The Miami Dolphins battled against an aggressive Cleveland defense on a rainy Sunday afternoon at Huntington Bank Field but came up short, falling 31–6 in Week 7.
Miami's defense started strong, forcing a three-and-out on Cleveland's first possession and limiting quarterback Dillon Gabriel to short completions. On offense, running back De'Von Achane's 46-yard burst on the Dolphins' second possession set up kicker Riley Patterson for a 33-yard field goal that tied the score at 3–3 early in the second quarter.
Cleveland responded with an 83-yard drive capped by a 46-yard rushing touchdown from rookie running back Quinshon Judkins to take a 10–3 lead. The Browns capitalized again following a short field, as a Judkins touchdown extended their lead to 17–3. Miami's offense regrouped late in the quarter, highlighted by another long run from Achane that set up a 26-yard Patterson field goal. The kick trimmed the deficit to 17–6 heading into halftime.
The first play of the second half shifted momentum. A short pass on Miami's opening snap was intercepted and returned 34 yards for a touchdown, extending Cleveland's advantage to 24–6.
Despite the early setback, Miami continued to compete on both sides of the ball. The defense forced consecutive punts behind solid open-field tackling, while Achane remained productive on the ground and eclipsed 80 rushing yards for the third time this season, averaging more than six yards per carry.
Early in the fourth quarter, Cleveland capitalized on a short field for Judkins' third score of the day, extending the lead to 31–6. Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers entered the game for Miami's final two possessions, finishing 5-of-8 passing (62.5 avg.) for 53 yards. His 40-yard completion to wide receiver Dee Eskridge highlighted the Dolphins' closing drive before time expired.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa finished 12-of-23 passing for 100 yards, while Achane tallied 13 carries for 82 yards and added three receptions for 16 yards. Wide receiver Malik Washington led all Miami pass-catchers with five receptions for 30 yards, as wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine reeled in three catches for 16 yards.
On defense, linebacker Jordyn Brooks led Miami with nine tackles (five solo), while linebacker Tyrel Dodson added eight tackles (five solo) and one sack. Safety Ashtyn Davis added seven tackles (five solo) and helped limit Cleveland's short passing attack. Linebacker Bradley Chubb finished with three solo tackles, one tackle for loss and a quarterback hit, while rookie defensive tackle Kenneth Grant tallied five tackles (four solo) and a tackle for loss. Miami's front seven held the Browns to just 206 total yards of offense, limiting Gabriel to 116 passing yards on 18 attempts.
The Dolphins travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, October 26. The game will air on CBS at 1 p.m. ET.
