The Dolphins fell 33-27 to rival New England in a game full of momentum swings and explosive plays that came down to the final drive. The Patriots found their first win in Miami since 2019. These are the three takeaways from the home opener.
- Explosives everywhere
One the storylines coming into the game was the explosive play. No team created more fireworks across the 2022 and 2023 seasons than Miami. Sunday, the fireworks returned. Miami compiled 358 yards of total offense, plus a 74-yard punt return touchdown from wide receiver Malik Washington.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa connected on passes of 47, 29, 23, 18, 18and 15 yards. All of those throws went to wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle or running back De'Von Achane, who has found a second residence in the end zone.
- Achane's second home: The end zone
All running back De'Von Achane does is score touchdowns. He found the end zone again on Sunday, collecting two touchdowns in as many games this season. His 29-yard receiving touchdown against New England looked a lot like his first scoring play of the season in Week 1 at Indianapolis, an 11-yard touchdown where he powered through tacklers to cross the goal line.
Achane is now one of six active players with 25 touchdowns in his first 30 career games (Jonathan Taylor, Alvin Kamara, Kareem Hunt, Jahmyr Gibbs, Kyren Williams).
- The Dolphins showed fight
Despite falling behind 12-0 in the first quarter, Miami responded and stayed in it down to the last drive.
After trading leads throughout the game, the Dolphins had one last chance in the final minute to secure the win. Achane nearly broke free on a catch-and-run before stepping out of bounds at the New England 26-yard line in what would have been a touchdown to put game away.
"I think my confidence level is based upon the response of this particular team and how they've responded to things thus far," said Head Coach Mike McDaniel. "I have a high confidence level that they will do the work, and if I establish the exact things that they need to work on, I'm confident that they'll work on it… I believe in the players and coaches on this team."
Self-inflicted wounds, however, set the Dolphins back. Miami ran 52 total plays in the game, nine going for negative yardage (five sacks and four additional tackles for loss). The Dolphins were also charged with 10 penalties for 65 yards.
New England had a special teams score of their own – a 90-yard kickoff return with under eight minutes to play in the fourth quarter.
For more analysis, takeaways and breakdowns, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield, available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
