56th season in franchise history
The 2021 season was the Miami Dolphins ' 52nd season in the National Football League (NFL), 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] Tennessee Titans , combined with a win by the Los Angeles Chargers .[ 2]
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 [ edit ] On January 5, 2021, Dolphins' offensive coordinator Chan Gailey announced his resignation.[ 4] 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] [ 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]
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
Offensive coaches
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
The Dolphins' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Week 1: at New England Patriots [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
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 [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
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 [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 4: vs. Indianapolis Colts [ edit ]
Week 4: Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Colts 0
7
10 10 27
Dolphins
3
0
0 14 17
at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
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
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 5: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 6: at Jacksonville Jaguars [ edit ] NFL London games
Week 6: Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Quarter
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 17Game time : 1:30 p.m. BST /9:30 a.m. EDTGame weather : Partly cloudy, 61 °F (16 °C)Game attendance : 60,784Referee : John Hussey TV announcers (CBS) : Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie CollinsRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 7: vs. Atlanta Falcons [ edit ]
Week 7: Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Falcons 0
13
7 10 30
Dolphins
7
0
7 14 28
at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
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 [ edit ]
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 9: vs. Houston Texans [ edit ]
Week 9: Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter
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 7Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : 72 °F (22 °C)Game attendance : 60,232Referee : Adrian Hill TV announcers (Fox) : Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Jen HaleRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
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
Fourth quarter
HOU – Ka'imi Fairbairn 20-yard field goal, 11:32. Dolphins 17–9. Drive: 14 plays, 92 yards, 5:40.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 10: vs. Baltimore Ravens [ edit ]
Week 10: Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Ravens
3
0
0 7 10
Dolphins 0
6
0 16 22
at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
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
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 11: at New York Jets [ edit ]
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers [ edit ]
Week 12: Carolina Panthers at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter
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 28Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : Mostly sunny, 77 °F (25 °C)Game attendance : 62,389Referee : John Hussey TV announcers (Fox) : Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston, and Jen HaleRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
Week 13: vs. New York Giants [ edit ]
Week 13: New York Giants at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter
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 5Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : Partly sunny, 82 °F (28 °C)Game attendance : 65,898Referee : Brad Allen TV announcers (Fox) : Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Jen HaleRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
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 [ edit ]
Week 15: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter
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 19Game time : 1:00 p.m. ESTGame weather : Partly sunny, 79 °F (26 °C)Game attendance : 66,035Referee : Ronald TorbertTV announcers (CBS) : Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ RossRecap , 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
Top rushers
Top receivers
This was the Dolphins' first time since 1997 that they swept the Jets in back-to-back years.
Week 16: at New Orleans Saints [ edit ]
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
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
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 [ edit ]
Week 17: Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3 4 Total
Dolphins
0
3
0 0 3
Titans 7
10
0 17 34
at Nissan Stadium , Nashville, Tennessee
Date : January 2Game time : 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Cloudy, 36 °F (2 °C)Game attendance : 69,091Referee : Shawn SmithTV announcers (CBS) : Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie CollinsRecap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
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
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
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]
Week 18: vs. New England Patriots [ edit ]
Week 18: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter
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 9Game time : 4:25 p.m. ESTGame weather : Cloudy, 76 °F (24 °C)Game attendance : 66,514Referee : Alex KempTV announcers (CBS) : Spero Dedes, Jay Feely and Jenny Dell Recap , Game Book
Game information
First quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
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.
#
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]
^ a b Tennessee finished ahead of Kansas City based on head-to-head victory.
^ a b 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).
^ a b c Indianapolis finished ahead of Miami and Los Angeles based on conference record (7–5 vs. 6–6).
^ a b 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).
^ a b Cleveland finished ahead of Baltimore based on division record (3–3 vs. 1–5).
^ a b 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.
^ @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 . ^ a b Masala, Mike (January 3, 2022). "The Dolphins have officially been eliminated from the postseason" . Dolphins Wire . USA Today. Retrieved January 3, 2022 . ^ Smith, Michael David (January 10, 2022). "Dolphins fire Brian Flores" . Pro Football Talk . Retrieved January 10, 2022 . ^ Patra, Kevin. "Dolphins offensive coordinator Chan Gailey resigns after one season" . nfl.com . Retrieved June 18, 2021 . ^ Poupart, Alain. "Reports: Dolphins Going With Co-offensive coordinators" . si.com . Retrieved June 18, 2021 . ^ Poupart, Alain. "Training Camp Details Coming Into Focus" . si.com . Retrieved June 16, 2021 . ^ Simmons, Myles. "Tua Tagovailoa admits he didn't know playbook well enough as a rookie" . nbcsports.com . Retrieved June 16, 2021 . ^ "Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa throws 5 interceptions at Tuesday's minicamp practice" . usatoday.com . Retrieved June 16, 2021 .^ Bair, Scott. "Joint practices with Dolphins should help Falcons progress" . atlantafalcons.com . Retrieved June 16, 2021 . ^ Alper, Josh. "Xavien Howard, Dolphins agree on restructured contract" . profootballtalk.nbcsports.com . Retrieved August 8, 2021 . ^ "The Dolphins' big offensive line investment left them with 6 sacks, one hurt QB vs. Bills" . www.msn.com . Retrieved September 20, 2021 .
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Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)