Kittle was wide open in the end zone on 3rd-and-goal, but Purdy’s pass was tipped. Chop Robinson pushed Colton McKivitz into Purdy’s throwing window. Taylor was also open, but that didn’t matter. Tipped passes have been a problem for Brock all season. Entering Week 16, he had the fourth-most hits in the league.

Jake Moody’s chip-shot field goal was good, bringing the 49ers within three points at 13:10. Miami had 47 seconds left in the second quarter but did not score.

Dre Greenlaw was officially ruled out early in the third quarter.

Talanoa Hufanga was reported for unnecessary roughness after hitting someone when they weren’t looking. That helped keep the Dolphins drive alive. Sam Okuayinonu was tackled on third down, briefly putting Miami out of field goal range. But they won enough for Sanders to attempt a 54-yarder. Sanders’ kick was true, giving Miami a 16-10 lead.

The 49ers lost Jaylon Moore on the next drive. During a Kittle reception, Moore was crippled midway through the game. He launched into the play and the camera panned to Kyle Shanahan, who shook his head in disgust. That meant the 49ers had to rely on their third-string left tackle, Spencer Burford.

No left tackle, no worries. Purdy caught Kittle on the ground, giving him a 28-yard gain. But the 49ers had two penalties before the snap, including two by Pearsall, and so the 49ers had to settle for a field goal. Moody’s 41-yard field goal was no good.

On the ride, Deebo went and grabbed his wrist. He had caught a pass from the three-yard line to give the 49ers 1st-and-goal, but the penalty kill negated it. This order would describe this Niners season.

Miami had a 9-play, 53-yard drive that took just under five minutes to play. The key play on this drive came when Tua found Jonnu Smith for 22 yards. Renardo Green was in coverage on 3rd-and-2. This incomplete pass led to Miami’s field goal.

On the ensuing drive, Samuel came back and caught a pass for nine yards before pouncing for a 13-yard gain. Within two games, the 49ers were in Miami territory.