MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins achieved a strong 34-19 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, marking their second consecutive win. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa delivered an impressive performance with three touchdown passes, while De’Von Achane contributed a rushing score. This win brings the Dolphins’ record to 4-6 and extends the Raiders’ losing streak to six games, leaving them with a disappointing 2-8 record.
Tagovailoa executed methodical drives, with three possessions lasting over seven minutes, which culminated in scores. This match marked the first time this season the Dolphins scored 30 points. He completed 28 of 36 attempts for 288 yards, throwing passes for touchdowns, including a 1-yard and a 57-yard connection with tight end Jonnu Smith, as well as an 8-yard touchdown pass to receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill had a productive day with seven receptions for 61 yards and scored in back-to-back games for the first time this season, while Smith achieved a season-high 101 receiving yards.
As the fourth quarter approached, the Raiders found themselves trailing 24-14 after Achane’s 2-yard rushing touchdown, part of his 73 yards on 17 carries. Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew responded by leading a strong offensive drive that covered 80 yards. He connected with Ameer Abdullah for a 10-yard touchdown, taking advantage of a missed tackle by Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou.
However, the Raiders’ defense could not contain the Dolphins’ offense during Miami’s next possession. A blown coverage left Smith wide open, and he secured a long touchdown, effectively sealing the Raiders’ fate. Minshew completed 30 of 43 passes for 282 yards but threw one interception. Tight end Brock Bowers was a standout player for the Raiders, catching 13 passes for 126 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown that came late in the third quarter.
This touchdown marked a moment of celebration for the Raiders, who had made substantial changes to their coaching staff during their bye week in hopes of revitalizing their struggling offense. Luke Getsy was dismissed as offensive coordinator, along with the offensive line and quarterback coaches. Under interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner, the Raiders showed improvement, scoring on four of their seven drives and converting eight of 14 third downs.
The Raiders’ first drive ended with a punt, but a roughing the punter call on Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell gave them a new set of downs. Minshew advanced the team downfield, culminating in a 27-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson at the close of the first quarter. Unfortunately for Las Vegas, they struggled defensively to halt Miami’s lengthy drives, especially when the Dolphins started a possession from their 3-yard line in the second half.
Tagovailoa orchestrated a 14-play, 97-yard drive that resulted in Hill’s touchdown reception, followed by a crucial 30-yard rush from Achane that bolstered Miami’s lead in the closing stages of the third quarter. The Dolphins were efficient, converting eight of their 12 third downs, and scored on three of four attempts inside the red zone. In a late-game twist, cornerback Jalen Ramsey intercepted Minshew, marking the quarterback’s 13th turnover of the season.
Injury updates from the game included Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett, who departed with a shoulder issue and did not return, while running back Alexander Mattison left the game in the fourth quarter due to an ankle injury. For the Dolphins, running back Raheem Mostert exited in the second quarter with a hip injury but returned in the second half.
Next week, the Raiders will host the Denver Broncos, while the Dolphins will welcome the New England Patriots.