The Miami Dolphins opened their season with an embarrassing 33-8 loss to the host Indianapolis Colts.
That certainly looked to be the case as the Indianapolis Colts stomped the Miami Dolphins 33-8 in the regular-season opener. The Colts’ defense swarmed the offense, forcing three Tua Tagovailoa turnovers — two interceptions and a fumble — and allowing just under 215 yards.
“It’s part of the game,” Tagovailoa said of his turnovers on Sunday. “You obviously don’t want to turn it over. I turned the ball over in bunches. That’s crazy. It was what it was. Can’t make those same mistakes. Got to move on from it.”
Meanwhile, the Colts’ offense couldn’t be stopped, scoring on all seven possessions and finishing with more than 400 yards.
Miami Dolphins fans cheer on their team before Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Sept. 7, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) warms up before an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins offensive line coach Butch Barry works with offensive tackle Patrick Paul (52) and guard Aaron Brewer (55) before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) warms up before an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) tears during the national anthem before an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel looks on before an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Dee Eskridge (82) carries the ball as Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas II (25) closes in during the first half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, iIndianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) prepares to throw during the first half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL game against Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Indianapolis Colts safety Cam Bynum (0) returns an interception against Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during the first half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, iIndianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Indianapolis Colts safety Cam Bynum (0) celebrates after intercepting Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during the first half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel walks the sidelines during the first half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, iIndianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (6) fields a punt during the first half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) drops back to pass during the first half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) hands the ball off to running back De'Von Achane (28) during the first half of Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 7, 2025 Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) is brought down by Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20), cornerback Kenny Moore II (23), and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (29) during the first half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) is brought down by Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20), cornerback Kenny Moore II (23), and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (29) during the first half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) scrambles with the football as Miami Dolphins linebacker Matthew Judon (8) and defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) close in during the first half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025 Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) is brought down by Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas (26) during the first half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) prepares to throw a pass during the first half of an NFL game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) runs for a touchdown as Miami Dolphins safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (9) and linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) give chase during the first half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025 Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins looks dejected during the first half of an NFL game against Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins cornerback Storm Duck (36) receives medical attention after sustaining an injury during the first half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins cornerback Storm Duck (36) receives medical attention after sustaining an injury during the first half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) prepares to throw during the first half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL game against Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (6) is brought down by Indianapolis Colts safety Cam Bynum (0) and linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) during the first half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) is chased by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) during the first half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) is chased by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis (94) during the first half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) is chased by Indianapolis players during the first half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) stands alongside guard Jonah Savaiinaea (72), guard Austin Jackson (73), and running back De'Von Achane (28) during the first half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins looks dejected during the first half of an NFL game against Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) talks with Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel during the first half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) sets up to pass during the second half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1), quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) and running back De'Von Achane (28) watch the defense on the field in the second half during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) on the bench with quarterback Zach Wilson (0) and Quarterbacks and Pass Game Coordinator Darrell Bevell in the second half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) speaks with Quarterbacks and Pass Game Coordinator Darrell Bevell in the second half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Zach Wilson (0) sets up to pass in the second half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (6) on a carry in the second half of an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) scores late in the fourth quarter the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill (89) scores on a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins offensive line walks up to the line of scrimmage during the game against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half during an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins offensive line coach Butch Barry speaks to offensive line players on the bench during the game against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Larry Borom (79) reacts late in the fourth quarter during the game against the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) under pressure by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97), defensive end Samson Ebukam (52) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) during the second half of an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) watches the game from the sidelines late in the fourth quarter during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill (89) walks off the field after the Indianapolis Colts defeat the Dolphins 33-8 in an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins guard Jonah Savaiinaea (72) walks off the field after the Indianapolis Colts defeat the Dolphins 33-8 in an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins guard Austin Jackson (73) and offensive tackle Larry Borom (79) walk off the field after the Indianapolis Colts defeat the Dolphins 33-8 in an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Kion Smith (71) walks off the field after the Indianapolis Colts defeat the Dolphins 33-8 in an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Daniel Brunskill (64) and Miami Dolphins guard Aaron Brewer (55) walk off the field after the Indianapolis Colts defeat the Dolphins 33-8 in an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel runs off the field after the Indianapolis Colts defeat the Dolphins 33-8 in an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Indianapolis. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com
This story was originally published September 7, 2025 at 6:36 PM.
John Devine has worked with the Miami Herald since 1996. He has worked as a Broward sports editor, Broward news editor, assistant sports editor and deputy sports editor before he became executive sports editor in 2021.
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