was the 1,500th of his career.

FSU is suing ACC instead of looking in mirror and taking responsibility | Commentary

Sat, 12/23/2023 - 11:00

In the Superior Court of The State of College Football, Case No. 1: The Florida State Seminoles vs. the Atlantic Coast Conference with the Honorable Judge Beano Cook presiding.

The Seminoles accuse the ACC of restraint of trade, breach of contract and mismanagement regarding the ACC’s “deteriorating” media rights.

ACC, how do you plead?

“Not guilty, your honor.”

On what grounds?

“On the grounds that the Florida State Seminoles – in an era in which contracts are not honored and individuals are only worried about a better deal for themselves while using victimhood as justification – only have themselves to blame for the predicament they’re in.” …

If I were an attorney, this would be my legal advice for the ACC in its groundbreaking legal battle with FSU:

Turn the tables.

Put the onus on the Seminoles.

Recite the quote I used to recite to my young daughters every day when I dropped them off for school and still tell them to this day even though they’re adults:

“MGD – Make Good Decisions.”

Quite frankly, Florida State has not made good decisions.

Full disclosure: I hope the Seminoles figure out a way to get out of the ACC because I would love to see them playing in a more football-relevant conference like the SEC or Big Ten. However, the Seminoles must also look in the mirror and take personal responsibility. While I don’t blame them for lawyering up and trying to do everything legally possible to break the ACC’s seemingly “ironclad” Grant of Rights media agreement, I believe any unbiased judge or jury will eventually stick a flaming spear into FSU’s dubious legal arguments.

Florida State players pose after defeating Louisville in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game Dec. 2, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

We are all defined by our decisions, and historically Florida State has made the decisions — some good, some bad — to hitch its football wagon to the ACC.

Let’s start with the monumental news that broke on Friday when FSU’s board of trustees made the unprecedented move to sue its own conference and challenge the legality of the ACC’s Grant Of Rights (GOR) and the more than half-a-billion dollars in fees it would take to exit the league.

Shouldn’t Florida State be suing former school president John Thrasher and former athletic director Stan Wilcox (yes, he’s the guy who also made the decision to hire Willie Taggart) for signing a bad GOR extension with the ACC back in 2016?

All of the ACC schools signed the original GOR deal in 2013 as a reaction to the departure of Maryland to the Big Ten. The thought then was: “Hey, let’s all band together, sign this contract and make sure our conference is steady and stable moving forward.”

FSU signed that agreement.

And then in 2016 — thinking they had a lucrative, long-term TV deal with ESPN — all ACC schools signed a GOR extension through 2036.

FSU signed that contract as well.

“All ACC members, including Florida State, willingly and knowingly re-signed the current Grant of Rights in 2016, which is wholly enforceable and binding through 2036,” the ACC said in a statement Friday.

In short, the Seminoles signed the GOR to ensure the conference would be stable and secure moving forward, and now they’re trying to blow up the conference into smithereens.

As we know now, the SEC and the Big Ten have since expanded and signed TV deals that dwarf the ACC’s deal. It’s no secret that ACC schools such as FSU and Miami will soon make an estimated $40 million per year less than in-state rival Florida. If you add that up over a decade, it means the Gators will have a whopping $400 million more to spend on paying blue-chip players and building palatial facilities.

I get it. The Seminoles are rightfully upset they were unfairly left out of the College Football Playoff, partly because the ACC is perceived as an inferior football conference. Mainly, though, the Seminoles are angry because the ACC doesn’t merit as much TV money as the SEC and the Big Ten. But, as I’ve written before, Florida State and Miami are mainly to blame for this as well.

When Miami joined the ACC 20 years ago, the narrative was that the Hurricanes and the Seminoles would become the Alabama-Georgia/Ohio State-Michigan of the ACC and carry the TV torch for the league. Instead, they dropped the ball — at the most inopportune of times. With conference TV contracts skyrocketing over the last decade, Miami has been irrelevant and never won the ACC championship since joining the league. Florida State has won five ACC titles in the past 20 years but, until this season, hadn’t played for the conference championship in nearly a decade (2014).

If FSU and Miami had done their part and maintained elite-level status, the ACC might be financially competitive with the SEC and Big Ten. As the old saying goes, “You get what you work for, not what you wish for.”

And while Florida State now laments the ACC being a substandard football league, let’s also remember the Seminoles built their national reputation because it purposely made the decision to join this substandard football league.

In 1990, with the SEC and ACC both trying to expand, FSU reportedly turned down an invitation to join the SEC and instead signed with the ACC. Legendary FSU coach Bobby Bowden, at the time, admitted he wanted an easier path to the national championship. In fact, he compared the competition in the ACC to the bums that aging, overweight George Foreman was beating up at the time in his quest to regain the heavyweight championship.

The Florida State Seminoles celebrate after defeating the Louisville Cardinals in the ACC Championship at Bank of America Stadium on Dec. 2, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)

“I’m like George Foreman,” Bowden said then. “I like to pick those unranked guys out and fight ’em. Ol’ George is out there knocking out these no-names, but he’ll be fighting for the heavyweight championship directly. Everybody just assumed ol’ Bobby was raised in the heart of the SEC, so naturally, he’s going to want to jump right in. Maybe I know too much about the SEC to want to join up.”

When the Seminoles joined the ACC, they went undefeated in their first 29 league games and won conference championships nine times from 1992 to 2000. In its first 10 years in the ACC, FSU breezed through the league, played for five national championships, and won two.

Nobody forced the Florida State Seminoles to join the ACC 33 years ago.

They did so willingly — and it paid off.

Nobody forced the Florida State Seminoles to re-up with the ACC in 2016 and sign a long-term GOR agreement.

They did so willingly — and now it’s not paying off.

Own your decisions.

Case closed.

Court adjourned.

Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com. Hit me up on X (formerly Twitter) @BianchiWrites and listen to my Open Mike radio show every weekday from 6 to 9:30 a.m. on FM 96.9, AM 740 and 969TheGame.com/listen

Miami’s Austin Jackson vs. Dallas’ Micah Parsons could be No. 1 matchup in a Dolphins-Cowboys game full of big matchups

Sat, 12/23/2023 - 10:34

MIAMI GARDENS — You see it all the time. Dallas linebacker Micah Parsons takes a step outside, then suddenly changes direction and beats the right tackle on the inside, and crushes the quarterback.

Parsons, Dallas’ two-time All-Pro pass-rushing linebacker who lines up on both the left and right sides of the defense, might be the NFL’s best defensive player.

“This dude is different,” coach Mike McDaniel said.

Although Parsons is only a third-year player, he’s almost certainly a top-10 player in the league.

“He’s a freak, a monster,” Dolphins Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead said.

Statistically, Parsons, whose 12.5 sacks are tied for eighth in the league, usually lines up over the right tackle.

So it’ll be largely up to Dolphins right tackle Austin Jackson, who is listed as questionable due to an oblique injury that forced him to leave last Sunday’s game early, to keep Parsons, who had 13 sacks as a rookie in 2021 and 13.5 sacks last season, from getting to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wrecking Miami’s game plan.

Or, to put it another way …

The Austin Jackson vs. Micah Parsons matchup could be the most important 1-on-1 battle in Sunday’s high-profile showdown between the Dolphins (10-4) and Cowboys (10-4) at 4:25 p.m. Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.

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And if Jackson doesn’t play, the Parsons matchup, which could go to either Kion Smith or Kendall Lamm, is even more fear-inducing for Miami.

And make no mistake, this game, which could be a Super Bowl preview, is full of big-time, 1-on-1 matchups.

There’s Cowboys right guard Zach Martin going against Dolphins defensive lineman Christian Wilkins; Miami wide receiver Tyreek Hill against Dallas cornerback Stephon Gilmore; Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey against Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb; Miami edge rusher Bradley Chubb vs. Dallas left tackle Tyron Smith; McDaniel, the Dolphins’ play-calling wizard, against veteran Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, a respected defensive mind. The list goes on and on.

But when you consider Parsons can both disrupt the timing of the Miami passing game by attacking Tagovailoa from his blind side, and put repeated hits on Tagovailoa, he becomes the Dolphins’ Public Enemy No. 1 this week.

Circumstances are more dire when you consider Jackson only practiced once this past week, and that was Friday, which is usually a half-speed practice.

Jackson will almost certainly be less than 100% healthy, and his oblique ailment could limit his ability to turn his upper body one way or the other.

There’s a chance the Dolphins give Jackson help in the form of a tight end or running back to chip Parsons at the line of scrimmage or engage in a full double-team block.

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But Tagovailoa gets rid of the ball so quickly, and Hill and fellow wide receiver Jaylen Waddle are so fast, that Miami seldom uses double-team blocks.

Jackson, the 2021 first-round pick who only played two games last season due to an ankle injury, is proving his mettle at right tackle this season.

Jackson has faced, and successfully handled, Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa, New England linebacker Matthew Judon, and Philadelphia linebacker Haason Reddick, among others this season.

But Parsons is different.

Parsons leads the NFL in pass rush win rate (32%). A few weeks ago he led the league in pressures (72), quarterback pressure rate (22.9%) and fastest time to pressure (2.37 seconds).

It’s a premier matchup, and there’s no doubt that Jackson, who wasn’t available to speak this past week because he was both injured and getting injury treatment, is aware of the magnitude.

“You’re very aware of who you’re going against,” Chubb said. “You talk about them all week; you study them all week. You’re very aware of who you’re going against. He knows it and he knows the challenge that he’s got. He’s going to step up to it and I’m excited to see it.”

One important factor for Jackson is not turning the battle into a 1-on-1 matchup, to stay within the team concept. 

“You have to do it within the team concept,” said cornerback Kader Kohou, who has had to struggle with that idea this season in battles against players such as Buffalo wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

“We’ve all got game plans and stuff like that but I’m pretty sure throughout the game he’s going to have some plays where he has to guard him one on one and I’ve got my money on Austin Jackson all day.

“Tell Micah Parsons that.”

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