Who’s hot, who’s not after the Dolphins’ record-setting win against Broncos
Not much went wrong for the Dolphins in a record-setting 70-20 rout of the Denver Broncos at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. Miami set a franchise record for points scored and yards from scrimmage and forced three takeaways on defense.
Here’s a look at who’s hot — and who’s not — after the victory.
Who’s hot
▪ Wide receiver Tyreek Hill: The Dolphins’ electric pass-catcher set the tone early. On the third play from scrimmage, he was left uncovered over the middle of the field. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa promptly found Hill, who beat the last Broncos defender back for a 54-yard touchdown, leaping into the stands to celebrate. Hill caught nine passes for 157 yards and one touchdown with Jaylen Waddle (concussion) sidelined for the first time in the duo’s history together.
▪ Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa: The fourth-year quarterback started the game with 17 consecutive completions, a career high and one shy of tying the Dolphins’ single-game record. His first in completion came with 9:38 remaining in the third quarter. His highlight no-look, shovel pass touchdown with his off-hand brought comparisons to NBA legend Magic Johnson, fitting for the conductor of the league’s most dynamic offense. Tagovailoa completed 23 of 26 passes for 309 yards and four touchdowns, a performance firmly cementing his status as the front-runner for the league Most Valuable Player award.
▪ Running back De’Von Achane: With running back Salvon Ahmed sidelined by a groin injury, Achane stepped into a bigger role in the backfield. And the third-round pick had the type of performance that justified why so many were excited for his fit in an offense built around speed. Achane totaled 233 yards from scrimmage, with 203 coming on the ground. His 67-yard score late in the fourth quarter gave the Dolphins the NFL’s first 70-point game since 1966. And while the former Texas A&M standout looked like he was shot out of a cannon when he hit running lanes, he also showed physicality to grind out extra yards.
Who’s not
▪ Cornerback Eli Apple: After a record-setting performance and blowout win, there are slim pickings here. But Apple, who spent the first two games of the season in the team’s nickel package, was benched. Apple had typically been the team’s outside corner when Miami used three corners. But in Week 3, Kader Kohou, who had been the top nickel back, remained outside opposite Xavien Howard, while Justin Bethel and Parry Nickerson played in the slot. To make matters worse for Apple, he left the game early after being evaluated for a concussion.
▪ Special teams: The Broncos’ 99-yard kick return touchdown came late in an otherwise dominant victory but is still worth monitoring. A special teams mistake has followed Miami each week of the season so far after issues in 2022. It hasn’t come back to bite the Dolphins yet but is something that needs to be cleaned up.
This story was originally published September 24, 2023 at 4:47 PM.
