Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa completed 27 of 36 throws for 256 yards with three touchdowns and Jaylen Waddle gained 110 receiving yards on six catches and scored a touchdown.
Now for the bad news.
The Dolphins (1-4) dropped to 0-3 in road games and blew a 17-point halftime lead and a three-point lead late in the fourth quarter. Panthers backup running back Rico Dowdle ran for 206 yards and the team averaged more than 7 yards a carry.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) catches the ball as he prepares to play against the Carolina Panthers in their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) reacts as he prepares to play against the Carolina Panthers in their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28), tight end Darren Waller (83) and fullback Alec Ingold (30) talk as they prepare to play against the Carolina Panthers in their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel watches his team warm up before their NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) runs drills before playing against the Carolina Panthers in their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) takes the field with teammates before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins fans show their support before their NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) set up to pass in the first half of their NFL game against Carolina Panthers at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) hands off to running back De'Von Achane (28) during the first half of an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) runs with the ball as Carolina Panthers safety Tre’Von Moehrig (7) and linebacker Christian Rozeboom (56) defend during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (83) catches a pass as Carolina Panthers safety Nick Scott (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (83) reacts after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson (47) kicks a field goal as holder Jake Bailey (16) places the ball during the first half of an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) pressures Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first half of an NFL game at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) recovers a fumble by Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) in the first half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) celebrates with teammates after forcing and recovering a fumble by Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first half of an NFL game Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) celebrates after forcing and recovering a fumble by Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first half of an NFL game at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) celebrates with teammates after forcing and recovering a fumble by Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first half of an NFL game Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins fans show their support during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) walks off the field with medical staff during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Waddle later returned to the game. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) passes to tight end Tanner Conner (80) during the first half of an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks to pass the ball as offensive tackle Jonah Savaiinaea (72) defends against Carolina Panthers defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (94) in the first half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (83) reacts after catching a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (83) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) defends in the first half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates with running back Ollie Gordon II (31) after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner (80) reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers in the first half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) pressures Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) in the first half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) tackles Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) tackles Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas (26) tackles Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brycen Tremayne (87) in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) tackles Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) in first half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) celebrates with defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) after he tackled Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) is seen in a huddle with his teammates in the second half of his NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to hand the ball to running back Trevor Etienne (23) in the second half of their NFL game against the Miami Dolphins at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) receives the ball in the second half of his NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) and defensive tackle Benito Jones (95) work to tackle Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson (2) defends in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates with fullback Alec Ingold (30) and tight end Darren Waller (83) after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins cornerback Julius Brents (32) tackles Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne (23) in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
A Miami Dolphins fan cheers for his team as they play against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) tries to stop Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) from scoring in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas (26) fails to stop Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) from catching a pass in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) reacts throwing a touchdown pass against the Miami Dolphins in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Carolina Panthers linebacker Patrick Jones II (91) tackles Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold (30) reacts from the bench as his team loses against the Carolina Panthers in the second half of their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel shakes hand with Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales after the Dolphins lost their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) hugs Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) makes his way off the field after losing to the Carolina Panthers in their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) makes his way off the field after losing to the Carolina Panthers in their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) makes his way back to the locker rooms after losing against the Carolina Panthers in their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44) makes his way back to the locker rooms after losing against the Carolina Panthers in their NFL game at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
This story was originally published October 5, 2025 at 5:06 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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