The Miami Dolphins lost to the Cincinnati Bengals 31-24 on Sunday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium despite a touchdown from running back Ollie Gordon II and a late scoring drive. Gordon II led Miami with 18 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Malik Willis accounted for two scores.
Willis scored on a 1-yard run and threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Coleman Jr. Wide receiver Malik Washington led the Dolphins with six catches for 44 yards. Miami also received a 29-yard field goal and an extra point from kicker Riley Patterson.
Miami Responds After Cincinnati’s Fast Start
The Cincinnati Bengals opened the scoring after receiver Dohnte Meyers returned a kickoff 81 yards. Quarterback Joe Burrow then found tight end Mike Gesicki for a touchdown, and kicker Evan McPherson converted the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
Miami answered with a drive sparked by running back Jaylen Wright’s 32-yard return. Washington added an 18-yard run, and Gordon II followed with a 22-yard gain to move the Dolphins into scoring range. A roughing-the-snapper penalty during a field-goal attempt gave Miami a first-and-goal opportunity, and Gordon II scored on a 2-yard run before Patterson’s extra point tied the game at 7.
After the teams traded punts, Cincinnati put together a 15-play drive. Inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez recorded four stops during the series, but Burrow eventually connected with running back Samaje Perine for a touchdown. McPherson’s extra point put the Bengals ahead 14-7.
Cincinnati Takes Advantage of Turnovers
Miami’s defense created a turnover near its goal line when cornerback Chris Johnson forced a fumble from running back Chase Brown inside the 5-yard line. Edge player Chop Robinson recovered the ball for the Dolphins. A second Miami turnover on the following play ended the momentum.
The Bengals converted the opportunity into another touchdown before halftime. Burrow found tight end Tanner Hudson in the end zone, giving Cincinnati a 21-7 advantage at the break.
Dolphins Rally, but Comeback Falls Short
Miami leaned on its running game early in the second half. Willis broke free for an 11-yard scramble, receiver Chris Bell produced a 26-yard gain and Gordon II added a 17-yard run before Patterson’s 29-yard field goal cut Cincinnati’s lead to 21-10.
Burrow answered with a 45-yard touchdown pass to receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and McPherson’s extra point made it 28-10. Miami responded when Willis ran for 39 yards before throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Coleman Jr. Greg Dulcich caught the 2-point conversion attempt, trimming the deficit to 28-18.
Cincinnati later took over at the Miami 10-yard line but settled for a field goal after defensive lineman Jordan Phillips made several stops. The kick moved the score to 31-18 with two minutes remaining.
Miami added one more touchdown on its final possession. Gordon II gained 15 yards, Willis connected with Coleman Jr. for 23 yards and then scored on a 1-yard run to make it 31-24. The Dolphins could not complete the comeback.
Rodriguez finished with a team-high 11 tackles, including four solo tackles. The Dolphins enter their bye week after the loss and will return in Week 7 against the New York Jets, who are listed at 2-3 in the source. Miami will play at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m.
FSB Take
Gordon II gave Miami a productive rushing performance, and Willis contributed with his legs and passing to keep the Dolphins within one score late. Cincinnati’s four touchdown passes from Burrow and the two Miami turnovers proved decisive in the 31-24 result. Miami now has its bye week before visiting the New York Jets in Week 7.
Source: Original report