The Dolphins fought back from a 12-point first-quarter deficit to capture a lead in the third quarter and then again in the fourth quarter after a 74-yard punt return touchdown by wide receiver Malik Washington. The Patriots responded with a 90-yard kickoff return to take the lead, one they would not relinquish as the Dolphins fall to 0-2 to start the 2025 season.
We go Inside the Numbers, presented by BDO, to take a look at the most notable individual metrics, milestones and more from Miami's season opener.
Achane Again
It has become a weekly occurrence for running back De'Von Achane in his third season. He scored his 25th career touchdown in Sunday's matchup, a 29-yard catch-and-run late in the first half. Achane is one of six active players to score 25-plus touchdowns in his first 30 career games.
He added 122 yards from scrimmage, his 13th career game going over the century mark. Ninety-two of those yards came through the air. It was the most receiving yards by a Dolphins running back in a game since Lamar Miller gained 97 receiving yards against the Bills in 2015.
Tua Throws for 300
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 315 yards in the game. It was his 17th career game of 300-plus passing yards, which ranks second most in franchise history behind Dan Marino's 63.
The Dolphins put up 358 yards of total offense on Sunday aided by three pass plays of 20-plus yards. Achane and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle all posted at least 60 receiving yards each. It was the first time the Dolphins had three players with at least 60 yards through the air since the 2024 opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Tagovailoa has now scored a touchdown in 17 consecutive games. That is the second-longest active streak in the NFL behind Baltimore's Lamar Jackson (26 games).
Malik to the House
Miami took a fourth quarter lead after second year wide receiver Malik Washington fielded a punt, spun off a tackle and took it 74 yards to the end zone. It was Miami's first punt return touchdown since Jakeem Grant ran one back against the Rams in 2020.
Washington became the 14th player in franchise history with a punt return touchdown and the seventh player to score both on a punt return and a rushing touchdown in his Dolphins tenure. Washington's punt return touchdown is the only one in the NFL this season.
Milestones and Achievements
Defensive Tackle Jordan Phillips made his first career start Sunday. Bradely Chubb, who recorded his second sack of the season, made his 75th career appearance and Tyreek Hill made his 125th career start.
