Thursday's Thanksgiving night matchup will be notable for the Miami Dolphins for a number of reasons. For starters, it's set to be the first time they've played on Turkey Day since 2011.
It also gives them an opportunity for a statement win against the 8-3 Green Bay Packers. If they can pull it off, they'd be exorcising one of their biggest demons.
As is generally the case in Green Bay in the late fall, the forecast for Thursday night's game is set to be exceptionally cold. Generally that has not boded well for the Dolphins in the Tua Tagovailoa era.
During Tagovailoa's career in Miami, he's never won a game in which the temperature has been below 40 degrees. In fact, the Dolphins have lost their last 11 such games as a team, dating all the way back to Christmas Eve in 2016.
Tagovailoa is carrying some momentum into the contest, though. In his past two games -- both Dolphins wins -- he's thrown seven touchdowns and no picks. In five games since returning from a concussion earlier in the season, that extends to 11 touchdowns and only one interception.
The Dolphins are winners of three straight, and currently sit 5-6 on the year. None of their wins have been against teams above .500, though, and the Packers on the road will certainly be a tough test.
If Miami is going to climb its way into playoff contention, it's a test they'll need to pass. With winter on the horizon, Tagovailoa and company must bust the cold weather narrative to keep their season alive.
