The Green Bay Packers snagged three straight fourth-quarter interceptions to seal a 26-20 Christmas Day victory against the Dolphins. Here’s what you need to know:
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
How the win impacts Green Bay’s playoff chances
The Packers moved to 7-8 and half a game out of the final playoff spot in the NFC. Green Bay got all four results it wanted on Saturday: losses each by the Commanders, Giants, Lions and Seahawks. The Packers are now tied with the Seahawks and Lions at 7-8, with the Commanders at 7-7-1 and the Giants 8-6-1. In order for the Packers to make the playoffs if they win out, they need either the Commanders to lose one of their last two games (vs. Browns, vs. Cowboys) or the Giants to lose both their remaining games (vs. Colts, at Eagles).
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The Packers host the Vikings next Sunday and the Lions the following weekend to finish the season. What seemed unfathomable not long ago — a team that was 4-8 making the postseason — is now a realistic possibility. — Schneidman
Packers’ defense proves key
Green Bay intercepted Tagovailoa three times — one pick each for the cornerback Alexander, inside linebacker Campbell and cornerback Douglas. Defensive lineman Jarran Reed also forced and recovered a Raheem Mostert fumble on a day when Joe Barry’s defense willed the Packers to a massive victory. — Schneidman
Injury concerns loom
Green Bay sustained several key injuries during the game, however. Star kick returner Keisean Nixon, who returned his first kickoff for 93 yards to the Dolphins’ 9-yard line, left early and didn’t return because of a groin injury. A hip injury knocked No. 1 wide receiver Christian Watson out early after a career-high six catches for the rookie, which went for 49 yards. Starting right tackle Yosh Nijman left early with a shoulder injury, and he was replaced by Royce Newman. — Schneidman
How important has Watson been?
Watson scored eight total touchdowns from Weeks 10-13 and had emerged as Green Bay’s No. 1 wide receiver after an injury-plagued start to 2022. He’s dealt with hamstring and head injuries and now has been sidelined by a hip ailment. — Schneidman
Who will step in for him?
In his place, the Packers will turn to fourth-round rookie Romeo Doubs and veteran Allen Lazard for production in the passing game from the wide receiver position. They had a combined six catches for 80 yards through three quarters Sunday. — Schneidman
It’s not all on Tua
The Dolphins offense had a second half to forget as it managed to get shut out by the Packers defense despite two trips inside the plus 40-yard line.
Tagovailoa had three interceptions on the final three drives and his play wasn’t great. But the bigger takeaway was the insistence on running the ball on early downs as much as they did. The Dolphins managed a successful run on just 35 percent of runs on first or second down and did so 20 times compared to just 22 passes (which had a 45 percent success rate). Tua didn’t play to his potential but running this much, even against a poor Packers rush defense, isn’t the right choice with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on offense. — Mock
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Miami’s defense provides silver lining
If there are positives to take away for the Dolphins, it’s that the defense actually played pretty well. The Packers had a below-average success rate on rushes and passes, and Miami only gave up 26 points despite a -3 turnover margin and the special teams unit giving up a long kick return. If the Dolphins plan to make the playoffs, they’ll need this type of defensive effort paired with Tua and the offense getting back on track. — Mock
Highlights
The @packers come up with another INT and take over with a 23-20 lead!
📺: #GBvsMIA on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/AwrcEGB7Ry pic.twitter.com/zTMTSCaQ81
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2022
The @Miamidolphins come up with a HUGE INT
📺: #GBvsMIA on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/AwrcEGB7Ry pic.twitter.com/35GfrspQvw
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2022
The @packers PICK IT OFF
📺: #GBvsMIA on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/AwrcEGB7Ry pic.twitter.com/pXgPXoLatE
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2022
Key stat
Tagovailoa came into Sunday’s game with just five interceptions this season. He threw three Sunday against the Packers, tying his career high in a single game. He previously threw three picks in Week 17 of his rookie season against the Bills.
Required reading
(Photo: Jasen Vinlove / USA Today)
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