In a season defined by offensive fireworks, the Miami Dolphins have once again etched their names in the annals of NFL history. Their latest accomplishment, while impressive, underscores the legendary status of their current offensive juggernaut.
On a pivotal Sunday clash against the New York Giants, the Dolphins orchestrated a masterful performance, eclipsing a longstanding NFL record. They now stand proudly as the team with the most yards amassed in the first five games of a single season, surpassing the previous record set by the 2000 St. Louis Rams at 2,527 yards. Adding an extra layer of astonishment to this feat, Miami achieved it with an entire quarter remaining in the game.
The driving force behind this remarkable performance was none other than rookie sensation running back De’Von Achane, whose electrifying speed left Giants defenders bewildered. Alongside him, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill continued his dominance, amassing over 150 yards receiving for the third time this season.
The final score of 31-16 in favor of the Miami Dolphins not only showcased their offensive prowess but also highlighted their remarkable consistency and resilience. This victory propelled Miami to a 4-1 record and reclaimed their coveted top spot in the AFC East, momentarily surrendered to the Buffalo Bills following their earlier loss to Jacksonville on the same Sunday.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa orchestrated a commendable performance, completing 22 of 30 passes for 308 yards. However, it wasn’t without flaws, as he threw two interceptions. Notably, one of these interceptions resulted in a 102-yard touchdown return by the Giants’ Jason Pinnock, tying a franchise record for the longest interception return in Giants history.
In a pivotal turn of events, Giants’ quarterback Daniel Jones exited the game in the fourth quarter due to a neck injury, leaving the Giants in a precarious position. Despite his injury, Jones couldn’t muster an offensive touchdown before leaving the field—a persistent issue for the Giants, as they hadn’t scored an offensive touchdown since the second half of their Week Three loss to the 49ers.
The Giants found themselves in familiar quarterback trouble as Jones departed after enduring six sacks in the game, following a punishing ten-sack game against the Seahawks the previous week. Tyrod Taylor took over for the Giants, eventually leading them to a scoring drive culminating in a 51-yard field goal by Graham Gano.
Achane’s star continued to ascend as he averaged an impressive 13.7 yards per carry on 11 rushes, amassing a total of 151 yards. This achievement marked him as the first Dolphins player with three consecutive 100-yard rushing games since Jay Ajayi in 2016. His explosive 76-yard touchdown run in the second quarter further solidified his status as the only player in the Super Bowl era with seven touchdowns in his first four NFL games.
The Dolphins’ speed was nothing short of electric, with Achane reaching a remarkable top speed of 21.76 mph on his touchdown run, as recorded by NFL NextGen Stats. On the other hand, Tyreek Hill displayed his unmatched speed with a 64-yard reception, clocking in at a blistering 22.01 mph—the fastest ball-carrier speed in the NFL this season. Remarkably, the Dolphins currently occupy the top seven spots for fastest speeds recorded in the NFL, with three attributed to Hill and three to Achane.
Hill, who enjoyed an outstanding day, hauled in eight passes for 181 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. However, his excitement got the better of him, resulting in a taunting penalty for jumping into the stands to present the ball to his mother.
Despite some self-inflicted wounds, the Dolphins managed to maintain their lead, thanks in part to an improved pass rush that generated 14 quarterback hits and seven sacks.
The Giants, struggling with a 1-4 record, managed to force turnovers for the first time this season. Safety Xavier McKinney forced a fumble by Achane in the second quarter, subsequently recovered by edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, despite moments of offensive success, the Giants could only muster nine offensive points.
Their offensive struggles persisted, with Gano missing a 55-yard field-goal attempt in the first half, followed by a successful 48-yarder for their only offensive score in the opening half.
In terms of injuries, the Giants’ star running back Saquon Barkley remained inactive for the third consecutive game due to an ankle injury, while the Dolphins’ LG Isaiah Wynn left the game in the second half with a neck injury.
For most NFL teams, amassing 524 yards of offense would be considered a remarkable achievement, but for the Miami Dolphins, it has become somewhat routine. They have exceeded this mark in two of their first four games this season. However, turnovers marred an otherwise stellar offensive performance, allowing the Giants to remain closer on the scoreboard than on the field. The Giants were within striking distance at halftime, and it wasn’t until late in the fourth quarter when backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor was stopped short of a first down on a fourth-down scramble that the Dolphins secured a 31-16 victory, improving their season record to 4-1.
The Dolphins’ offensive showcase began with Jaylen Waddle’s touchdown reception from Tua Tagovailoa, followed by rookie running back De’von Achane’s spectacular 76-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 14-0. Achane’s seventh touchdown in three games was accompanied by an impressive 165 yards on just 12 touches.
The explosive nature of the Dolphins’ offense persisted, with Tyreek Hill making two pivotal gains of 69 and 64 yards. Hill capped it off with a touchdown on the 69-yard reception, finishing the game with eight catches for 181 yards. Raheem Mostert added the final touchdown of the day, contributing 78 yards on 12 touches.
While the Dolphins’ offense continues to shine, addressing their turnover issues is imperative moving forward. Two Tagovailoa interceptions and an Achane fumble provided the Giants with opportunities to stay in the game.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins will host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, October 15th, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, as they seek to maintain their impressive momentum and solidify their status as a dominant force in the NFL.
