The Miami Dolphins faced a significant challenge on Thanksgiving night as they saw their three-game winning streak come to an end with a 30-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers at the notoriously cold Lambeau Field. The defeat has once again highlighted the difficulties the Dolphins experience in adverse weather conditions.

Following the game, Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks expressed discontent with the team's performance, suggesting that they played 'soft' and that 'the elements played a part' in their struggles. Packers running back Josh Jacobs echoed Brooks' comments, noting that the Dolphins 'looked cold out there.' Historically, the Dolphins have had a difficult time when faced with cold temperatures, entering the matchup having lost 11 consecutive games when the kickoff temperature was 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Their last win in such conditions dates back to December 24, 2016, during a game against the Buffalo Bills, which preceded Tua Tagovailoa's freshman season at Alabama.

The temperature at kickoff on Thursday was a frigid 27 degrees, with wind chill making it feel like 18 degrees. The game started poorly for the Dolphins, as their defense forced a three-and-out on the opening possession. However, a missed catch on the ensuing punt by Malik Washington allowed the Packers to recover the ball at Miami's nine-yard line, leading to a quick touchdown pass from Jordan Love to Jayden Reed. After the Dolphins were forced to punt on their first possession, the Packers managed a 76-yard drive that resulted in another touchdown, giving them a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Packers further extended their lead to 24-3 by halftime. Despite a solid statistical performance by Tagovailoa, who completed 37 of 46 passes for 365 yards and two touchdowns, he missed critical throws that hampered the Dolphins' offensive progress. Particularly in the fourth quarter, the Dolphins found themselves at the Packers' one-yard line trailing 27-11 but squandered the opportunity as Tagovailoa missed a pass to Jonnu Smith on third down and was subsequently sacked on fourth down. The Dolphins' defense was unable to contain the Packers effectively, conceding 388 total yards and 7.3 yards per play, in stark contrast to their previous performances where they had held opponents under 20 points and less than 100 yards rushing in their last three games. The Packers exploited the Dolphins' vulnerabilities, rushing for a total of 114 yards. With this loss, the Dolphins fell to a 5-7 overall record and now find themselves two games behind the Denver Broncos for the final wild card spot in the AFC. However, the impending schedule may offer the Dolphins some respite from the cold, as their next three games are set to be held at home against the New York Jets, at NRG Stadium—equipped with a retractable roof—against the Houston Texans, and a home game against the San Francisco 49ers. Weather conditions may again come into play during the Dolphins' final two games on the road against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17, followed by a season finale against the Jets at MetLife Stadium. These upcoming weeks represent a critical opportunity for the Dolphins to potentially re-enter the playoff race.