The Miami Dolphins are off to a hot start in the tropical South Florida weather, winning three straight games to start the season. Miami was recently on a five-game winning streak before being swept by the 49ers in Week 13.
Early in the season, the warm weather for many of the Dolphins’ home games and many NFL stadiums around the country seemed to give the team an advantage.
As the calendar flips to December, the cold weather presents the Dolphins with a new set of challenges.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS AT FOXNEWS.COM
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel speaks to the media prior to Miami Dolphins mandatory minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex on June 7, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
(Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
The team will have a shorter than usual week as they travel to New York City, where snow is expected to play the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was asked how the weather would affect the game plan, and he said both teams on the field will have to deal with the elements.
SHORT signed veteran wideout Cole Beasley after retiring.
“I think it’s like playing in Miami. OK, it’s hot. We’re used to being hot,” McDaniel said. “Does that mean we’re going to win every game? I mean, it can be affected, but you still have to play in the same temperature and climate as the opposing team. Just one more than the other. used to”.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel walks on the sideline during the fourth quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
(Eric Espada/Getty Images)
McDaniel downplayed the potential for cold temperatures to affect the game. The first-year head coach said the focus is on trying to win the game no matter what it is on Saturday.
“So I think it really should be you, and you should say it up front.” Hey, it’s going to be cold,” but that’s something nobody cares about. “Star, it was cold. ‘ If we’re going to win a division game, we’ve got to deal with the elements and that comes with a mindset and just everybody going through the same temperature. I don’t plan on using that as an excuse in the slightest.”
A grounds crew member uses a blower to move snow on the field before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Buffalo Bills at Himark Stadium on Jan. 2, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York.
(Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images)
Miami star wide receiver Tykree Hill injured his ankle in the first half of the Week 14 game against the Chargers. Hill was sidelined for a short time and was seen spraining his ankle, but he later returned to the game.
Earlier this week, McDaniel told reporters that Hill’s injury was more “bruises and bruises” than anything else and that he should play against the Bills.
During the game, Miami used heaters installed near the team’s seats inside SoFi Stadium. Although the stadium roof is solid, wind and other elements can enter the stadium through unsealed areas.
The Dolphins (8-5) have lost two straight and are two games behind in the AFC East.