The Miami Dolphins came into Week 3 already 2-0 on the young season. Tua Tagovailoa entered the week leading the NFL in passing yards. Suffice of to say, getting to 3-0 and adding to his league-leading passing yards total looked easy in today’s 70-20 Bronco Busting of the NFL team
Dolphins Break Record for Yards in Busting of Broncos
The Dolphins nearly set the NFL record for points in a game (72), set by the Washington Commanders (and their former moniker) back in 1966. In the waiting minutes of the game the Dolphins could have attempted a field goal and set the record, but instead did the right thing and allowed the Broncos to have the ball back with 30 seconds to go in the game.
Another Record Falls
The Dolphins did manage to break the record for most combined yards in a game (rushing and receiving) with 726 yards in today’s game, which broke the record of 722 yards set by the Los Angeles Rams way back in 1951 against a team known as the New York Yanks, who no longer exist.
The Offense
Tagovailoa stayed scorching hot. He was 23/26 for 309 yards and four touchdowns. Most important of all he did not turn the ball over. As far as the running back corps, rookie Devon Achane had his first NFL 100+ yard game. He carried 18 times for 203 yards and two scores, while also catching two touchdown passes. Raheem Mostert set the high total for touchdowns on the ground for the Dolphins backs, with three. He carried 13 times for 82 yards. Undrafted rookie free agent Chris Brooks had nine carries for 66 yards. Tyreek Hill had nine receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown. Hill is now averaging 137 and a third yards through the first three games of the season. At this pace, he is 82 yards off the pace to make good on his 2,000-yard season guarantee. The Dolphins Combined for 10 total touchdowns in today’s win.
The Defense
Andrew Van Ginkel and Kader Kohou each recovered a fumble (both of which were caused by Jevon Holland). The Dolphins only had one sack on the day, courtesy of Emmanuel Ogbah who also had the only interception for the Dolphins today. The only touchdown the defense allowed was from Russell Wilson to Courtland Sutton, on a 12-yard strike in the first quarter.
Special Teams
If there was one complaint that a Dolphins fan could make it would be about the 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that the special teams allowed to Marvin Mims Jr. On a more positive note, while Jason Sanders did not have a field goal attempt, he was a perfect 10/10 on extra points.
Takeaway
The Dolphins dominated the Broncos today and showed what they are capable of. They did all this without Jaylen Waddle who was inactive due to a concussion. Some Dolphins fans may question, whether the Dolphins are this good or is it that the Broncos are this bad? Keep in mind it has been 23 seasons since a Dolphins team has won a playoff game. 31 seasons since they appeared in an AFC Championship Game. 39 seasons since they last appeared in a Super Bowl. It has been 50 seasons since they last won a Super Bowl. Yes, this was an incredible and record-breaking beatdown. Fans are hoping for more of the same but are cautiously optimistic given the aforementioned history of the aqua and orange.
Main Photo: Jim Rassol / USA TODAY NETWORK
