Dolphins Win in Dramatic Fashion as Jason Sanders Hits 52-Yard Game-Winning Field Goal

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — In a game filled with chaos both on and off the field, the Miami Dolphins rallied to secure a thrilling 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, thanks to Jason Sanders' 52-yard field goal as time expired. It was a rollercoaster of a day for the Dolphins, who managed to win their fourth straight season opener, but not without some drama before and during the game.

A Chaotic Start to the Day

Before the game even kicked off, things got bizarre for the Dolphins. Two of their players, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and defensive tackle Calais Campbell, were handcuffed by police near Hard Rock Stadium just hours before kickoff. Hill was stopped for speeding and reckless driving, while Campbell was handcuffed after pulling over to assist Hill. Neither player was arrested, and the situation is now under investigation, but the incident added an unexpected layer of tension to the day.

Hill, who was clearly frustrated by the incident, remained calm and respectful during his interaction with police. "I wasn’t disrespectful because my mom didn’t raise me that way," Hill said after the game. "I’m still trying to figure it out, man."Despite the chaos, both Hill and Campbell went on to play key roles in Miami’s win.

Dolphins Rally After Slow Start

The game itself didn’t start off well for Miami. At halftime, the Dolphins found themselves trailing 17-7, and their offense looked sluggish. But quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who recently signed a big offseason contract, wasn't ready to give up. During halftime, Tagovailoa gave a fiery speech in the locker room, calling out both his teammates and coaches.

“We just needed to get our head out of our (butt),” Tagovailoa said about his halftime message. “That was it.”

His speech seemed to work. In the second half, the Dolphins came out energized, with Tyreek Hill making a huge impact. Hill, who finished the game with seven catches for 130 yards, scored an 80-yard touchdown in the third quarter that ignited Miami’s offense and brought the Dolphins within three points, cutting the Jaguars' lead to 17-14. In a nod to his earlier encounter with the police, Hill celebrated his touchdown by mimicking handcuffs, adding a lighthearted twist to an otherwise tense situation.

The Game-Winning Drive

With just over two minutes left in the game and the score tied at 17-17 after a Sanders field goal, Miami’s defense came up big, sacking Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence on back-to-back plays. That gave the Dolphins the ball with a chance to win.

Tagovailoa led the Dolphins on an eight-play, 31-yard drive, setting up Sanders for the game-winning 52-yard field goal. Sanders, who had missed a 42-yarder earlier in the game, redeemed himself by nailing the kick as time expired, sending Dolphins fans into a frenzy.

Tagovailoa was solid throughout the game, finishing with 336 yards and a touchdown. But it was his leadership and clutch performance down the stretch that truly stood out. "The thing that really motivated me the most was when we come in during halftime, and this is like the first time I heard Tua’s Hawaiian accent," Hill said. "He was turned up and animated in the locker room. I’m like, ’Ok, I’m liking this.'"

Jaguars Struggle in Second Half

For Jacksonville, it was a game of missed opportunities. Trevor Lawrence, who signed a contract extension in the offseason, had a decent game, completing 12 of 21 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. However, Jacksonville’s offense couldn’t get much going in the second half.

Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught a 14-yard touchdown pass in the first half, and running back Travis Etienne scored on a 1-yard run, giving the Jaguars a comfortable 17-7 lead at halftime. But Etienne fumbled near the goal line in the third quarter, and Miami capitalized, with Tagovailoa immediately connecting with Hill for the 80-yard touchdown.

Jacksonville’s defense also struggled to contain Miami’s playmakers. In addition to Hill’s big performance, Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle had five catches for 109 yards, including a 63-yard reception that set Miami up in scoring position. Though the Dolphins didn’t score on that drive, Waddle’s play helped shift momentum in Miami’s favor.

Injuries and Key Moments

The Jaguars dealt with injuries during the game, with cornerback Tyson Campbell leaving in the fourth quarter due to a hamstring injury. For Miami, Waddle was evaluated for a concussion after taking a hard hit in the first half but returned to the game shortly afterward. Dolphins linebacker David Long also left the game with a hand injury but came back in the third quarter.

Despite the injuries and setbacks, Miami’s defense stepped up when it mattered most, especially late in the game. The Dolphins sacked Lawrence twice on Jacksonville’s final drive, giving Tagovailoa and the offense the chance to win the game.

A Winning Start to the Season

For Miami, the victory was a testament to their resilience. Despite a chaotic morning, a shaky first half, and a missed field goal, they managed to rally and secure the win. With their fourth straight season opener victory, the Dolphins are off to a promising start in the 2024 season.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, will have to regroup after letting a double-digit lead slip away. While they showed flashes of potential, especially in the first half, they couldn’t finish the game strong, and turnovers proved costly.

As for the Dolphins, they’ll look to build on this momentum as they continue their quest to be one of the top teams in the league this season. With Tua’s leadership, Hill’s big-play ability, and a defense that stepped up in key moments, Miami’s season is off to an exciting start.