NFL fans blast referees for awful penalty on Dolphins LB Jordyn Brooks during Browns game: "Absolute trash call" 

The Miami Dolphins desperately needed a win on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns to keep their playoff hopes alive and their defense was up for the challenge, as they held their opponent's offense to just three points. They fought for every yard to ensure their team could get the victory and have something to play for in Week 18.

So when the officials gifted the Browns nine yards, the players and head coach Mike McDaniel were justifiably frustrated. Late in the third quarter, the Browns were at the Dolphins' 18-yard-line, threatening to cut their deficit to three points.

Miami's defense was keen on limiting the damage to three points. On first down, they seemingly were on course to do that after linebacker Jordyn Brooks tackled wide receiver Jerry Jeudy a yard behind the line of scrimmage for a loss.

However, the referees deemed the tackle was reckless and threw a flag for unnecessary roughness, which cost the Browns nine yards. Brooks, his teammates, and McDaniel disagreed with the verdict and gave the officials an earful.

Fans on social media sided with the Dolphins. They claimed that the officials made a massive error:

Dolphins fans lauded McDaniel for backing Brooks and calling out the referees:

"Glad he's finally speaking up" - Wrote @Mario66857374

"Most fire I’ve seen him have over a call ever I think" - Remarked @dpt1803

"I like when our coach shows a little fire" - Said @michael82417438

Dolphins stay alive in playoff hunt

Despite the penalty that advanced the ball to the nine-yard line, the Browns couldn't get anything out of the drive. They went for it on 4th down to cut the deficit to three points but veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey's stellar defensive play prevented wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from scoring his fifth touchdown of the season.

It was one of six turnovers that the Dolphins' defense forced, which helped their team secure a 20-3 win and keep their playoff dream alive.

Heading into Week 18, Miami has the second-best odds of securing the seventh and final spot in the AFC playoff picture. However, their destiny is not in their hands. Even if they beat the New York Jets, they have to rely on the Kansas City Chiefs, who'll be fielding backups, to beat the Denver Broncos.

The Dolphins' season will end in Week 18 unless both scenarios play out. Miami will look to do its part and beat its divisional rivals before praying for Kansas City's bench players to pull off a miraculous win over Denver.