The Miami Dolphins forced two turnovers and recorded three sacks, but the strong defensive effort was not enough to overcome the Seattle Seahawks in a 24-3 loss on Sunday afternoon at Lumen Field.
Quarterback Skylar Thompson, in his first regular season start since Week 18 of the 2022 season, completed 13-of-19 passes for 107 yards. He left the game in the third quarter and was later ruled out with a chest injury. Quarterback Tim Boyle, making his first appearance with the Dolphins, replaced Thompson and finished 7-of-13 for 79 yards.
Seattle scored on the first drive of the game after quarterback Geno Smith connected with wide receiver Tyler Lockett for a gain of 18 yards to set the Seahawks up in Dolphins territory. Kicker Jason Myers then nailed a 56-yard field goal to give Seattle a 3-0 lead with 10:49 left in the firstquarter.
After a missed 57-yard field goal by Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders, the Seahawks utilized a blend of their rushing and passing attacks to quickly drive down the field. A four-yard touchdown run by running back Zach Charbonnet put the Dolphins in an early 10-point deficit.
Following a 51-yard punt by Jake Bailey, Miami's defense came up with a key turnover.
On third-and-15 from Seattle's five-yard line, Smith – while being pressured by Miami's pass rush – was picked off by cornerback Kader Kohou on a pass that was intended for and tipped into the air by Charbonnet. Starting the following offensive drive on Seattle's six-yard line, the Dolphins were unable to fully capitalize on the field position, settling for a 23-yard field goal.
Seattle extended its lead to 17-3 on the last play of the first quarter, as Smith connected with Metcalf downfield for a 71-yard touchdown – the only play of the explosive scoring drive.
The Dolphins recorded their second takeaway of the game with 0:46 left in the third quarter after defensive tackle Zach Sieler intercepted a pass that was tipped by defensive tackle Calais Campbell.
Taking over at their own 48-yard line, Boyle led the Dolphins on an 11-play, 50-yard drive to Seattle's two-yard line but came away without points after an incomplete fourth-down pass that was intended for running back De'Von Achane.
Both teams were scoreless until the 4:55 mark of the fourth quarter, when Charbonnet crossed the pylon for a second time on a 10-yard run, sealing Seattle's victory.
Achane was the leader of the Dolphins' ground game with 30 yards on 11 carries. Rookie running back Jaylen Wright had his most productive day as a pro, rushing for 17 yards on his two attempts.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill led Miami's pass-catchers with 40 yards on three catches. Wideout Jaylen Waddle posted a team-high four receptions for 26 yards, and receiver Dee Eskridge caught one pass for 30 yards – Miami's longest play from scrimmage – in his Dolphins debut. Eskridge played three seasons for the Seahawks from 2021–23.
Safety Jordan Poyer and former Seattle linebacker Jordyn Brooks paved the way for Miami's defense with a team-high nine tackles, while cornerback Jalen Ramsey led all players with a game-high two tackles for loss. Defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand recorded his first sack as a Dolphin on the first drive of the game, while Sieler and Campbell each added a sack of their ownin the second and third quarter, respectively.
Miami returns to Hard Rock Stadium on Monday, Sept. 30 to face the Tennessee Titans (0-3). Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
