The Dolphins snuck into the playoffs Sunday night when the Broncos lost to the Chiefs, ending a postseason drought that almost reached eight years and included no winning seasons.
Miami is 10-5 as it enters its season finale, a home game against division-rival New England. And Patriots coach Bill Belichick knows the reasons for the Dolphins' playoff berth extend beyond the undeniable, immediate impact of first-year coach Adam Gase.
Belichick at his media conference Monday was asked why he thinks Miami has been able to win so many close games late this season, and in his answer, he perfectly described why the Dolphins have been so impressive.