MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins defeated the Los Angeles Raiders 34-19 to improve to 4-6 on the season.
It’s the first time the Dolphins have won back-to-back games since weeks 14 and 15 of the 2023 season.
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Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa finished the game going 28 of 36 for 288 yards and tossing three touchdown passes.
Tight end Jonnu Smith also enjoyed the best statistical game of his career by hauling in 6 catches, 101 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
Get your full game recap below.
First Quarter:
The Miami Dolphins won the coin toss and opened with a strong offensive drive. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa connected with running back De’Von Achane on two completions for gains of 17 and 7 yards.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill followed with a 16-yard catch on a slant pattern, adding another first down to push the Dolphins into the red zone. He then hauled in another reception to set up a first-and-goal at the Raiders’ 5-yard line.
The Raiders momentarily stalled Miami’s momentum when Wilson sacked Tagovailoa for a 9-yard loss, but a defensive holding penalty gave the Dolphins a fresh set of downs at the 5. Despite nearly losing a fumble after another sack, Miami capitalized on two Raiders penalties.
Tagovailoa capped the 14-play, 70-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jonnu Smith. Dolphins- 7 Raiders- 0.
Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler made a crucial stop on Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker on third down. However, a running-into-the-kicker penalty on Calais Campbell extended Las Vegas’ drive.
The Raiders gained momentum with a 20-yard end-around by wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, but the drive stalled shortly after. Sieler came up big again, sacking quarterback Gardner Minshew on second down and forcing the Raiders to settle for a 27-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson to end the first quarter. Dolphins 7, Raiders 3.
Second Quarter
The Dolphins leaned on running back Achane early in the second quarter after Raheem Mostert briefly exited with a hip injury. Achane stepped up, contributing runs of 9 and 1 yard to secure two first downs for Miami.
Tagovailoa then rolled out of the pocket to his left, connecting with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for a 24-yard gain. Odell Beckham Jr. followed with a 6-yard reception, putting the Dolphins in position with a first-and-goal.
However, the drive stalled when the Raiders’ Malcolm Butler tackled Tagovailoa in the backfield for an 8-yard loss. Miami settled for a 31-yard field goal by Jason Sanders. Dolphins-10 Raiders- 3
Minchew was able to help the Raiders tack on another field goal after finding receiver Jacobi Meyers for two first-down completions in a 6-minute, 16-play drive. Dolphins-10 Raiders- 6. End of Half
Third Quarter
Calais Campbell disrupted the Raiders’ opening drive of the second half, sacking Gardner Minshew for a 6-yard loss and forcing a punt.
The Raiders pinned the Dolphins deep at their own 3-yard line, but Tagovailoa methodically led the offense downfield.
He connected with Jaylen Waddle, Jonnu Smith, and De’Von Achane for key first-down receptions. Achane also broke free for a 30-yard run, setting up an 8-yard touchdown pass from Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill.
The Dolphins capped off an impressive 14-play, 97-yard drive, increasing their lead by two scores. Dolphins 17 Raiders-6
Raiders running back Alexander Mattison hauled in a 31-yard reception on the Raiders’ next possession which helped Minchew find rookie tight end Brock Bowers for a 23-yard score. Miami’s defense stood tall and prevented Las Vegas on converting a two-point conversion. Dolphins- 17 Raiders- 12
Fourth Quarter
After starting their drive at the 40-yard line following a Raiders kickoff that failed to land in the proper zone, Tagovailoa connected with Hill, Smith, and tight end Julian Hill for first-down completions.
Moments later, the Dolphins extended their lead to two scores for the second time in the game when Achane punched it in for a 2-yard score. Dolphins 24, Raiders 12.
On the ensuing possession, Minshew orchestrated a 14-play, 70-yard drive, capping it off with a 10-yard touchdown pass to running back Ameer Abdullah. Dolphins-24 Raiders-19
The Dolphins extended their lead to 31-19 after Tua Tagovailoa connected with Jonnu Smith for a 57-yard touchdown, marking Tagovailoa’s third scoring pass of the day and Smith’s second touchdown reception. Smith broke free behind the defense to complete the longest-receiving score of his career. Dolphins-31 Raiders-19
Jalen Ramsey also recorded his second interception of the season which set up a 46-yard field goal by Jason Sanders. Final score: Dolphins-34 Raiders-19
Miami (4-6) will host the New England Patriots in Week 12 while the Raiders (2-8) will host the Denver Broncos in a divisional clash.
News and Notes:
- The Dolphins made history Sunday, earning their 500th regular-season win and becoming the 19th NFL franchise to achieve the milestone.
- Tyreek Hill is now just one touchdown shy of reaching 80 for his NFL career.
- Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders surpassed Pete Stoyanovich for the third-most points scored (246) in franchise history.
- The Miami Dolphins did not punt the ball for the first time in a game all season and scored a season-high 34 points.
- The Buffalo Bills defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 30-21 on Sunday, ending the reigning two-time Super Bowl champions’ unbeaten streak. Once again, the 1972 Dolphins (17-0) hold onto their title as the NFL’s only perfect team.