The Miami Dolphins are still in the playoff hunt, thanks to a clutch performance from backup quarterback Tyler Huntley. Filling in for the injured Tua Tagovailoa, Huntley delivered a poised and efficient effort, leading Miami to a 20-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at a rainy and windswept FirstEnergy Stadium.
Huntley, nicknamed “Snoop,” showcased his dual-threat abilities, scrambling for a 13-yard touchdown and throwing for another as the Dolphins improved to 8-8. With the win, Miami remains alive in the AFC wild-card race, though their playoff fate will depend on results in Week 18.
To secure a postseason berth, the Dolphins need to win next Sunday against the New York Jets and hope the Denver Broncos lose at home to the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately for Miami, reports suggest Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and several starters are expected to rest as Kansas City has already locked up the AFC’s top seed.
Huntley, making his fourth start of the season, was remarkably efficient, completing 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards without a turnover. The 26-year-old quarterback, who spent training camp with Cleveland before being released, downplayed any notion of revenge against his former team.
“I wasn’t focused on that,” Huntley said postgame. “It’s about doing my job and helping this team win.”
His teammates and coaches had high praise for Huntley’s performance. “He stepped up when we needed him the most,” head coach Mike McDaniel said. “He’s always ready, and today he showed why he’s so valuable to this team.”
Huntley’s highlight play came early in the third quarter when he scrambled 13 yards for a touchdown, slicing through Cleveland’s defense with precise cuts to give Miami a 13-3 lead. Later, he sealed the victory with a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith late in the fourth quarter.
Tagovailoa, sidelined with a hip injury sustained two weeks ago against Houston, was limited in practice leading up to Sunday’s game. He spent the afternoon on the sideline in sweats, encouraging Huntley and the rest of the team.
“It’s impossible to know if Tua will be ready next week,” McDaniel said. “We’ll take it day by day.”
For Cleveland (3-13), the loss capped another disappointing home campaign, as they finished 2-6 at FirstEnergy Stadium. Second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled mightily, completing just 24 of 47 passes for 170 yards while committing three turnovers and drawing multiple intentional grounding penalties.
The Browns’ offense failed to capitalize on opportunities, including a fourth-and-goal play in the third quarter when Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey broke up a pass intended for Jerry Jeudy in the end zone.
Miami kicker Jason Sanders extended his franchise-record field goal streak to 25 with makes from 54 and 39 yards, including a fortunate bounce off the crossbar on the first attempt.
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, celebrating his 29th birthday, added two sacks to his tally, bringing his season total to 14. Garrett made NFL history as the first player to record at least 14 sacks in four consecutive seasons.
The Dolphins now face a do-or-die regular-season finale against the Jets, while the Browns wrap up their season with a divisional matchup at Baltimore.
Huntley’s performance has given Miami hope, and with Tagovailoa’s status uncertain, the Dolphins may once again call on their reliable backup to guide them into the postseason.
