ALANIS THAMES

Sports writer

Thames is an Associated Press sports writer based in Miami. She previously covered sports for the New York Times.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) aims a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Tua Tagovailoa on outside criticism: ‘I am the worst football player, if that’s what you want.’

Tua Tagovailoa clapped back Wednesday at some of the narratives he’s seen about himself, including the notion that he would not be able to perform well without star receiver Tyreek Hill.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) looks to pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Backup QBs are on display all around the NFL as injury-depleted teams push toward the postseason

It can happen almost overnight: a backup quarterback goes from holding a clipboard to being thrust into action.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) celebrates after sacking New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

The Dolphins won easily without Tyreek Hill. Now they need to show they can beat a winning team

Miami’s blowout win over the Jets was the bounce-back the Dolphins needed after an embarrassing collapse against the Titans, and it also dispelled worries that the Dolphins would fall apart in a full game without their star receiver Tyreek Hill.

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (31) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Mostert, Tagovailoa lead Dolphins to a 30-0 victory over the Jets without Tyreek Hill

Raheem Mostert scored two more touchdowns to break Miami’s single-season record with 20, Tua Tagovailoa threw for 224 yards and a touchdown, and the Dolphins shut out the New York Jets 30-0 without star receiver Tyreek Hill.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, center, watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Dolphins’ offense sharp in blowout win over Jets, even without star wide receiver Tyreek Hill

The Miami Dolphins were without star receiver Tyreek Hill in their 30-0 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks up during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Dolphins host Jets hoping to shake off embarrassing loss to Titans and avoid more major injuries

Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins will host the New York Jets on Sunday looking to avoid more injuries to star players and not overcompensate for last week’s disappointing loss to the Titans.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, right, checks on guard Connor Williams (58) as he is attended on the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Dolphins place starting center Connor Williams on season-ending IR as injuries mount

The Miami Dolphins placed their starting center Connor Williams on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Monday’s loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks up during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Dolphins need to make sure collapse against Titans doesn’t turn into a late-season skid

The Miami Dolphins had a chance to become the second AFC team to reach 10 wins on the season and pad their lead atop the AFC East, but instead were knocked out of the top spot in the AFC after allowing the Tennessee Titans to score twice in the final three minutes Monday to pull off the 28-27 upset.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) aims a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Will Levis rallies Titans for 2 late TDs, 28-27 win over Dolphins

Rookie Will Levis threw for a career-high 327 yards and directed two touchdown drives in the final 4 1/2 minutes, and the Tennessee Titans rallied to stun Miami 28-27, knocking the Dolphins out of the top spot in the AFC.

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) celebrates after intercepting a pass in the end zone during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Raiders 20-13. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

The star cornerback duo of Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard has the Dolphins secondary rolling

The Miami Dolphins have seen vast improvement from their defense over the course of the season thanks in part to the success of the star cornerback duo of Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) talks with head coach Mike McDaniel during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Dolphins need to beat Titans so they can focus on longer-term goal of division title

Hosting a playoff game is the long-term goal for the Miami Dolphins as they try to close in on their first division title since 2008.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) talks with head coach Mike McDaniel during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Unlike last year, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins are rolling in December

A year ago, the Miami Dolphins began December with a loss to San Francisco that jump-started a five-game losing streak.

FILE - San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler walks back to the dugout during the third inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Phoenix. A person familiar with the agreement says the Miami Marlins are finalizing a deal to hire former San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler as an assistant general manager. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, because the deal has not been finalized. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

Marlins finalizing a deal to add former Giants manager Gabe Kapler to front office, AP source says

A person familiar with the agreement says the Miami Marlins are finalizing a deal to hire former San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler as an assistant general manager.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel answers questions during a news conference after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Dolphins vs. Commanders will be Mike McDaniel’s return to Washington, a key stop in his career

Mike McDaniel often refers to his time in Washington as one of the most formative periods of his coaching career.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa answers questions during a news conference after playing against the New York Jets in an NFL football game, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

Tua Tagovailoa vows to limit turnovers as Dolphins enter final stretch of their season

Tua Tagovailoa said he needs to play better as his turnovers have mounted in recent weeks. Tagovailoa has 10 interceptions on the season, which is tied for the fourth-highest mark in the NFL, and he has turned the ball over four times in the past two games.

Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland (8) runs an interception back for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)

After a dominant Black Friday performance, the Dolphins have their eyes on winning AFC East

The Miami Dolphins dominated the New York Jets in the NFL’s first Black Friday game, and they are looking to close out the season strong and win the AFC East.

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) celebrates after intercepting a pass thrown by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Jalen Ramsey’s return has transformed the Dolphins’ defense

Jalen Ramsey’s return has transformed the Miami Dolphins’ defense. The All-Pro cornerback had two interceptions in Sunday’s 20-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, including the game-sealing pick in the end zone with 32 seconds left.

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) celebrates after intercepting a pass thrown by Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Jalen Ramsey makes game-sealing interception, Dolphins overcome 3 turnovers to beat Raiders 20-13

Jalen Ramsey made a game-sealing interception to help stifle Las Vegas’ fourth-quarter comeback, and the Miami Dolphins overcame three turnovers to hold off the Raiders 20-13.

FILE - Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) plays against the New England Patriots during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. Miami rookie running back De’Von Achane returned to practice Monday, Nov. 13, after missing the past four games with a knee injury.(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

Dolphins’ path to AFC East title begins Sunday vs. Raiders

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel knows a division title would help his team achieve its goal of making a deep playoff run.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa attends a practice session in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. The Miami Dolphins are set to play the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL game in Frankfurt on Sunday Nov. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

Tua Tagovailoa, sporting a new look, talks Dolphins’ second-half expectations

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa emerged from the bye week wearing his curly hair in cornrows as he looks to help the Dolphins continue their hot start to the season.

Peter Bendix, Miami Marlins president of baseball operations, poses for a photograph on the field at loanDepot Park after being introduced at a news conference, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

New Marlins president Peter Bendix relishes ‘perfect fit’ in Miami as he takes over the organization

The Miami Marlins formally introduced their new president of baseball operations Peter Bendix Monday after announcing the hire one week ago.

FILE - Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) plays against the New England Patriots during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. Miami rookie running back De’Von Achane returned to practice Monday, Nov. 13, after missing the past four games with a knee injury.(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

Dolphins designate rookie running back De’Von Achane to return from injured reserve

Miami rookie running back De’Von Achane returned to practice Monday after missing the past four games with a knee injury.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Even when teams know it’s coming, they’re not stopping Dolphins’ deep passes from Tua to Tyreek

Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill continue to give defenses trouble with their downfield connection, and Sunday against the Patriots was no different.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) hands off the ball to Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Tua Tagovailoa throws for 3 TDs, Jalen Ramsey shines in debut for Dolphins, who beat Patriots 31-17

Tua Tagovailoa threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns, Jalen Ramsey intercepted a pass in his Dolphins debut, and Miami beat the New England Patriots 31-17.

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) gestures as he enters the field for an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey intercepts Pats’ Mac Jones in first game back from knee injury

Jalen Ramsey intercepted Mac Jones in the second quarter of Miami’s home game against the New England Patriots in Ramsey’s first game of the season.

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) runs drills during NFL football practice at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald via AP)

Dolphins activate CB Jalen Ramsey from IR ahead of Sunday’s game vs. Patriots

The Miami Dolphins activated All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey from injured reserve Saturday, clearing the way for him to make his season debut Sunday against the New England Patriots.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Mac Jones’ struggles are familiar to Tua Tagovailoa as the ex-Alabama QBs prepare to meet

For the second straight week, Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa is set to face a fellow former Alabama quarterback. The Dolphins lost last Sunday to Jalen Hurts and the Eagles.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat (94) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The AFC East-leading Dolphins still haven’t proved themselves against tough competition

The Miami Dolphins have only played two teams with winning records this season and have lost by double digits both times.

Christopher Bell (20) gets out of his car after winning the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023 in Homestead, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Christopher Bell punches ticket to NASCAR championship race; wins rollercoaster race at Homestead

Christopher Bell took his first lead with 15 laps to go and held off Ryan Blaney for a win at Homestead-Miami Speedway that locked him into next month’s NASCAR Championship finale.

Sam Mayer earns a spot in NASCAR Xfinity series championship with a win at Homestead

Sam Mayer became the first driver to clinch a spot in the NASCAR Xfinity series championship with a victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway.