The Miami Dolphins defeated the New Orleans Saints 21-17 Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, earning their third straight victory and improving to 5-7 on the season. Miami has won four of its last five games. The Dolphins combined a physical rushing attack, defensive takeaways and strong special teams play to secure the win.
Miami rushed for 164 yards, the team’s third-highest total of the season. The Dolphins have averaged 176.7 rushing yards per game since the start of their three-game winning streak in Week 10. The New Orleans Saints rushed for 81 yards on 27 carries, an average of 3.0 yards per carry.
De’Von Achane Reaches 1,000 Rushing Yards
Right tackle Austin Jackson returned after missing 10 games as the Miami Dolphins continued their productive rushing performance. Running back De’Von Achane had eight runs of at least 8 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown run. Achane reached 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career.
Achane became the fourth player in Miami Dolphins history to reach 1,000 rushing yards in the first 12 games of a season. He joined Larry Csonka, Delvin Williams and Ricky Williams in reaching that mark. His milestone came during a game in which Miami produced its third-highest rushing total of the season.
“In the last month, I’ve seen the most physical football that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Head Coach Mike McDaniel said. “That’s resulted in more opportunities and more yards on the ground.”
Minkah Fitzpatrick Produces Two Takeaways
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick helped produce two of Miami’s three takeaways. He strip-sacked New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough in the second quarter, and defensive tackle Zach Sieler recovered the fumble. Fitzpatrick later made another significant play in the fourth quarter.
The Saints were a two-point conversion away from tying the game with just over one minute remaining. Fitzpatrick intercepted Shough’s throw on the two-point conversion attempt and returned it 98 yards for two points. The play preserved Miami’s four-point lead.
“It speaks to who he is,” McDaniel said of Fitzpatrick. “Competitive greatness, being your best when your best is required. He took an undercut angle, utilized his great ball skills, and he didn’t hesitate for one second, which has really helped after the onside because they had to get in the end zone and that changes everything. Big time players make big time plays for your team and he came through for us.”
Special Teams Support Miami
The Miami Dolphins entered Sunday with the third-highest expected points added per play on special teams and moved to second after the game. Punter Jake Bailey had four punts averaging 50.3 yards per punt, while defensive back Elijah Campbell helped Miami maintain field position. Two of Bailey’s second-half punts left the New Orleans Saints with starting field positions at their own 10- and 12-yard lines.
Kicker Riley Patterson made all four of his field-goal attempts, including a 48-yard kick at the end of the first half. He also made his only extra-point attempt. The combined performance on offense, defense and special teams gave Miami its third straight win.
Source: Original report