Fins/Jets: Keys to Victory - Stepping Up

The scheme was great, but the players play the game. You can't win your division in the NFL without key contributors stepping up, and the Dolphins got some great games right when they needed them the most. I think the loss to the Patriots, actually, was great preparation for this one, as the young team gained valuable experience in a big spot, and they played a mature game on Sunday to secure the Division Championship.

Ted Ginn:

Ginn only made two catches, but they were HUGE. One was on the flea flicker, which after two other trick plays worked but faltered, didn't trick anybody. To make matters worse, Ginn was double covered deep, and Pennington underthrew him by about ten yards. Nevertheless, Chad's trust in Ginn was rewarded when Teddy came back to the ball with perfect judgement on his adjustment, and jumped high over the defenders to secure the ball on a long gain.

Ginn's other catch was simply a work of beauty. And this one resulted in a touchdown. Pennington made a great throw to the corner of the end zone, and Ginn showed great athleticism and hands in making a play that is better viewed than discussed. It was a serious catch on the big stage, as Ginn's two huge plays were instrumental in the victory.

Philip Merling:

Merling was stout while he was on the field the whole day, and though I am singling a few players out, it can't be overstated how important everybody taking care of their responsibilities was in allowing these big plays to occur. Nevertheless, Merling is on this list because of one play.

After an up and down first half, where the Jets took the early lead, Miami had made it 7-6 with a few minutes left. As Favre and the Jets took over, I remember thinking to myself how huge a defensive touchdown would be. The Jets ran a screen and Merling diagnosed it immediately, placing himself directly between Brett Favre and Thomas Jones. Favre inexplicably and haphazardly threw the ball, and as soon as Merling got his hands on it, there was no stopping him on his way to the end zone. Favre and Jones looked like jokes trying to bring the big man, switching ball hands the whole way, to the ground.

This was the biggest play of the day, and it turned out to be the difference. The Dolphins need to look no further than their last game against the Ravens to remember how big a defensive touchdown can be. Excellent work, Philip Merling.

Andre Goodman:

Is there a way the Dolphins can let this corner go during the offseason? After years spent waiting for his contract to expire, the tables have completely turned. Another game where Andre was almost exclusively used in press coverage, and this time he came out with two picks to show for it. Turnovers were key against the Jets, and what more can you say about a guy that came up with two. Goodman was opportunistic, and his final pick put the Jets, the Patriots, and the division away.