MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Oct. 15 (UPI) — The Miami Dolphins displayed their offensive prowess on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium after initially struggling. They overcame a two-score deficit with 35 consecutive points, improving their record to 5-1 and solidifying their position as AFC East leaders.
“It’s truly remarkable to be able to put up these points and numbers,” commented Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert, who recorded three touchdowns. “We have a unique and talented group of players.”
“It’s a lot of fun. We have something special going on here.”
Mostert contributed 132 scrimmage yards to the team’s 42-21 victory in Miami Gardens, Fla., and now leads the NFL with 11 touchdowns this season.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had an impressive performance, completing 21 of 31 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught six passes for 163 yards and one touchdown.
The loss dropped the Panthers to 0-6 for the season.
“I believe this game was special for us because we initially fell short of expectations,” said Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. “You learn a lot about your team in moments like these.”
Running back Chuba Hubbard scored the Panthers’ first touchdown with a 6-yard run early in the game, giving them an early lead.
About seven minutes later, quarterback Bryce Young connected with wide receiver Adam Thielen for an 8-yard touchdown, doubling the Panthers’ lead. This touchdown concluded a 10-play, 74-yard drive.
However, the Dolphins offense ignited and continued to dominate.
Mostert reduced the deficit with a 3-yard receiving touchdown in the second quarter. Four minutes later, Tagovailoa threw his second touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle, tying the score with a 4-yard toss and an extra point seven minutes before halftime. Five minutes later, Tagovailoa put the Dolphins in the lead with a 41-yard touchdown throw to Hill.
In the third quarter, Mostert scored his second touchdown with a 4-yard run, extending the Dolphins’ lead to 28-14. He completed his touchdown hat trick early in the fourth quarter with a 1-yard run, giving the Dolphins a 21-point advantage.
The Panthers’ scoring drought finally ended with 4:25 remaining in the game. Cornerback Troy Hill intercepted Dolphins backup quarterback Mike White and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown.
The Dolphins offense responded with a five-play, 37-yard touchdown drive. Running back Salvon Ahmed finished the drive with a 9-yard run, scoring the final points of the game.
The Dolphins out-gained the Panthers with 424 total yards compared to 296 yards. Star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins contributed two of the Dolphins’ four sacks.
In the loss, Young completed 23 of 38 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown. Thielen had a strong performance with 11 receptions for 115 yards and one touchdown.
The Dolphins will face the Philadelphia Eagles at 8:20 p.m. EDT on October 22 in Philadelphia. The Panthers, who have a Week 7 bye, will host the Houston Texans on October 29 in Charlotte, N.C.
