MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Sept. 24 (UPI) — Tua Tagovailoa had an exceptional first half, leading the Miami Dolphins to a record-breaking victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Fla.
The Dolphins set franchise records with 726 yards and 10 touchdowns in their 70-20 triumph at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Dolphins had previously set single-game records for points (55) and touchdowns (8) in a 1977 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Their yardage record (584) was set in a 1988 loss to the New York Jets.
Miami tied the 1950 Los Angeles Rams for the second-highest points total in a regular-season NFL game, falling short of the 1966 Washington Redskins’ record of 72.
The Dolphins’ 726 yards were just 9 yards shy of the NFL record set by the Los Angeles Rams in a 1951 win over the Jets.
“This experience is unlike anything I’ve witnessed or been a part of,” said a delighted Tagovailoa during his postgame press conference.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel added, “I was most proud of our relentless attitude. It’s important not to allow the ups and downs of the game to affect our performance.”
Rookie De’Von Achane contributed 233 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns, while running back Raheem Mostert rushed for 142 yards and four scores.
“Our offense thrives on speed,” Achane explained. “We have weapons at every position, from receivers to running backs. Everything clicked for us out there.”
Tagovailoa completed 23 of 26 passes for 309 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught nine passes for 157 yards and a touchdown.
The Dolphins scored their first points just 83 seconds into the game as Tagovailoa connected with Hill for a 54-yard touchdown.
The Dolphins’ defense stopped the Broncos on their next drive, leading to a punt. On the ensuing possession, the Dolphins marched 81 yards in nine plays, culminating in an 8-yard touchdown run by Achane.
The Broncos reduced the deficit when quarterback Russell Wilson threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton, capping a 10-play, 75-yard drive.
The Dolphins responded with another scoring drive, consuming nearly six minutes of clock time. Tagovailoa threw a no-look touchdown pass to Achane from 4 yards out, completing an 11-play drive and extending the Dolphins’ lead to 21-7.
Broncos kicker Will Lutz made a 31-yard field goal four minutes later, cutting the deficit to 11.
The Dolphins extended their lead with a six-play, 86-yard drive that concluded with a 20-yard touchdown run by Mostert, just two minutes before halftime.
Dolphins safety Jevon Holland forced a fumble on the Broncos’ second play of their next drive. Mostert scored again on a 3-yard run, giving the Dolphins a 35-10 advantage.
Lutz made a 25-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, making the score 35-13.
The Dolphins forced the Broncos to punt again to start the second half. Mostert then capped off an 11-play, 90-yard drive with his third touchdown of the game, a 1-yard run that gave the Dolphins a 29-point lead.
Holland forced a fumble from Sutton, which was recovered by cornerback Kader Kohou, on the next drive. Tagovailoa then threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Mostert, completing a nine-play, 77-yard drive.
Dolphins defender Emmanuel Ogbah intercepted Wilson on the Broncos’ first snap of their next possession.
Tagovailoa quickly threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Achane, extending the Dolphins’ lead to 43 points.
Backup Dolphins quarterback Mike White, who entered the game in the fourth quarter, increased the lead with a 68-yard touchdown pass to Robbie Chosen with about 9 minutes remaining.
Broncos kick returner Marvin Mims Jr. returned the subsequent kickoff for a 99-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 70-20.
The Dolphins mounted one final drive deep into Broncos territory, with the crowd chanting “we want more” as the team approached field goal range, potentially breaking the NFL record for points scored.
However, McDaniel chose to kneel on fourth down, turning the ball over to Denver for the last fruitless play.
The Dolphins (3-0) will face the Buffalo Bills at 1 p.m. EDT on October 1 in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Broncos (0-3) will play the Chicago Bears at 1 p.m. on October 1 in Chicago.
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