Dolphins Walk Off Jaguars In 2024 Season Opener

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – It wasn’t easy from the get-go, but the Miami Dolphins did just enough to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars in their 2024 season opener by a score of 20-17.

Before the game began, there was drama in Miami Gardens when Tyreek Hill was pulled over and placed in handcuffs on his way to the game. Reportedly, it was a speeding offense, and other players came to his aide, including Calais Campbell. Ultimately, he was released and played in today’s game, and one of the Miami-Dade County officers was placed on administrative leave following the game.

Head coach Mike McDaniel reaction to the Tyreek Hill incident prior to today's game. 👇#GoFins | #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/Hv1G8H2r0n

— Jake Gibson (@JakeTheEmcee) September 8, 2024

To say Miami’s offense struggled early on would be an understatement, as they only managed seven points in a first half defined by dropped passes and a ground game that struggled to find momentum. A botched fourth-down attempt didn’t help situations either.

They ultimately found success late in the second quarter and capped off a drive with a rushing touchdown by De’Von Achane. While Jacksonville responded with a field goal to close out the half, Miami at least showed signs of life on offense, and it was up to the defense to limit the Jaguars from here on out.

Thankfully for the Dolphins, the second half proved to be an improvement for both sides of the ball.

Miami’s offense got the break they needed, and it was all thanks to a major mistake by Jacksonville. After four straight punts to start the third quarter, London’s favorite team found some momentum, worked the ball down to the red zone, and running back Travis Etienne had a clear track to the end zone.

Jevon Holland single-handedly changed the momentum of this ball game with his effort.

PAY THIS MAN ☃️🎱 #GoFinspic.twitter.com/J3uD4C3iuK

— The Kevin Harlan Effect (@KevHarlanEffect) September 8, 2024

However, safety Jevon Holland came from behind and punched the ball out of Etienne’s hands before he crossed the goal line, with Miami falling on it for a touchback. On the ensuing snap for the Dolphins, Tua found Hill in stride and the rest is history – an 80-yard play to cut the lead to three points.

Tyreek Hill with an 80-yard TD and celebration connected to this morning. pic.twitter.com/H027R2u2ZV

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2024

This was without a doubt the turning point of this game, and a stagnant Jacksonville offense had no response. Miami’s defense did not allow a single point from Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville’s offense in the second half.

Kicker Jason Sanders missed a 42-yard field goal badly with 13 minutes to go, but on their next drive, nailed a 37-yarder to tie the game up at 17 each. The stout Dolphins defense silenced the Jags once again, with back-to-back sacks by both Emmanuel Ogbah and Jaelan Phillips.

So Miami had the ball to close out the game, probably the perfect situation for them. It only took seven plays and two minutes to drive the ball to field goal range, as they made Jacksonville burn all their timeouts in the process.

Sanders, who has not missed a game-tying or game-winning field goal up to this point in his career, had to nail a 52-yarder to close out the game.

And he did just that.

AT THE BUZZER. 🥶🥶🥶 pic.twitter.com/9Fx0gNcxre

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 8, 2024

Funnily enough, this was considered a “bad” game for Miami’s offense, and Tua still put up 23 completions for 338 yards. While there was no big-time rusher in this game, Hill didn’t seem to skip a beat despite the pre-game incident, earning seven receptions for 130 yards and a score.

In total, Miami recorded 400 total yards of offense. It was the inability to convert on both third and fourth down that put them in the situation that they were in, but if this is the worst this offense can look in the game, it’s not that bad.

Got a chance to ask WR Tyreek Hill about Tua's performance today.

Take a listen! 👇#GoFins | #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/F2KeboEgpk

— Jake Gibson (@JakeTheEmcee) September 8, 2024

The Dolphins defense limited Lawrence and the Jaguars to only 162 yards off of 12 completions. While there were no interceptions, the biggest mistake of the game was a fumble that Miami took full advantage of in the 2024 season opener.

A win is a win, but the Dolphins will need to prepare for an early Week 2, as they’ll host the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night in a massive game early in the season.