The Dolphins might have to get creative again on Sunday.
Pouncey (hip) is out, and Albert (wrist) isn't likely to play. That could mean the offensive line is a makeshift group once again with rookie Laremy Tunsil, who is questionable with a shoulder injury, at left tackle,
Kraig Urbik at left guard and Anthony Steen at center.
No matter. The Dolphins are confident they'll get the job done.
"I think we're leaning on each other right now," Tannehill said. "There's a belief within the team and confidence within the team that we're going to find a way.
"It's not always going to be the same guy or the same group but as a team, we're going to find a way, and that's what you want."
Of course, there's also reason for caution about declaring that the upstart Dolphins have established a winning culture.
Defensive end
Cameron Wake is among those not yet ready to say the Dolphins have definitely created a winning culture.
"It's to be seen," said Wake, who has 6.5 sacks in the past five games. "We've got a lot of football left to play.
"I think, obviously, we have made steps in the right direction, obviously, with the way things have been going the last few weeks. ... But that's probably a question you can ask me maybe at the end of the season."
The Dolphins, who are still a game out of the wild-card picture behind Denver (7-3) and Kansas City (7-3), are far from a finished product. They need seasoning in numerous areas.
They've allowed three teams to rush for more than 100 yards during the five-game winning streak.
And although they've been creative, they aren't a sure thing in fourth quarters.
"I think we're still learning to close out games," offensive coordinator
Clyde Christensen said.
But Christensen likes what he sees in that regard.
"The thing that I think has gotten so much better, even since I've been here," Christensen said, "is just the mentality and the attitude and the chippiness on the sideline."
That's turned into tangible results, according to Tannehill.
"I think this team has confidence no matter what happens, as long as there's time on the clock, we're going to find a way to win," he said.
Gase has taken special note of the mentality and attitude. He sees a team that might still be working on the winning culture, but definitely has a bond.
"Just to see our development throughout the year and watch guys try to fight for each other and do everything they can to give ourselves a chance in the fourth quarter to win," he said, "it's been great to see guys who really embrace our process."
