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Miami Dolphins studs and duds: Comeback attempt falls short

By Randy Gurzi

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Skylar Thompson #19 of the Miami Dolphins throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter of the game in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Skylar Thompson #19 of the Miami Dolphins throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter of the game in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Miami Dolphins, Skylar Thompson
Miami Dolphins, Skylar Thompson. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Stud: Cedrick Wilson, WR

With several wideouts struggling to hold onto the ball in the first half, Miami got a burst from a receiver on special teams. Following an overturned 54-yard reception from Khalil Shakir, Miami forced a punt.

It was a 47-yard kick from Sam Martin and Cedrick Wilson had a huge return for 50 yards.

That gave them the ball on the Buffalo 27 and while they again were held to three, Wilson was able to help them pull to within one score.

Dud: Skylar Thompson, QB

It’s hard to be too tough on Skylar Thompson. The rookie seventh-round pick was never expected to be starting a playoff game this season but with injuries to Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater, he was forced into action.

He didn’t get a lot of help since players such as Jaylen Waddle and even Tyreek Hill had some uncharacteristic drops but he also made a few mistakes that proved to be very costly.

In the first half, he threw a terrible pick right into the hands of Dean Marlowe. That led to a touchdown for the Bills, who were up 14-0. He threw a second in the third quarter, and this one was possibly worse.

Up 24-20, the Dolphins were facing a third and 19 at their own eight. Instead of taking the check-down and punting, Thompson went for the big play and Kaiir Elam picked him off. Again, this led to a touchdown for Buffalo as they went up 27-24.

Miami got back to within three after a couple of Buffalo touchdowns but the mistakes kept happening. Thompson had some misfires and a costly delay of game penalty late that cost his team. In all, he was 18-of-45 for 220 yards with a touchdown and two picks.

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