No champagne. No dancing. No loud music after playoffs clinched by Dolphins. Here's why.
MIAMI GARDENS — Not a drop of champagne was spilled in the Dolphins' locker room Sunday night, after a playoff bid was clinched with two games left to play.
"Not done yet," Miami linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel said. "This isn't our ultimate goal. We made it to the playoffs last year. But we didn't do what we want to do. So, we've got bigger fish to fry."
The Dolphins beat the Cowboys, 22-20 in a Christmas Eve thriller at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami is 11-4, with the AFC East and the first seed in the AFC within its complete control.
Yet, there was no loud music. There was no dancing.
There were no screams and shouts.
"Because people understand that this is what it's supposed to be," said right tackle Kendall Lamm, who played well against defensive end Micah Parsons. "When you have the standard, you don't have to pop champagne. Because this is what you expect. The job's not finished until the job's finished."
Perhaps these players don't realize that Miami hasn't had back-to-back playoff appearances since 2000-2001.
Perhaps these players don't realize Miami has had only two home playoff games since 2000, beaten up by Baltimore following both the 2001 and 2008 seasons.
Perhaps these players don't realize Miami has no playoff wins in 23 years.
Dolphins say they've know who they are
"We know who we were, we know who we are," Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott said. "We don't care. But regardless, I mean, next game. We've got Baltimore next Sunday."
More: Dolphins know beating Cowboys on last play, clinching playoff berth has deep meaning | Habib
The Dolphins' defeat of Dallas was key in knocking down a narrative that they could not beat a top team. The Cowboys, like Miami, are a Super Bowl hopeful.
"We're not done," Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb said. "We're not close to done. We're changing the narrative to what we want it to be. Tell us we can't do it. We want to prove the naysayers wrong."
Added Van Ginkel: "It's great, obviously, you know, shows that we belong and you know, it's a stepping stone in the right direction. So we just kind of keep building and come together as a team."
Added star cornerback Jalen Ramsey of the playoff berth: "Step one."
This is only step one, says star Jalen Ramsey
As things were winding down in the locker room, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa came over to Kendall Lamm's stall and sat down beside him.
Tua had led the game-winning drive, but wanted to go over a few plays. He was smiling, but surely he was not aware that the Dolphins are 11-4 for the first time in 33 years.
No champagne. No loud music. No dancing.
"Merry Christmas," Lamm said to Tua. "Go enjoy your family."
"Merry Christmas," Tua said to Lamm.
And with that, Tua walked out, feeling surely, that there are bigger moments ahead.
5 Instant Takeaways: Miami Dolphins beat Dallas Cowboys for statement win, clinch playoff berth
Joe Schad is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on social media platforms @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: The Dolphins beat the Cowboys to make a statement while clinching a playoff spot.
