MIAMI - In a thrilling game that came down to the wire, the Miami Dolphins secured their spot in the postseason as they defeated the Dallas Cowboys with a dramatic buzzer-beating field goal. With this victory, head coach Mike McDaniel became only the third coach in franchise history to lead his team to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons.

The Dolphins' 22-20 win over the Cowboys showcased their ability to prevail in any style of football game, a characteristic that sets them apart as one of the best teams in the league. Despite missing key players due to injuries, Miami's defense put up a strong performance, restricting the explosive Dallas offense for most of the Christmas Eve matchup.

The special teams unit played a crucial role in the Dolphins' success, contributing 16 points and fighting to maintain critical field position throughout the game. However, the Cowboys' offense came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 unanswered points and leaving Miami with a tight window to drive into field goal range.

Undeterred by the challenges they faced, the resilient Dolphins executed a flawless four-minute drive to beat the clock and secure the victory. Rookie sensation De'Von Achane provided a spark with his elusiveness, while Alec Ingold and Cedrick Wilson made significant contributions to push Miami into field goal range. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill's impressive one-on-one conversion on a critical third down gave the Dolphins the opportunity to drain the entire clock with one more first down.

To seal the win, Head Coach Mike McDaniel called upon veteran running back Jeff Wilson, who fought fiercely for the yardage needed to set up the game-winning field goal. Despite facing injuries and adversities throughout the season, the Miami Dolphins have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to playing for one another and emerging victorious.

In addition to the thrilling conclusion, special recognition is due to Dolphins' All-Pro kicker, Jason Sanders, who had a remarkable performance. Sanders kicked a career-long 57-yard field goal early in the game, and he went on to connect on three kicks of 50-plus yards, a feat never accomplished by a Miami Dolphin before. His streak of 50-yard kicks has now reached five straight, and he has made 15 consecutive field goals along with 52 successful extra point attempts.

Furthermore, Miami's defense continues to impress, as they now rank fifth in total defense and 13th in scoring. With a franchise-record 52 sacks and a league-leading 129 quarterback hits, the Dolphins' defense has been relentless throughout the season. Against the Cowboys, they put constant pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott, forcing him to face pressure on 42 percent of his dropbacks, the highest percentage he has encountered since the 2017 season.

The victory over Dallas was a statement win for the Miami Dolphins, showing their resilience, adaptability, and ability to come together as a team. With an 11-4 start, the Dolphins are off to their best start since the 1990 season and have secured their spot in the playoffs. As the season progresses, Miami will strive to build on their success and make a deep postseason run.

With their playoff berth secured, the Dolphins are poised to make their mark in the NFL and continue their pursuit of a Super Bowl title. Fans across Miami are eagerly awaiting the team's next challenge as they look to build on their impressive accomplishments this season.