The Miami Dolphins entered Week 13 with a chance to climb back to a .500 record after starting the season 5-6. With their playoff hopes on the line, every game has become critical for Miami, especially following their 2-6 slump earlier in the season. Despite looking like contenders since quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s return in Week 8, the Dolphins fell short on Thursday night, suffering a 30-17 defeat to the Green Bay Packers.
Following the loss, Dolphins defensive veteran Calais Campbell highlighted the team’s struggles, particularly their inability to execute fundamental plays. Speaking to ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques, Campbell criticized Miami’s 20 missed tackles, saying, “That’s the game, right there… When we have opportunities to make tackles in critical situations, we have to make plays.” He added, “If we’re playing our best ball, we can beat anybody. But today was definitely not our best ball,” as per Pro Football Network’s Adam Beasley.
Although Campbell, now in his 17th season, is past his prime, he remains a key presence on the Dolphins’ defense. Head coach Mike McDaniel reportedly resisted trading the 38-year-old defensive tackle to the Ravens, believing Campbell’s leadership and experience could boost Miami’s playoff aspirations.
Defensive Struggles Exposed
Miami’s defense, ranked in the top nine against both the pass and the run this season, faltered against Green Bay. The team’s struggles in pressuring quarterbacks—a persistent issue throughout the season—resurfaced in this game. With only 21 sacks across 12 games (28th in the league), the Dolphins failed to sack Packers quarterback Jordan Love even once.
Love capitalized on the lack of pressure, completing 21 of 28 passes for 274 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Operating comfortably in the pocket, he averaged an impressive 9.8 yards per attempt. While Miami did contain running back Josh Jacobs to just 2.3 yards per carry, the Packers still managed 114 rushing yards, including a goal-line touchdown by Jacobs in the opening quarter.
Offensive Efforts Fall Short
Tua Tagovailoa was forced into a high-volume passing game after the Dolphins fell behind 24-3 by halftime. Tagovailoa completed 37 passes for 365 yards and two touchdowns without committing a turnover. Despite his strong performance since returning from a concussion in Week 8, he couldn’t orchestrate a comeback in Week 13.
Packers Shine Despite Missing Key Players
Green Bay’s victory was particularly impressive given their injury-depleted roster. Without defensive standouts Jaire Alexander and Edgerrin Cooper, as well as wide receiver Romeo Doubs, the Packers still managed to dominate on both sides of the ball. The win improved their record to 9-3, keeping them competitive in a tight NFC North race.
For the Dolphins, the loss underscores the urgency to tighten up their defense and capitalize on critical opportunities as they aim to stay in the playoff hunt.
