The Miami Dolphins lost 27-17 on Sunday to the Indianapolis Colts, moving the team’s record to 1-3 for the season.
To open the game, Miami received the ball and managed six plays before they were forced to punt. Colts running back Nyheim Hines muffed the reception, which allowed the Dolphins to start again on Indianapolis’ 27-yard line.
But the team only managed two yards before kicking a field goal taking the 3-0 lead early in the game.
The game then fell into a lull for four consecutive series’ before the Fins mounted a 12-play, 45-yard series that amounted to a punt. Brian Flores decided not to try a 55-yard field goal, in the range of Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders.
In the second quarter, Miami had Indianapolis on their 40-yard line and was ready to punt on a 4-and-five. But Dolphins linebacker Brennan Scarlett was called for a defensive offside that gave the Colts the five yards needed to reach the first down.
On second down, Indianapolis tight end Mo Alie-Cox and quarterback Carson Wentz connected for a 28-yard play. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor would eventually rush the ball 23 yards for a touchdown taking the lead 7-3.
Miami would once again come out with a humdrum offensive series. They only went four yards in three plays before they punted the ball for the fourth time in five drives.
Beginning the second half, Indianapolis received the ball. Taylor rushed the ball well for the Colts’ to begin the third quarter. Taylor had 54 yards in an offensive drive that ended in a three-yard catch by Alie-Cox for a touchdown.
Miami wideout Jakeem Grant would muff a punt and Indianapolis would recover the ball on Miami’s 18-yard line. The Colts would not gain any first downs but due to the excellent field position were able to kick a field goal to increase their lead 17-3.
After the field goal, Dolphins quarterback Jacoby Brissett would be sacked, resulting in a fumble that Indianapolis would recover. With the ball on Miami’s 30-yard line, the Colts would gain five yards and kick yet another field goal, 20-3.
The Dolphins passing attack would finally come alive after a 22-yard pass to tight end Mike Gesicki. Miami would continue to pass the ball deep, wide receiver Devante Parker would cause a pass interference penalty to move the chains followed by a 25-yard catch. Brissett would complete a 1-yard pass to Gesicki to cap off the drive with a touchdown, cutting into the lead 20-10.
Wentz would throw a 41-yard pass on Indianapolis’ first offensive play after allowing a touchdown. Wentz would eventually find Alie-Cox again in the end zone for an 11-yard pass, 27-10.
Miami, down by three scores, continued to play aggressively. Brissett found Parker for a 42 yard gain. In a drive that lasted less than two minutes, Brissett connected with Parker for a 3-yard touchdown pass.
The Colts managed to hold the ball the rest of the game, holding off any thought of a comeback. Indianapolis won 27-17 at Hard Rock Stadium for their first win of the season.
Notable Player Stats:
Jacoby Brissett: 20/30 199 yards 2 TDs
Devante Parker: 4 receptions 77 yards 1 TD
Mike Gesicki: 5 receptions 57 yards 1 TD
Jaelan Phillips: 2 tackles 3 quarterback hits 0.5 sacks
