2021 Miami Dolphins season

The 2021 season was the Miami Dolphins' 52nd season in the National Football League, their 56th overall, and their third and final year under head coach Brian Flores, and sixth under general manager Chris Grier. Despite a 1–7 start to the season, Miami then won the next seven games, becoming the first team in NFL history to lose seven straight games and then win seven straight games in the same season. The 7-game win streak was their first since the 1985 season. They also became the sixth team in NFL history to win four or more consecutive games after losing seven in a row, after the 2009 Cleveland Browns, 1994 New York Giants, 1993 New England Patriots, 1984 Green Bay Packers, and the 1978 St. Louis Cardinals.^[1] However the Dolphins were eliminated from the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year after their win streak ended in Week 17 to the Tennessee Titans, combined with a win by the Los Angeles Chargers.^[2]

2021 Miami Dolphins season
Owner	Stephen M. Ross
General manager	Chris Grier
Head coach	Brian Flores
Home field	Hard Rock Stadium
Results
Record	9–8
Division place	3rd AFC East
Playoff finish	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	CB Xavien Howard
Uniform
← 2020 Dolphins seasons 2022 →

Some highlights from the season included head coach Brian Flores becoming the first Dolphins coach since Don Shula to beat the Patriots multiple times in New England, Miami's first wins over the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints since 2009 and 2005 respectively, their first win over the New York Giants since 2003 (which was also Miami's first ever home win over the Giants), and finally their first win in Caesars Superdome since 1986. The Dolphins also swept the New York Jets in back-to-back years for the first time since the 1996 and 1997 seasons, swept the New England Patriots for the first time since 2000, and had consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2002–2003. However in a surprise move and due to alleged conflicts with both the roster and front office, owner Stephen M. Ross dismissed head coach Brian Flores on January 10, 2022.^[3]

Offseason and training camp

On January 5, 2021, Dolphins' offensive coordinator Chan Gailey announced his resignation.^[4] On February 2, the Dolphins announced coaches Eric Studesville and George Godsey would share the offensive coordinator position for the upcoming 2021 season.^[5]

On May 25, 2021, the NFL announced training camp for all teams will commence on July 27. This will mark the first time the Dolphins have training camp at the new training facility adjacent to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.^[6]

On May 26, Tua Tagovailoa, when reflecting on the 2020 season, said he wasn't comfortable calling plays and he didn't know the playbook really well. He added he feels much more comfortable now.^[7] On June 15, during the first day of minicamp and during a heavy downpour of rain, Tagovailoa threw five interceptions. He explained later that during minicamp the team had decided to be more aggressive with riskier throws to see what would happen and that they can now learn from the results.^[8]

Atlanta Falcons' head coach Arthur Smith announced his team would hold joint practices with the Miami Dolphins sometime around August 21 at Hard Rock Stadium.^[9]

On July 27, 2021, All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard officially requested a trade from the Dolphins over a months-long contract dispute. Despite this, just twelve days later on August 8, 2021, the Dolphins agreed to restructure the cornerback's contract. The deal adds more guaranteed money and incentives, possibly making his payout over $16.285 million.^[10]

Draft

Main article: 2021 NFL Draft

2021 Miami Dolphins Draft

Round	Selection	Player	Position	College	Notes
1	6	Jaylen Waddle	WR	Alabama	from Philadelphia
	18	Jaelan Phillips	OLB	Miami
2	36	Jevon Holland	FS	Oregon
	42	Liam Eichenberg	OT	Notre Dame	from New York
3	81	Hunter Long	TE	Boston College	from San Francisco
7	231	Larnel Coleman	OT	UMass
	244	Gerrid Doaks	RB	Cincinnati	from Washington

Staff

2021 Miami Dolphins staff

	Front office Chairman/managing general partner – Stephen Ross Vice chairman/partner – Bruce Beal Vice chairman – Jorge Pérez Vice chairman – Matt Higgins Vice chairman, president, and CEO – Tom Garfinkel General manager – Chris Grier Assistant general manager – Marvin Allen Vice president, football administration – Brandon Shore Senior vice president, chief financial officer – Chris Clements Senior personnel executive – Reggie McKenzie Co-director, player personnel – Adam Engroff Co-director, player personnel – Anthony Hunt Assistant director of college scouting – Matt Winston Special advisor to the vice chairman, president, and CEO – Dan Marino Head coaches Head coach – Brian Flores Assistant head coach/special teams coordinator – Danny Crossman Offensive coaches Quarterbacks – Charlie Frye Co-offensive coordinator/running backs – Eric Studesville Wide receivers – Josh Grizzard Co-offensive coordinator/tight ends – George Godsey Assistant tight ends – Mike Judge Offensive line – Lemuel Jeanpierre Assistant offensive line – Shawn Flaherty			Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Josh Boyer Defensive line – Austin Clark Linebackers – Anthony Campanile Outside linebackers – Rob Leonard Defensive backs – Gerald Alexander Cornerbacks – Charles Burks Assistant defensive backs – Curt Kuntz Special teams coaches Assistant special teams – Brendan Farrell Support staff Assistant to the head coach – Lance Bennett Coaching assistant – Steve Ferentz Coaching assistant – Steven Gregory Coaching assistant – Kenyon Jackson Coaching assistant – Tyler Murphy Coaching assistant – Erick Wren Quality control – Jordan Salkin Quality control – Kolby Smith Strength and conditioning Head strength and conditioning – Dave Puloka Assistant strength and conditioning – Jim Arthur Strength and conditioning assistant – Jimmy Mangiero

Final roster

2021 Miami Dolphins final roster

	Quarterbacks 14 Jacoby Brissett  1 Tua Tagovailoa Running backs 26 Salvon Ahmed 37 Myles Gaskin 28 Duke Johnson 31 Phillip Lindsay Wide receivers 87 Isaiah Ford 86 Mack Hollins 11 DeVante Parker 17 Jaylen Waddle 18 Preston Williams  2 Albert Wilson Tight ends 82 Cethan Carter 88 Mike Gesicki 84 Hunter Long 80 Adam Shaheen 81 Durham Smythe		Offensive linemen 77 Jesse Davis T 63 Michael Deiter C 74 Liam Eichenberg T 68 Robert Hunt G 73 Austin Jackson G 65 Robert Jones T 66 Solomon Kindley G 62 Greg Mancz C Defensive linemen 70 Adam Butler DE 98 Raekwon Davis NT 90 John Jenkins NT 91 Emmanuel Ogbah DE 92 Zach Sieler DE 94 Christian Wilkins DE		Linebackers 55 Jerome Baker ILB 47 Vince Biegel OLB 49 Samuel Eguavoen ILB 41 Darius Hodge OLB 50 Calvin Munson ILB 15 Jaelan Phillips OLB 45 Duke Riley ILB 52 Elandon Roberts ILB 57 Brennan Scarlett OLB 43 Andrew Van Ginkel OLB Defensive backs 27 Justin Coleman CB 42 Clayton Fejedelem SS  8 Jevon Holland FS 25 Xavien Howard CB  9 Noah Igbinoghene CB 29 Brandon Jones SS 24 Byron Jones CB 40 Nik Needham CB 20 Sheldrick Redwine FS 21 Eric Rowe SS  6 Trill Williams CB Special teams 44 Blake Ferguson LS  5 Michael Palardy P  7 Jason Sanders K		Reserve lists -- Lynn Bowden WR (IR)   34 Malcolm Brown RB (IR)   22 Elijah Campbell CB (IR)   79 Larnel Coleman T (IR)    3 Will Fuller WR (IR)   -- Allen Hurns WR (IR)   32 Patrick Laird RB (IR)   75 Greg Little T (IR)   30 Jason McCourty FS (IR)   33 Jamal Perry CB (IR)   Practice squad 10 Damon Arnette CB 93 Andrew Billings NT 19 Cody Core WR 38 Javaris Davis CB 23 Gerrid Doaks RB 72 Roderick Johnson T 95 Benito Jones NT 85 Tommylee Lewis WR (Injured)   16 Jake Luton QB 48 Wynton McManis ILB 83 Kirk Merritt WR 35 Chris Milton CB 78 Adam Pankey T 60 Spencer Pulley C 69 Durval Queiroz Neto G (Int.) 22 Jordan Scarlett RB (Injured)   76 Kion Smith T 64 Cameron Tom C Rookies in italics 52 active, 12 inactive, 15 practice squad (+3 exempt)

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	August 14	at Chicago Bears	L 13–20	0–1	Soldier Field	Recap
2	August 21	Atlanta Falcons	W 37–17	1–1	Hard Rock Stadium	Recap
3	August 29	at Cincinnati Bengals	W 29–26	2–1	Paul Brown Stadium	Recap

Regular season

Schedule

The Dolphins' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	September 12	at New England Patriots	W 17–16	1–0	Gillette Stadium	Recap
2	September 19	Buffalo Bills	L 0–35	1–1	Hard Rock Stadium	Recap
3	September 26	at Las Vegas Raiders	L 28–31 (OT)	1–2	Allegiant Stadium	Recap
4	October 3	Indianapolis Colts	L 17–27	1–3	Hard Rock Stadium	Recap
5	October 10	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	L 17–45	1–4	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
6	October 17	at Jacksonville Jaguars	L 20–23	1–5	Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)	Recap
7	October 24	Atlanta Falcons	L 28–30	1–6	Hard Rock Stadium	Recap
8	October 31	at Buffalo Bills	L 11–26	1–7	Highmark Stadium	Recap
9	November 7	Houston Texans	W 17–9	2–7	Hard Rock Stadium	Recap
10	November 11	Baltimore Ravens	W 22–10	3–7	Hard Rock Stadium	Recap
11	November 21	at New York Jets	W 24–17	4–7	MetLife Stadium	Recap
12	November 28	Carolina Panthers	W 33–10	5–7	Hard Rock Stadium	Recap
13	December 5	New York Giants	W 20–9	6–7	Hard Rock Stadium	Recap
14	Bye
15	December 19	New York Jets	W 31–24	7–7	Hard Rock Stadium	Recap
16	December 27	at New Orleans Saints	W 20–3	8–7	Caesars Superdome	Recap
17	January 2	at Tennessee Titans	L 3–34	8–8	Nissan Stadium	Recap
18	January 9	New England Patriots	W 33–24	9–8	Hard Rock Stadium	Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at New England Patriots

Week 1: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	7	3	7	0	17
Patriots	0	10	3	3	16

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: September 12
• Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 82 °F (28 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,878
• Referee: Clete Blakeman
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 3-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 5:29. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:05. Second quarter NE – Nick Folk 27-yard field goal, 10:17. Dolphins 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 65 yards, 6:56. NE – Nelson Agholor 7-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 2:35. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:36. MIA – Jason Sanders 48-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 10–10. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 2:30. Third quarter MIA – Jaylen Waddle 3-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 10:51. Dolphins 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:09. NE – Nick Folk 42-yard field goal, 2:50. Dolphins 17–13. Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 8:01. Fourth quarter NE – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 10:36. Dolphins 17–16. Drive: 14 plays, 57 yards, 5:37. Top passers MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 16/27, 202 yards, TD, INT NE – Mac Jones – 29/39, 281 yards, TD Top rushers MIA – Myles Gaskin – 9 rushes, 49 yards NE – Damien Harris – 23 rushes, 100 yards Top receivers MIA – DeVante Parker – 4 receptions, 81 yards NE – Nelson Agholor – 5 receptions, 72 yards, TD

The Dolphins take sole possession of first place in the AFC East with this win as they improved to 1–0, their first such start since 2018. It was also the first time since 2017 that the Patriots had lost a season opener. Head coach Brian Flores also became the first Dolphins head coach since Don Shula to beat New England multiple times in Foxboro. The win was secured when Damien Harris fumbled the ball with 3:35 left in the fourth quarter and Miami ran out the clock.

Week 2: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 2: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	14	0	7	14	35
Dolphins	0	0	0	0	0

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: September 19
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 88 °F (31 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,040
• Referee: Craig Wrolstad
• TV announcers (Fox): Brandon Gaudin, Matt Millen and Sarah Kustok
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter BUF – Devin Singletary 46-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 12:33. Bills 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 46 yards, 0:12. BUF – Stefon Diggs 5-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 7:02. Bills 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 3:39. Second quarter No scoring plays Third quarter BUF – Dawson Knox 8-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 11:48. Bills 21–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:12. Fourth quarter BUF – Zack Moss 7-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 13:38. Bills 28–0. Drive: 11 plays, 41 yards, 5:21. BUF – Zack Moss 1-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 7:45. Bills 35–0. Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 4:13. Top passers BUF – Josh Allen – 17/33, 179 yards, 2 TD, INT MIA – Jacoby Brissett – 24/40, 169 yards, INT Top rushers BUF – Devin Singletary – 13 rushes, 82 yards, TD MIA – Myles Gaskin – 5 rushes, 25 yards Top receivers BUF – Stefon Diggs – 4 receptions, 60 yards, TD MIA – Jaylen Waddle – 6 receptions, 48 yards

Despite forcing two turnovers to extend their streak of games with takeaways to 24, the Dolphins suffered their worst loss to the Bills with a 35–0 shutout by Buffalo. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a rib injury in the first quarter, forcing backup Jacoby Brissett to finish the game in his stead.^[11]

Week 3: at Las Vegas Raiders

Week 3: Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Dolphins	14	0	0	11	3	28
Raiders	2	10	7	6	6	31

at Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada

• Date: September 26
• Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 59,311
• Referee: Carl Cheffers
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIA – Elandon Roberts 85-yard interception return (Jason Sanders kick), 6:34. Dolphins 7–0. MIA – Malcolm Brown 24-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 3:07. Dolphins 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 1:42. LV – Casey Hayward tackled Jaylen Waddle in end zone for safety, 0:32. Dolphins 14–2. Second quarter LV – Daniel Carlson 50-yard field goal, 11:36. Dolphins 14–5. Drive: 9 plays, 31 yards, 3:56. LV – Alec Ingold 1-yard pass from Derek Carr (Daniel Carlson kick), 1:56. Dolphins 14–12. Drive: 10 plays, 95 yards, 4:24. Third quarter LV – Hunter Renfrow 12-yard pass from Derek Carr (Daniel Carlson kick), 7:17. Raiders 19–14. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 5:16. Fourth quarter LV – Peyton Barber 1-yard run (kick failed), 13:47. Raiders 25–14. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 6:05. MIA – Jason Sanders 46-yard field goal, 8:30. Raiders 25–17. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 5:17. MIA – Jacoby Brissett 1-yard run (Jacoby Brissett–Will Fuller pass), 0:02. Tied 25–25. Drive: 13 plays, 82 yards, 3:20. Overtime LV – Daniel Carlson 38-yard field goal, 6:27. Raiders 28–25. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:33. MIA – Jason Sanders 50-yard field goal, 2:49. Tied 28–28. Drive: 11 plays, 48 yards, 3:38. LV – Daniel Carlson 22-yard field goal, 0:00. Raiders 31–28. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 2:49. Top passers MIA – Jacoby Brissett – 32/49, 215 yards LV– Derek Carr – 26/43, 386 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers MIA – Myles Gaskin – 13 rushes, 65 yards LV – Peyton Barber – 23 rushes, 111 yards, TD Top receivers MIA – Mike Gesicki – 10 receptions, 86 yards LV – Bryan Edwards – 3 receptions, 89 yards

Week 4: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 4: Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Colts	0	7	10	10	27
Dolphins	3	0	0	14	17

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: October 3
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 85 °F (29 °C)
• Game attendance: 64,571
• Referee: Alex Kemp
• TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Jay Feely
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIA – Jason Sanders 38-yard field goal, 9:54. Dolphins 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:18. Second quarter IND – Jonathan Taylor 23-yard run (Rodrigo Blankenship kick), 2:47. Colts 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:14. Third quarter IND – Mo Alie-Cox 3-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Rodrigo Blankenship kick), 8:29. Colts 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 6:31. IND – Rodrigo Blankenship 34-yard field goal, 0:54. Colts 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 2:56. Fourth quarter IND – Rodrigo Blankenship 43-yard field goal, 13:17. Colts 20–3. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:30. MIA – Mike Gesicki 1-yard pass from Jacoby Brissett (Jason Sanders kick), 10:40. Colts 20–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:37. IND – Mo Alie-Cox 11-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Rodrigo Blankenship kick), 6:15. Colts 27–10. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 4:25. MIA – DeVante Parker 3-yard pass from Jacoby Brissett (Jason Sanders kick), 4:24. Colts 27–17. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:51. Top passers IND – Carson Wentz – 24/32, 228 yards, 2 TD MIA – Jacoby Brissett – 20/30, 199 yards, 2 TD Top rushers IND – Jonathan Taylor – 16 rushes, 103 yards, TD MIA – Malcolm Brown – 8 rushes, 23 yards Top receivers IND – Michael Pittman Jr. – 6 receptions, 95 yards MIA – DeVante Parker – 4 receptions, 77 yards, TD

Week 5: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 5: Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	10	0	7	0	17
Buccaneers	7	17	0	21	45

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: October 10
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Cloudy, 84 °F (29 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,570
• Referee: Jerome Boger
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIA – Jason Sanders 23-yard field goal, 11:17. Dolphins 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 3:43. TB – Giovani Bernard 10-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 7:04. Buccaneers 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:13. MIA – Myles Gaskin 24-yard pass from Jacoby Brissett (Jason Sanders kick), 3:16. Dolphins 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:48. Second quarter TB – Ryan Succop 42-yard field goal, 14:06. Tied 10–10. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:10. TB – Antonio Brown 62-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 11:01. Buccaneers 17–10. Drive: 3 plays, 70 yards, 1:34. TB – Antonio Brown 4-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 1:48. Buccaneers 24–10. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 6:19. Third quarter MIA – Myles Gaskin 1-yard pass from Jacoby Brissett (Jason Sanders kick), 6:56. Buccaneers 24–17. Drive: 11 plays, 87 yards, 5:52. Fourth quarter TB – Leonard Fournette 5-yard run (Ryan Succop kick), 14:57. Buccaneers 31–17. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:59. TB – Mike Evans 34-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 11:49. Buccaneers 38–17. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 2:10. TB – Mike Evans 22-yard pass from Tom Brady (Ryan Succop kick), 8:57. Buccaneers 45–17. Drive: 3 plays, 41 yards, 1:50. Top passers MIA – Jacoby Brissett – 27/39, 275 yards, 2 TD, INT TB – Tom Brady – 30/41, 411 yards, 5 TD Top rushers MIA – Myles Gaskin – 5 rushes, 25 yards TB – Leonard Fournette – 12 rushes, 67 yards, TD Top receivers MIA – Myles Gaskin – 7 receptions, 74 yards, 2 TD TB – Antonio Brown – 7 receptions, 124 yards, 2 TD

Week 6: at Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL London games

Week 6: Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	7	6	0	7	20
Jaguars	3	7	7	6	23

at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England

• Date: October 17
• Game time: 1:30 p.m. BST/9:30 a.m. EDT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 61 °F (16 °C)
• Game attendance: 60,784
• Referee: John Hussey
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIA – Jaylen Waddle 6-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 7:45. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:15. JAX – Matthew Wright 40-yard field goal, 3:49. Dolphins 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 3:56. Second quarter MIA– Jason Sanders 33-yard field goal, 14:15. Dolphins 10–3. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:34. MIA– Jason Sanders 24-yard field goal, 5:38. Dolphins 13–3. Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 3:11. JAX – Marvin Jones 28-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Matthew Wright kick), 0:40. Dolphins 13–10. Drive: 6 plays, 49 yards, 1:05. Third quarter JAX – James Robinson 1-yard run (Matthew Wright kick), 12:29. Jaguars 17–13. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:31. Fourth quarter MIA – Jaylen Waddle 2-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 10:22. Dolphins 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 91 yards, 3:53. JAX – Matthew Wright 54-yard field goal, 3:40. Tied 20–20. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 2:59. JAX – Matthew Wright 53-yard field goal, 0:00. Jaguars 23–20. Drive: 5 plays, 11 yards, 1:42. Top passers MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 33/47, 329 yards, 2 TD, INT JAX – Trevor Lawrence – 25/41, 319 yards, TD Top rushers MIA – Malcolm Brown – 5 rushes, 24 yards JAX – James Robinson – 17 rushes, 73 yards, TD Top receivers MIA – Mike Gesicki – 8 receptions, 115 yards JAX – Marvin Jones – 7 receptions, 100 yards, TD

Week 7: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 7: Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	0	13	7	10	30
Dolphins	7	0	7	14	28

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: October 24
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 86 °F (30 °C)
• Game attendance: 62,739
• Referee: Scott Novak
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Jen Hale
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIA – Isaiah Ford 10-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 7:53. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:07. Second quarter ATL – Younghoe Koo 33-yard field goal, 14:13. Dolphins 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:25. ATL – Calvin Ridley 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 4:47. Falcons 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:09. ATL – Younghoe Koo 36-yard field goal, 0:04. Falcons 13–7. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 0:32. Third quarter ATL – Russell Gage 49-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Younghoe Koo kick), 13:53. Falcons 20–7. Drive: 3 plays, 77 yards, 1:07. MIA – Mike Gesicki 6-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 5:15. Falcons 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 3:48. Fourth quarter ATL – Cordarrelle Patterson 3-yard run (Younghoe Koo kick), 12:51. Falcons 27–14. Drive: 3 plays, 14 yards, 1:06. MIA – Myles Gaskin 7-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 8:29. Falcons 27–21. Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 4:22. MIA – Mack Hollins 4-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 2:27. Dolphins 28–27. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 3:27. ATL – Younghoe Koo 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 30–28. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 2:27. Top passers ATL – Matt Ryan – 25/40, 336 yards, 2 TD, INT MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 32/40, 291 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT Top rushers ATL – Cordarrelle Patterson – 14 rushes, 60 yards, TD MIA – Myles Gaskin – 15 rushes, 67 yards Top receivers ATL – Kyle Pitts – 7 receptions, 163 yards MIA – Mike Gesicki – 7 receptions, 85 yards, TD

The Dolphins trailed 27–14 at the start of the 4th quarter and 2 touchdowns were not enough to secure the win.

Week 8: at Buffalo Bills

Week 8: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	0	3	0	8	11
Bills	3	0	7	16	26

at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: October 31
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Cloudy, 51 °F (11 °C)
• Game attendance: 69,355
• Referee: Shawn Smith
• TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Amanda Balionis
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter BUF – Tyler Bass 57-yard field goal, 3:48. Bills 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 4:18. Second quarter MIA – Jason Sanders 51-yard field goal, 8:10. Tied 3–3. Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards, 3:51. Third quarter BUF – Gabe Davis 8-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 3:49. Bills 10–3. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:06. Fourth quarter BUF – Stefon Diggs 19-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 13:23. Bills 17–3. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 3:49. MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 1-yard run (Tua Tagovailoa–Mike Gesicki pass), 9:39. Bills 17–11. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:44. BUF – Tyler Bass 39-yard field goal, 3:33. Bills 20–11. Drive: 14 plays, 59 yards, 6:10. BUF – Josh Allen 7-yard run (run failed), 1:07. Bills 26–11. Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 1:14. Top passers MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 21/39, 205 yards, INT BUF – Josh Allen – 29/42, 249 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIA – Myles Gaskin – 12 rushes, 36 yards BUF – Josh Allen – 8 rushes, 55 yards, TD Top receivers MIA – DeVante Parker – 8 receptions, 85 yards BUF – Cole Beasley – 10 receptions, 110 yards

Week 9: vs. Houston Texans

Week 9: Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Texans	0	6	0	3	9
Dolphins	7	10	0	0	17

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: November 7
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C)
• Game attendance: 60,232
• Referee: Adrian Hill
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Jen Hale
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIA – Myles Gaskin 6-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 4:37. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:03. Second quarter HOU – Ka'imi Fairbairn 31-yard field goal, 9:48. Dolphins 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 20 yards, 3:21. HOU – Ka'imi Fairbairn 40-yard field goal, 4:32. Dolphins 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 0:58. MIA – Jason Sanders 42-yard field goal, 1:08. Dolphins 10–6. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 3:24. MIA – Mack Hollins 5-yard pass from Jacoby Brissett (Jason Sanders kick), 0:29. Dolphins 17–6. Drive: 4 plays, 26 yards, 0:24. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter HOU – Ka'imi Fairbairn 20-yard field goal, 11:32. Dolphins 17–9. Drive: 14 plays, 92 yards, 5:40. Top passers HOU – Tyrod Taylor – 23/42, 231 yards, 3 INT MIA – Jacoby Brissett – 26/43, 244 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers HOU – Phillip Lindsay – 8 rushes, 28 yards MIA – Myles Gaskin – 20 rushes, 34 yards, TD Top receivers HOU – Danny Amendola – 3 receptions, 49 yards MIA – Jaylen Waddle – 8 receptions, 83 yards

Week 10: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week 10: Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Ravens	3	0	0	7	10
Dolphins	0	6	0	16	22

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: November 11
• Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 77 °F (25 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,948
• Referee: Ronald Torbert
• TV announcers (Fox/NFLN/Prime Video): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews, and Kristina Pink
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter BAL – Justin Tucker 46-yard field goal, 9:48. Ravens 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 5:12. Second quarter MIA – Jason Sanders 31-yard field goal, 6:18. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 5:14. MIA – Jason Sanders 22-yard field goal, 0:03. Dolphins 6–3. Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 0:48. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter MIA – Jason Sanders 29-yard field goal, 12:34. Dolphins 9–3. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 4:05. MIA – Xavien Howard 49-yard fumble return (pass failed), 11:23. Dolphins 15–3. BAL – Mark Andrews 5-yard pass from Lamar Jackson (Justin Tucker kick), 4:12. Dolphins 15–10. Drive: 9 plays, 99 yards, 3:28. MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 2:19. Dolphins 22–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:53. Top passers BAL – Lamar Jackson – 26/43, 238 yards, TD, INT MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 8/13, 158 yards Top rushers BAL – Lamar Jackson – 9 rushes, 39 yards MIA – Myles Gaskin – 14 rushes, 31 yards Top receivers BAL – Rashod Bateman – 6 receptions, 80 yards MIA – Albert Wilson – 4 receptions, 87 yards

Week 11: at New York Jets

Week 11: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	7	0	7	10	24
Jets	7	0	7	3	17

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Date: November 21
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Mostly sunny, 54 °F (12 °C)
• Game attendance: 72,303
• Referee: Alex Kemp
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta, and AJ Ross
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIA – Jaylen Waddle 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 9:04. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 5:56. NYJ – Jamison Crowder 2-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Matt Ammendola kick), 3:00. Tied 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 1:43. Second quarter No scoring plays. Third quarter MIA – Mack Hollins 65-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 9:06. Dolphins 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 90 yards, 2:13. NYJ – Elijah Moore 62-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Matt Ammendola kick), 2:59. Tied 14–14. Drive: 3 plays, 64 yards, 0:50. Fourth quarter MIA – Myles Gaskin 5-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 10:15. Dolphins 21–14. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:44. MIA – Jason Sanders 24-yard field goal, 1:57. Dolphins 24–14. Drive: 12 plays, 45 yards, 6:53. NYJ – Matt Ammendola 35-yard field goal, 0:15. Dolphins 24–17. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 1:42. Top passers MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 27/33, 273 yards, 2 TD, INT NYJ – Joe Flacco – 24/39, 291 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIA – Myles Gaskin – 23 rushes, 89 yards NYJ – Michael Carter – 9 rushes, 63 yards Top receivers MIA – Mack Hollins – 2 receptions, 72 yards, TD NYJ – Elijah Moore – 8 receptions, 141 yards, TD

Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 12: Carolina Panthers at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	7	3	0	0	10
Dolphins	7	14	6	6	33

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: November 28
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Mostly sunny, 77 °F (25 °C)
• Game attendance: 62,389
• Referee: John Hussey
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston, and Jen Hale
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIA – Justin Coleman 2-yard return of blocked punt (Jason Sanders kick), 9:11. Dolphins 7–0. CAR – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 6:01. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:10. Second quarter MIA – Jaylen Waddle 9-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 9:01. Dolphins 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards, 1:26. MIA – Myles Gaskin 3-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 4:26. Dolphins 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 2:53. CAR – Zane Gonzalez 41-yard field goal, 0:00. Dolphins 21–10. Drive: 1 play, 0 yards, 0:01. Third quarter MIA – Myles Gaskin 3-yard run (kick failed, hit left upright), 4:11. Dolphins 27–10. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:24. Fourth quarter MIA – Jason Sanders 46-yard field goal, 10:58. Dolphins 30–10. Drive: 10 plays, 19 yards, 6:34. MIA – Jason Sanders 33-yard field goal, 3:41. Dolphins 33–10. Drive: 10 plays, 23 yards, 5:22. Top passers CAR – Cam Newton – 5/21, 92 yards, 2 INT MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 27/31, 230 yards, TD Top rushers CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 10 rushes, 35 yards MIA – Myles Gaskin – 16 rushes, 49 yards, 2 TD Top receivers CAR – D. J. Moore – 4 receptions, 103 yards MIA – Jaylen Waddle – 9 receptions, 137 yards, TD

Week 13: vs. New York Giants

Week 13: New York Giants at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	0	3	3	3	9
Dolphins	0	10	0	10	20

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: December 5
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Partly sunny, 82 °F (28 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,898
• Referee: Brad Allen
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Jen Hale
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter NYG – Graham Gano 39-yard field goal, 13:12. Giants 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 16 yards, 2:37. MIA – Jason Sanders 48-yard field goal, 7:07. Tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 6:05. MIA – Mack Hollins 5-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 0:26. Dolphins 10–3. Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards, 3:52. Third quarter NYG – Graham Gano 34-yard field goal, 10:29. Dolphins 10–6. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 3:31. Fourth quarter MIA – Isaiah Ford 2-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 11:06. Dolphins 17–6. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 3:45. NYG – Graham Gano 51-yard field goal, 4:59. Dolphins 17–9. Drive: 10 plays, 25 yards, 3:43. MIA – Jason Sanders 48-yard field goal, 1:11. Dolphins 20–9. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 3:48. Top passers NYG – Mike Glennon – 23/44, 187 yards, INT MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 30/41, 244 yards, 2 TD Top rushers NYG – Saquon Barkley – 11 rushes, 55 yards MIA – Myles Gaskin – 15 rushes, 44 yards Top receivers NYG – Evan Engram – 4 receptions, 61 yards MIA – Jaylen Waddle – 9 receptions, 90 yards

The Dolphins defeated the Giants at home for the first time in franchise history, and defeated them for the first time since 2003. The 2021 Dolphins also became the first team since the 1994 Giants to win at least 5 straight games after losing 7 in a row. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa became the first Dolphins quarterback since Dan Marino in 1994 to throw at least 21 completions in the first half of a game.

Week 15: vs. New York Jets

Week 15: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	10	7	0	7	24
Dolphins	0	10	7	14	31

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: December 19
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Partly sunny, 79 °F (26 °C)
• Game attendance: 66,035
• Referee: Ronald Torbert
• TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ Ross
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter NYJ – Braxton Berrios 2-yard run (Eddy Pineiro kick), 7:02. Jets 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 83 yards, 6:04. NYJ – Eddy Pineiro 27-yard field goal, 4:30. Jets 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 2:19. Second quarter MIA – Duke Johnson 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 13:42. Jets 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 68 yards, 4:01. NYJ – Zach Wilson 1-yard run (Eddy Pineiro kick), 9:29. Jets 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:13. MIA – Jason Sanders 24-yard field goal, 1:59. Jets 17–10. Drive: 14 plays, 69 yards, 7:30. Third quarter MIA – Duke Johnson 2-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 9:44. Tied 17–17. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:36. Fourth quarter MIA – Christian Wilkins 1-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 14:23. Dolphins 24–17. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 6:35. NYJ – Brandin Echols 20-yard interception return (Eddy Pineiro kick), 7:45. Tied 24–24. MIA – DeVante Parker 11-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 3:37. Dolphins 31–24. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:08. Top passers NYJ – Zach Wilson – 13/23, 170 yards MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 16/27, 196 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers NYJ – Tevin Coleman – 8 rushes, 50 yards MIA – Duke Johnson – 22 rushes, 107 yards, 2 TD Top receivers NYJ – Jamison Crowder – 5 receptions, 40 yards MIA – DeVante Parker – 4 receptions, 68 yards, TD

This was the Dolphins' first time since 1997 that they swept the Jets in back-to-back years.

Week 16: at New Orleans Saints

Week 16: Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	10	0	7	3	20
Saints	0	3	0	0	3

at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

• Date: December 27
• Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST/7:15 p.m. CST
• Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 69,170
• Referee: Adrian Hill
• TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Laura Rutledge, and John Parry
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIA – Nik Needham 28-yard interception return (Jason Sanders kick), 10:25. Dolphins 7–0. MIA – Jason Sanders 48-yard field goal, 2:09. Dolphins 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 39 yards, 6:42. Second quarter NO – Brett Maher 38-yard field goal, 2:45. Dolphins 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 4:39. Third quarter MIA – Jaylen Waddle 1-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 5:10. Dolphins 17–3. Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 4:30. Fourth quarter MIA – Jason Sanders 34-yard field goal, 12:05. Dolphins 20–3. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 2:12. Top passers MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 19/26, 198 yards, TD, INT NO – Ian Book – 12/20, 135 yards, 2 INT Top rushers MIA – Duke Johnson – 13 rushes, 39 yards NO – Alvin Kamara – 13 rushes, 52 yards Top receivers MIA – Jaylen Waddle – 10 receptions, 92 yards, TD NO – Lil'Jordan Humphrey – 3 receptions, 70 yards

With the win against a depleted Saints team who had 20 players on their IL, the Dolphins improved to 8–7, and became the first team in NFL history to win 7 straight games after losing 7 straight games. This was their first 7-game winning streak since 1985, during the Don Shula and Dan Marino era and their first win over the Saints since 2005. It was also their first road win over the Saints since 1986. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught 10 receptions, the most by a rookie wide receiver in a single Monday Night game since Jerry Rice in 1985.

Week 17: at Tennessee Titans

Week 17: Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	0	3	0	0	3
Titans	7	10	0	17	34

at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

• Date: January 2
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Cloudy, 36 °F (2 °C)
• Game attendance: 69,091
• Referee: Shawn Smith
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter TEN – Geoff Swaim 1-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill, (Randy Bullock kick) 1:24. Titans 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 4:11. Second quarter TEN – Randy Bullock 23-yard field goal, 14:15. Titans 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:50. MIA – Jason Sanders 39-yard field goal, 9:43. Titans 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 4:32. TEN – D'Onta Foreman 21-yard run (Randy Bullock kick), 3:18. Titans 17–3. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:25. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter TEN – Anthony Firkser 15-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Randy Bullock kick), 7:42. Titans 24–3. Drive: 5 plays, 58 yards, 2:38. TEN – Randy Bullock 44-yard field goal, 2:58. Titans 27–3. Drive: 7 plays, 18 yards, 2:46. TEN – Dontrell Hilliard 39-yard run (Randy Bullock kick), 1:53. Titans 34–3. Drive: 3 plays, 38 yards, 0:56. Top passers MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 18/38, 205 yards, INT TEN – Ryan Tannehill – 13/18, 120 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIA – Duke Johnson – 7 rushes, 49 yards TEN – D'Onta Foreman – 26 rushes, 132 yards, TD Top receivers MIA – Mike Gesicki – 4 receptions, 51 yards TEN – A. J. Brown – 2 receptions, 41 yards

This was Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill's first time playing his former team since the Dolphins traded him following the 2018 season. Tannehill had played for the Dolphins from 2012–2018 as their primary starter aside from missing the 2017 season due a torn ACL he suffered during the preseason that year. The Dolphins' seven-game win streak was snapped by the 34–3 loss and failed to win 8 games in a row for the first time since 1984; because of this and the Buffalo Bills beating and eliminating the Atlanta Falcons and clinching playoff berth, the New England Patriots blowing out the Jacksonville Jaguars and clinching playoff berth, the Las Vegas Raiders beating the Indianapolis Colts, and the Los Angeles Chargers beating the Denver Broncos, the Dolphins missed the playoffs for the fifth season in a row.^[2] Additionally, the Chargers win also crushed all playoff hopes for the Denver Broncos, as well as the Cleveland Browns, who were scheduled to kick off Sunday Night Football later that evening.

Week 18: vs. New England Patriots

Week 18: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	0	7	3	14	24
Dolphins	14	3	7	9	33

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: January 9
• Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Cloudy, 76 °F (24 °C)
• Game attendance: 66,514
• Referee: Alex Kemp
• TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Jay Feely and Jenny Dell
• Recap, Game Book

Game information

First quarter MIA – Jaylen Waddle 7-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 7:34. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 7:26. MIA – Xavien Howard 37-yard interception return (Jason Sanders kick), 6:07. Dolphins 14–0. Second quarter MIA – Jason Sanders 30-yard field goal 11:09. Dolphins 17–0. Drive: 15 plays, 77 yards, 6:58. NE – Brandon Bolden 15-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:36. Dolphins 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:33. Third quarter NE – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal 8:27. Dolphins 17–10. Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 6:33. MIA – Duke Johnson 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 4:31. Dolphins 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:56. Fourth quarter MIA – Jason Sanders 49-yard field goal 10:55. Dolphins 27–10. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 6:30. NE – Brandon Bolden 18-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 6:32. Dolphins 27–17. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:23. NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:53. Dolphins 27–24. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 1:56. MIA – Sam Eguavoen 0-yard fumble return, 0:00. Dolphins 33–24. Top passers NE – Mac Jones – 20/30, 261 yards, TD, INT MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 15/22, 109 yards, TD Top rushers NE – Brandon Bolden – 7 rushes, 46 yards, TD MIA – Duke Johnson – 25 rushes, 117 yards, TD Top receivers NE – Hunter Henry – 5 receptions, 86 yards MIA – Durham Smythe – 2 receptions, 32 yards

This was the Dolphins' first sweep of the Patriots since 2000 and their second under Bill Belichick's tenure. It was also first time since the 2002 and 2003 seasons that the Dolphins had clinched back-to-back winning seasons. Recording his 102nd reception early in the 1st quarter, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle became the all-time leader in receptions caught by a rookie wide receiver, surpassing Anquan Boldin, whom caught 101 receptions in his 2003 rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals. With the win, the Dolphins finished the season with a record of 9–8, but head coach Brian Flores was dismissed the next day.

Standings

Division

AFC East
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
^(3) Buffalo Bills	11	6	0	.647	5–1	7–5	483	289	W4
^(6) New England Patriots	10	7	0	.588	3–3	8–4	462	303	L1
Miami Dolphins	9	8	0	.529	4–2	6–6	341	373	W1
New York Jets	4	13	0	.235	0–6	4–8	310	504	L2

Conference

AFC v t e
#	Team	Division	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	SOS	SOV	STK
Division winners
1^[a]	Tennessee Titans	South	12	5	0	.706	5–1	8–4	.472	.480	W3
2^[a]	Kansas City Chiefs	West	12	5	0	.706	5–1	7–5	.538	.517	W1
3	Buffalo Bills	East	11	6	0	.647	5–1	7–5	.472	.428	W4
4	Cincinnati Bengals	North	10	7	0	.588	4–2	8–4	.472	.462	L1
Wild cards
5^[b]	Las Vegas Raiders	West	10	7	0	.588	3–3	8–4	.510	.515	W4
6^[b]	New England Patriots	East	10	7	0	.588	3–3	8–4	.481	.394	L1
7	Pittsburgh Steelers	North	9	7	1	.559	4–2	7–5	.521	.490	W2
Did not qualify for the postseason
8^[c]	Indianapolis Colts	South	9	8	0	.529	3–3	7–5	.495	.431	L2
9^[c]^[d]	Miami Dolphins	East	9	8	0	.529	4–2	6–6	.464	.379	W1
10^[c]^[d]	Los Angeles Chargers	West	9	8	0	.529	3–3	6–6	.510	.500	L1
11^[e]	Cleveland Browns	North	8	9	0	.471	3–3	5–7	.514	.415	W1
12^[e]	Baltimore Ravens	North	8	9	0	.471	1–5	5–7	.531	.460	L6
13	Denver Broncos	West	7	10	0	.412	1–5	3–9	.484	.357	L4
14^[f]	New York Jets	East	4	13	0	.235	0–6	4–8	.512	.426	L2
15^[f]	Houston Texans	South	4	13	0	.235	3–3	4–8	.498	.397	L2
16	Jacksonville Jaguars	South	3	14	0	.176	1–5	3–9	.512	.569	W1
Tiebreakers^[g]
Tennessee finished ahead of Kansas City based on head-to-head victory. Las Vegas finished ahead of New England based on win percentage in common games (5–1 vs. 2–4 against: Miami, Dallas, LA Chargers, Cleveland, and Indianapolis). Indianapolis finished ahead of Miami and Los Angeles based on conference record (7–5 vs. 6–6). Miami finished ahead of LA Chargers based on win percentage in common games (5–1 vs. 2–4 against: New England, Las Vegas, Houston, Baltimore, and NY Giants). Cleveland finished ahead of Baltimore based on division record (3–3 vs. 1–5). NY Jets finished ahead of Houston based on head-to-head victory. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

References

1. @AdamSchefter (December 28, 2021). "Dolphins are now the first team in NFL history to have both a seven-game winning streak and a seven-game losing streak in the same season" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
2. "The Dolphins have officially been eliminated from the postseason". Dolphins Wire. January 3, 2022. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
3. Smith, Michael David (January 10, 2022). "Dolphins fire Brian Flores". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
4. Patra, Kevin. "Dolphins offensive coordinator Chan Gailey resigns after one season". nfl.com. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
5. Poupart, Alain. "Reports: Dolphins Going With Co-offensive coordinators". si.com. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
6. Poupart, Alain. "Training Camp Details Coming Into Focus". si.com. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
7. Simmons, Myles. "Tua Tagovailoa admits he didn't know playbook well enough as a rookie". nbcsports.com. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
8. "Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa throws 5 interceptions at Tuesday's minicamp practice". usatoday.com. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
9. Bair, Scott. "Joint practices with Dolphins should help Falcons progress". atlantafalcons.com. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
10. Alper, Josh. "Xavien Howard, Dolphins agree on restructured contract". profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
11. "The Dolphins' big offensive line investment left them with 6 sacks, one hurt QB vs. Bills". www.msn.com. Retrieved September 20, 2021.

External links

• Official website