By Noah Gulley
Miami traveled to Indianapolis to open the 2025 season but could not overcome turnovers and missed opportunities in the first half. Behind Colts quarterback Daniel Jones and a balanced rushing attack, Indianapolis built a commanding lead early, forcing the Dolphins to fall, 33-8, at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Colts set the tone early, marching down the field on their opening possession before settling for a 24-yard field goal by kicker Spencer Shrader. After an interception by safety Camryn Bynum gave the Colts the ball back in the first quarter, Jones found wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. for a 27-yard touchdown. Jones later scored on a 1-yard QB sneak, and a Shrader field goal gave Indianapolis a 20-0 advantage going into halftime.
Miami could not get on track coming out of the half, as an interception by defensive lineman Laiatu Latu led to another Shrader field goal. After a turnover on downs, the Colts extended their lead with another rushing touchdown from Jones in the fourth quarter.
Running back De'Von Achane scored Miami's first touchdown of the season with 6:29 left in the fourth quarter. After catching a short pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and turning it upfield for 11 yards, the second-year back capped the drive by powering into the end zone. Tagovailoa then connected with tight end Julian Hill on the two-point conversion. Indianapolis answered with a 48-yard field goal from Shrader for the final score of the day.
Jones finished 22-of-29 for 272 yards and a touchdown, while adding 26 yards on the ground. Pittman led the Colts receiving corps with six catches for 80 yards and a score, while rookie tight end Tyler Warren added seven receptions for 76 yards. Running back Jonathan Taylor carried the ball 18 times for 71 yards.
Tagovailoa completed 14-of-23 passes for 114 yards on the day. Achane tallied seven carries for 55 yards (7.9 avg.) and added three catches for 20 yards (6.7 avg.) and a touchdown. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill finished with four receptions for 40 yards (10.0 avg), including his 800th career catch, while wide receiver Jaylen Waddle tallied four receptions for 30 yards (7.5 avg.). Linebacker Jordyn Brooks led the Dolphins defense with 14 tackles (five solo), and linebacker Tyrel Dodson notched 13 tackles (six solo).
Miami returns to South Florida for the home opener at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 14 to face the New England Patriots. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. EST on CBS.
