Miami Dolphins Start Season with Thrilling Comeback Win Over Jaguars
Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins kicked off their 2023 NFL season on a high note, edging out the Jacksonville Jaguars with a 20-17 victory at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins, now 1-0, displayed resilience by overcoming a significant halftime deficit to secure the win.
The game had a chaotic start when star receiver Tyreek Hill was briefly detained for a driving violation. Despite the incident, Hill played a crucial role in the team’s revival. The turning point came in the second half after the Dolphins were down by 10 points. After Javon Holland forced a fumble from Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. in the end zone, the Dolphins recovered the ball, shifting the momentum of the game.
On the very next play, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa connected with Hill for an explosive 80-yard touchdown, narrowing the score to 17-14. The Dolphins tied the game at 17 with a 37-yard field goal from kicker Jason Sanders, before he later nailed a 52-yard game-winner as time expired.
Tagovailoa finished the game with 336 yards passing, including the pivotal touchdown to Hill, who totaled 130 yards on seven catches. Dolphins’ running back De’Von Achane also contributed significantly, catching all seven of his targets for 76 yards.
The Dolphins struggled in the first half, failing to score until Achane rushed for a touchdown just before halftime. After regrouping, Miami’s defense made critical stops, including back-to-back sacks on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence that halted Jacksonville’s chances in the fourth quarter.
Lawrence ended the game with 162 yards and a touchdown, but he couldn’t propel the Jaguars to victory, despite several opportunities throughout the game. Missteps, such as failing to convert on a fourth-and-1 attempt deep in their territory, allowed Miami to regain control.
As they move forward, the Dolphins will prepare for a divisional showdown against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Jaguars will host the Cleveland Browns for their home opener next week, looking to bounce back from this tough loss.
