The Miami Dolphins beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 20-17, to open up their 2024 season in comeback fashion, thanks to timely plays from veterans across each phase of the game.
Despite being down in the fourth quarter, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa engineered his seventh career come-from-behind win and his ninth game-winning drive. Tyreek Hill scored his ninth Week 1 touchdown in as many seasons. Jaylen Waddle was sensational with five receptions for 109 yards on five targets.
Waddle and Hill became the seventh receiving duo in NFL history to each hit 100 yards in a single game seven times.
The Dolphins defense, namely safety Jevon Holland, stepped up when needed as well. Holland forced a fumble from running back Travis Etienne on the doorstep of the Dolphins end zone that resulted in a touchback when Kader Kohou dove on the loose ball. On the very next play, Tagovailoa hit Hill for the 80-yard score.
Elsewhere on the defensive side of the ball, Miami sacked Trevor Lawrence three times, including one by returning linebacker Jaelan Phillips. In front of an appreciative Hard Rock Stadium crowd, Phillips played in his first game since tearing his Achilles in November of last season. Edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah and new Miami defensive lineman Calais Campbell brought down Lawrence as well.
“He’s special,” Campbell said of Phillips after the game. “For him to come back off a big injury like that, a lot of it is getting your confidence back, realizing that you’re still that guy.”
Miami head coach Mike McDaniel praised new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver telling reporters post-game, “he is who I thought he was. He stayed consistent.”
McDaniel added that he and Weaver are rather like-minded saying, “we talked last night and again this morning because Coach Weaver and I, we share the same philosophy on what your job is as a coach and really who ultimately makes the plays. The players do.”
Even special teams veterans shined Sunday with punter Jake Bailey putting together an excellent day with a net average of 48.8 yards on his four kicks. He also had a long of 57 yards, and landed a punt inside Jacksonville’s five.
“We don’t win that game without them,” McDaniels said. “I thought our special teams had a great game.”
The Dolphins were able to dig deep, and found a gritty victory. With their backs literally against their own endzone, the Holland forced fumble started what was essentially an instant 14-point swing.
While not a perfect victory, it was McDaniel’s third straight win to open a season. The Dolphins are now 7-1 in September during his tenure with a short week ahead before their Week 2 matchup.
McDaniel, Weaver, and the Dolphins will prep immediately for the Buffalo Bills. The early AFC East clash on primetime with pit two 1-0 teams against each other on Thursday Night Football.
