Miami, FL
Revisiting five Miami Dolphins to watch vs. the Buffalo Bills
The Miami Dolphins entered their Week 18 matchup against the Buffalo Bills in the same situation as their opponent: win and the divisional crown was theirs. Lose, and they would be traveling as a wild card team for the playoffs. Well, lose they did, as Miami blew a 14-7 lead in the fourth quarter en route to a 21-14 defeat.
The Bills weren’t perfect in defending against Miami’s top players, but in the second half especially, they were about as close as they could have been to perfection. Buffalo’s offense moved the ball at will, and after Miami’s offense was able to do the same in the first half, the Bills clamped down and limited their division rivals in the second half.
Here’s how our five Dolphins to watch performed this week.
QB Tua Tagovailoa
In the first half, Tua was really, really good. He completed 9-of-13 passes for 123 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. In the second half, Tua was really, well… not good. He completed 8-of-14 passes for just 50 yards and an interception. Miami’s offense gained just three first downs after intermission, and they ran 17 plays for a net total of 47 yards when penalties were factored into the equation.
Buffalo wasn’t really able to pressure Tagovailoa, but they did confuse him with coverages. That hesitation led him to hold the ball, which led him to rush his mechanics just enough at times. That rush caused him to miss high all night, which eventually came back to bite him on the game’s final drive. His last pass was a loafer into double coverage that safety Taylor Rapp intercepted, but there were a few passes that he just couldn’t put enough on in order to gain the yardage his squad needed.
On Miami’s first drive, he had Braxon Berrios beyond the sticks for a first down on the left hash. However, Tagovailoa was a little outside the right hash, and his throw hung in the air long enough that Berrios had to come back to the ball to catch it. By coming back to the ball, he ceded the first-down position, allowing Buffalo to make a tackle and force a punt.
These things happen when Tagovailoa is either forced off his spot by pressure or forced to go to a later read, making a throw where he doesn’t quite have his feet and body going in the direction for him to make his strongest toss. Buffalo’s secondary tightened up in the second half, limiting Tagovailoa and keeping the Bills in it long enough for their offense and special teams to score enough to win.
WR Tyreek Hill
Speaking of players who had a big first half, Hill was another one who was killing Buffalo early before the defense settled in and stopped him. Prior to halftime, Hill had five catches for 60 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. After halftime, Hill saw six more targets, but he caught just two more passes for 22 yards. He had opportunities to do more damage, but he either dropped the ball or had one of Buffalo’s safeties (Micah Hyde once on a third down and Rapp later on a first down) jar the ball loose.
It was Hill’s best game against Buffalo as a member of the Dolphins, as he totaled seven catches for 82 yards and a score. Much of that production came in the first half after Rasul Douglas left with a knee injury, as Hill worked on sub corner Dane Jackson. Jackson found his legs in the second half, totaling three tackles and a pass breakup on the night. Hill found himself leaving the field of play immediately after his quarterback’s game-ending interception, as he chose to skip the postgame handshakes in favor of an early shower.
LB Melvin Ingram
The veteran showed up in a big way on Sunday night, as he was a legitimate problem on the blitz all night long. Ingram totaled five tackles, 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss on his night, turning back the clock and looking like his much younger self — when he was asked to do things that make sense for him to do. I have to add that caveat because, for some reason, Ingram was the man who defensive coordinator Vic Fangio had in coverage against tight end Dalton Kincaid on one of Miami’s blitzes in a tie game in the fourth quarter.
Predictably, quarterback Josh Allen found Kincaid for a huge gain, picking up 26 yards to put the Bills at Miami’s 35-yard line. That call reminded me of some dark times, like when former Bills coach and self-proclaimed defensive genius Rex Ryan had guys like Mario Williams and Marcell Dareus dropping into coverage. Buffalo’s offense saw the matchup, exploited it, and set themselves up to take a lead that they would not relinquish.
LB Andrew Van Ginkel
Miami’s Josh Allen mirror/spy didn’t finish the game, as he left in the third quarter thanks to a foot injury. He was hurt while making his only tackle of the night, stopping running back James Cook on a seven-yard gain. He would have been credited with a pass breakup when Josh Allen dunked a pass off his head in the second quarter but, somehow, the deflection was secured in the end zone by wideout Trent Sherfield — so it instead ended up a “wow” play in a game full of them.
CB Eli Apple
The veteran started his night off with a bang, securing an errant throw by Josh Allen for an interception in the end zone that ended Buffalo’s first drive without allowing points. From then on, though, things weren’t as good. Allen was able to throw the ball at will as the night progressed, and Apple was on the wrong end of a pair of big pays.
First, he seemed like he gave up on the aforementioned hockey assist from Van Ginkel’s helmet, staring up at the ball while Sherfield positioned himself to catch it below. Apple also was the man in coverage who wide receiver Stefon Diggs burned for a huge gain to set up said touchdown, as Diggs made a brilliant sliding grab with Apple right in his face. He finished his night with eight tackles and that interception.
Miami, FL
Miami-Dade residents urge commissioners to block Coral Way rezoning, fearing neighborhood disruption
WESTCHESTER — Residents living off Coral Way are asking Miami-Dade County commissioners to block an appeal that would rezone a home on Southwest 24th Street, a move they believe could open the door for larger development and disrupt the character of their longtime neighborhood.
Home at center of dispute
The property at 7945 Southwest 24th Street is at the center of the debate. The owner wants to change the zoning from RU-1, a single-family designation, to RU-5A, a semi-professional office zone. The owner’s zoning consultant says the plan is only to enclose the carport and create a small office space, but neighbors say they are not convinced.
Residents cite past resolution
Several residents argue that the rezoning is unnecessary. They point to a 1991 resolution that allows businesses along Southwest 24th Street to operate while still remaining under the single-family designation. They worry a zoning change would become the first step toward larger development.
Neighbors voice strong opposition
Anthony Scremin, who owns a business next door, believes the owner isn’t considering the impact on the community. “He doesn’t give a damn about the people here,” he said.
Neighbors like Nelson Melendres, who has lived directly behind the home for more than 40 years, say the issue is not the current use but what could come next.
“I know what the traffic is. I don’t mind this at all, but you guys changing it to a different zoning, I have a problem with it,” he said. “I guarantee you that the moment this is changed, something else is going to happen.”
Concerns about traffic and developers
Others voiced concerns about traffic and the risk that developers might try to assemble lots if the zoning changes. Resident Danny Diaz said once zoning changes begin, it becomes easier for developers to approach other property owners. Rick Sanchez echoed that, saying such changes could make homes more valuable to developers and potentially lead to a project that “would totally change the way this neighborhood feels.”
Previous attempt already failed
The rezoning attempt already failed once, back in July. One woman walking her dog summed up the concern simply: “I like our neighborhood the way it is.”
Commission to hear appeal Thursday
The appeal goes before the Miami-Dade County Commission on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Residents say they plan to show up and fight to keep the zoning unchanged.
Miami, FL
Jaquez and Miami take on Golden State in non-conference play
Golden State Warriors (9-7, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Miami Heat (8-6, seventh in the Eastern Conference)
Miami; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Heat -6.5; over/under is 230.5
BOTTOM LINE: Miami and Golden State face off in non-conference action.
The Heat have gone 6-1 at home. Miami is second in the NBA averaging 124.6 points and is shooting 48.8% from the field.
The Warriors have gone 4-7 away from home. Golden State is 1-0 in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Heat average 14.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.7 more made shots on average than the 12.3 per game the Warriors allow. The Warriors average 16.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.7 more made shots on average than the 14.6 per game the Heat allow.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaime Jaquez Jr. is averaging 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Heat. Norman Powell is averaging 19.0 points over the last 10 games.
Stephen Curry is averaging 27.9 points, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals for the Warriors. Jimmy Butler III is averaging 33.0 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 62.5% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 5-5, averaging 121.8 points, 42.8 rebounds, 30.5 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.8 points per game.
Warriors: 5-5, averaging 113.4 points, 41.7 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 10.2 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.5 points.
INJURIES: Heat: Bam Adebayo: day to day (foot), Tyler Herro: out (ankle).
Warriors: De’Anthony Melton: out (knee), Jonathan Kuminga: day to day (knee).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Miami, FL
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office holds memorial service for fallen deputy Devin Jaramillo
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is honoring the life and service of one of its own – Deputy Devin Jaramillo.
The 27-year-old deputy, who is lovingly remembered as a homegrown hero, partner, brother and son, was fatally shot by a suspect on Nov. 7 near Kendall.
A procession will begin at 6 a.m.on Tuesday, beginning at the Caballero Rivero Woodlawn funeral home, to a private mass. The memorial service for Jaramillo will begin at 10 a.m. at LoanDepot Park, located at 501 Marlins Way.
How the fatal shooting of Jaramillo unfolded
According to investigators, Jaramillo responded to a minor crash close to the Enterprise Rent-A-Car in the 12000 block of Southwest 128th Street, near Kendall.
A source told CBS News Miami that the crash suspect, identified as 21-year-old Steven Rustrian, hit a vehicle, failed to stop and pulled into a parking space between two other vehicles in an attempt to hide after police were called.
Before Jaramillo arrived, Rustrian allegedly swapped seats with his partner.
Witnesses told Jaramillo about the incident and when he confronted Rustrian about the crash, Rustrian got out of his vehicle and started arguing with Jaramillo.
Surveillance video captured the moment the fight escalated, showing Jaramillo and Rustrian involved in a physical altercation. Video shows during the scuffle, Rustrian got a hold of Jaramillo’s service weapon and shot him several times.
After fatally wounding Jaramillo, Rustrian retreated back to his vehicle and killed himself with the deputy’s gun, officials confirmed.
A community in mourning
Local, state and federal law enforcement have shared their condolences with Jaramillo’s family since he was killed.
“What happened to our deputy was not OK,” Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said. She said she prays that they find a way for incidents like this one to never happen again.
“I want to tell you that behind this uniform, we are human beings,” said Cordero-Stutz.
South Florida PBA President Steadman Stahl said being a police officer was in Jaramillo’s blood. His father also worked for the department.
“I was at his graduation. I’ve known him before he got into law enforcement,” Stahl said.
“Deputy Jaramillo’s killing is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by every individual who wears the badge and the sacrifices these officers make to protect this community,” Miami-Dade County State’s Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement.”His family is in my prayers.”
Governor Ron DeSantis posted on X that he and First Lady Casey DeSantis are heartbroken over the deputy’s death.
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