By Nunnie Robinson| Westside Gazette Sports
ATLANTA — The Miami Dolphins may have just turned a corner. In a convincing 34–10 road victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night, the team showcased balance, precision, and a spark of the confidence that fans have been waiting to see.
With Tyreek Hill sidelined on injured reserve, the spotlight shone on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa—and he delivered his best performance of the season. Tua completed 20 of 26 passes for 205 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions, leading an offense that looked sharp, poised, and in total control.
Running back De’Von Achane added energy to the ground game with 91 rushing yards, while the offensive line—often criticized in recent weeks—stepped up in a big way, protecting Tua and creating space for runners.
The Dolphins opened with an impressive 13-play, 79-yard drive, capped by a 3-yard touchdown pass from Tua to Achane. Riley Patterson’s extra point gave Miami a 7–0 lead late in the first quarter. After trading field goals with Atlanta, Tua engineered another long drive, going 92 yards in 10 plays, and connected with rookie Malik Washington on a 9-yard touchdown, sending Miami into halftime up 17–3.
The Dolphins’ defense continued to shine in the third quarter. Linebacker Tyrel Dodson recovered a key fumble from Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, setting up a deep 43-yard touchdown strike to Jaylen Waddle, extending the lead to 24–3. Later in the quarter, a strong running attack opened the door for Tua to find Ollie Gordon on a short pass that turned into a 20-yard touchdown, putting Miami ahead 31–3.
The Falcons managed a late touchdown, but it was too little, too late. Miami sealed the night with a 36-yard field goal from Patterson to make the final score 34–10.
Statistically, it was one of the Dolphins’ most complete performances of the season. Achane recorded 18 carries for 67 yards and added five receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown. Waddle led all receivers with five catches for 99 yards and a score, while Washington contributed four receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown. Gordon added 46 rushing yards and a 20-yard receiving TD.
Defensively, linebacker Jordyn Brooks led the team with 10 tackles, including a sack and three tackles for loss. Dodson added a fumble recovery, while Zach Sieler, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Jack Jones each made key stops that helped limit Atlanta to just 45 rushing yards—including holding Bijan Robinson to only 25 yards, his lowest total since Week 1.
With the win, the Dolphins improve to 2–6, showing glimpses of a team hungry to redefine its season.
Miami returns home to Hard Rock Stadium on Thursday, October 30, to face the Baltimore Ravens in a primetime showdown. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime.
