By Eddie Lopez
Recap
Source: CNN Newsource
On Sunday, the Miami Dolphins took on the 0-2 Denver Broncos in what was one of the highest-scoring games by a team in NFL history. The Dolphins came into this game 2-0 and would look to win their third game in a row and start 3-0 in back-to-back years.
1st Quarter
The first drive of the game started off with a bang as Tua hit Tyreek Hill for a 54-yard touchdown just under 2 minutes into the game. 7-0 Dolphins.
The defense was able to lock down Russell Wilson and the Broncos offense and force a punt. The next drive for the Dolphins was another success. Started with a 15-yard run from Raheem Mostert and a 26-yard rush by rookie running back De’Von Achane. Then after a few first downs, the Dolphins found themselves on the Broncos' goal line. Achane was able to run it in for an 8-yard touchdown which was the first of the rookie’s young career. 14-0 Dolphins.
The Broncos were able to bounce back and score on a 12-yard touchdown pass to receiver Courtland Sutton. 14-7 Dolphins still lead.
The Dolphins came back out with 1:12 left in the first quarter and had a great drive propelled by two nice gains from Tyreek Hill and Braxton Berrios.
2nd Quarter
The Dolphins took the drive into the second quarter and after a couple more gains found themselves in the Red Zone again. Then, Tua found Achane with a no-look shovel pass that was good for 4 yards and a touchdown. 21-7 Dolphins.
The Broncos got their offense rolling and drove the ball downfield and found themselves in the red zone. Veteran Quarterback Russell Wilson was able to find Receiver Courtland Sutton again for a 7 yard touchdown but the Broncos were later called for offensive pass interference and after a 4 yard gain the Broncos settled for a 31 yard field goal. 21-10 Dolphins.
For the first time in the game, the Broncos defense was able to stop the Dolphins and cause a turnover on downs after a failed direct snap to Fullback Alec Ingold. However, Dolphins defense held strong and forced a Broncos punt with 3:09 left in the 2nd quarter. Looking to add on the lead before the end of the first half, the Dolphins started off their next drive with a 15-yard pass to Tyreek Hill and a 8-yard gain for running back Raheem Mostert. After a few first downs, Mostert was able to break through and run the ball in for a 20-yard touchdown with about 2 minutes left. 28-10 Dolphins.
On the next possession, Dolphins safety Javon Holland was able to poke the ball out of Courtland Sutton's hands and force a fumble recovered by Andrew Van Ginkel which gave the Dolphins great field position. Mostert was able to find the end zone again for a 3-yard touchdown. 35-10 Dolphins.
The Broncos were able to add on 3 points after a 9 play drive which took the game into halftime. 35-10 Dolphins.
3rd Quarter
After a high-scoring first half for the Dolphins, the Broncos started off the second half with the ball. The Dolphins defense was able to force a punt with 12 minutes left in the first quarter. The Dolphins offense really took off after the start of the second half with a drive headlined by a 40-yard rush by Achane which set up another rushing touchdown from Raheem Mostert. 42-13 Dolphins.
Jevon Holland Was able to force another fumble and put the ball back into Tua and the offense's hands. After another great drive, Tua was able to get the ball to Raheem Mostert for a 19-yard touchdown pass. 49-13 Dolphins.
Then, an unexpected play happened as Emmanuel Ogbah intercepted a tipped pass from Russell Wilson intended for Trautman. Once again Tua found De’Von Achane for a 10-yard touchdown. 56-13 Dolphins.
4th Quarter
After multiple punts from both teams, the Dolphins had another great drive. Coach Mike McDaniel Decided to pull Tua out after having a great passing game and put in backup QB Mike White. White, who has seen no action yet in the season but was the Jets backup last year, was able to find Receiver Robbie Chosen for a 68-yard touchdown. 63-13 Dolphins.
The Broncos were able to score their final points of the night after a 99-yard kickoff return from Marvin Mims Jr. 63-20 Dolphins.
Achane again showcased his talent and speed breaking out for a 67-yard touchdown run as the team was running the ball to milk the clock. 70-20 Dolphins.
Both teams would not score for the rest of the game and the Dolphins were victorious. 70-20.
Post Game Notes
Coming into the game, there was worry about star receiver Jaylen Waddle being placed on concussion protocol but the Dolphins looked the best they have all season as they broke the franchise record for points.
Rookie De’Von Achane ran for 203 yards and two touchdowns and caught two touchdowns. All of which are career highs for the young running back.
Raheem Mostert also had a great game with three rushing touchdowns and one receiving.
Tua looked to prove Broncos head coach Sean Payton wrong after he made comments last year predicting that Tua would be benched. He did not disappoint after not having an incompletion until the third quarter and he finished with 309 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The defense also looked good with a couple of forced fumbles and an interception.
During the Dolphins last drive in the fourth quarter, while they were up 70-20, head coach Mike McDaniel decided to not kick a field goal and took a knee on fourth down and turned it over on downs. The NFL record for most points scored by a team is 72, the field goal would have broken the record.
This is what Coach McDaniel had to say after the game, “ It felt like chasing points, chasing a record is not what we came here to do…” per reporter Cameron Wolfe.
The Dolphins look to move up to 4-0 in a tough rivalry matchup in Buffalo Next week.
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