{"id":1421298,"date":"2025-12-29T08:44:03","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T08:44:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=nfl-news&p=1421298"},"modified":"2025-12-29T08:44:03","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T08:44:03","slug":"game-recap-buccaneers-17-20-dolphins-dec-28-2025-miami-holds-on-late","status":"publish","type":"nfl-news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/nfl\/nfl-news\/game-recap-buccaneers-17-20-dolphins-dec-28-2025-miami-holds-on-late\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Recap: Buccaneers 17-20 Dolphins (Dec 28, 2025) | Miami holds on late"},"content":{"rendered":"
\nAnalysis by Andy Francis, NFL Game Analyst<\/strong>\n\n? Specialising in post-game breakdowns and player performance analysis\n<\/div>\n\n

\u26a1 Quick Recap: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Miami Dolphins<\/h2>\n\n
\nFinal Score:<\/strong> Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17 – Miami Dolphins 20\nGame MVP:<\/strong> De’Von Achane (RB, Dolphins) \u2013 105 rushing yards, 38 receiving yards\nTurning Point:<\/strong> Bradley Chubb’s strip-sack of Mayfield in Q4 (4:00)\nKey Stat:<\/strong> Dolphins: 168 rushing yards on 31 carries\nWhat It Means:<\/strong> Both teams move to 7-9, remaining in NFC\/AFC playoff contention by slim margins.\nNext Up:<\/strong> Buccaneers vs Panthers | Dolphins at Patriots\n<\/div>\n\n

What Happened in the Buccaneers vs Dolphins Clash?<\/h2>\n\nThe Miami Dolphins secured a narrow 20-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in front of 66,552 fans at Hard Rock Stadium on 28 December 2025. This season finale for both teams offered playoff implications and a meaningful test of resolve. The Dolphins built a 10-point half-time margin behind a strong running game and timely passes from Quinn Ewers, while Tampa Bay’s comeback bid fell short despite late heroics from Baker Mayfield and Chris Godwin Jr.\n\nMiami’s defense, led by key takeaways and critical stops in the red zone, proved pivotal\u2014especially as Bradley Chubb forced a decisive strip-sack fumble deep in Dolphins territory during the fourth quarter. Although Mayfield rallied Tampa Bay with a late TD drive, Miami’s effective clock management and a robust running attack through De’Von Achane sealed the outcome.\n\nBoth clubs now sit at 7-9, entering the final week needing victories and outside help to keep faint postseason hopes alive. The crowd contributed to a charged atmosphere, particularly during Miami’s key defensive series.\n\n
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