2020 Miami Dolphins season

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2020 Miami Dolphins season
Owner Stephen M. Ross
Head coach Brian Flores
General manager Chris Grier
Home field Hard Rock Stadium
Results
Record 10–6
Division place 2nd AFC East
Playoff finish Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers CB Xavien Howard
AP All-Pros CB Xavien Howard (1st team)
K Jason Sanders (1st team)
PR Jakeem Grant (2nd team)
Uniform
Miamidolphins uniforms13.png

The 2020 season was the Miami Dolphins' 51st in the National Football League, their 55th overall and their second under head coach Brian Flores.

The Dolphins dedicated their 2020 season in memory of legendary Dolphins head coach Don Shula, who died on May 4, 2020, at the age of 90, at his Indian Creek, Florida home. At both home and away games, the Dolphins wore patches bearing Shula's surname and the number 347, the number of Shula's all-time number of wins in his 32 years as an NFL head coach. Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history, served as Dolphins head coach from 1970 to 1995 and had led the franchise to 5 Super Bowl appearances, winning back-to-back in 1972 and 1973. Famously, in 1972, Shula led the Dolphins to their first Super Bowl title, as well as the only perfect season by a team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.

The Dolphins improved on their 5–11 record from the previous season, following a Week 10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. After beginning the season 1–3, the Dolphins established themselves as playoff contenders by winning five straight games and start with a 6–3 record for the first time since 2001 and by starting 8–4 for the first time since 2003. The team clinched their first winning season since 2016 after a Week 15 win over the Patriots, which had eliminated the Pats from the playoffs for the first time since 2008. On December 26, The Dolphins clinched their first 10 win season since 2016 with a 26–25 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

However despite the improvements, the Dolphins were eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth consecutive year following a blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills and the Indianapolis Colts victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17, becoming the first team to miss the playoffs with 10+ wins since the 2015 Jets, which coincidentally, were also led by Ryan Fitzpatrick. Despite their elimination from the playoffs, 5th-year cornerback Xavien Howard joined Antonio Cromartie as the only players since the 1970 merger to record at least 10 interceptions in a season, and was the most by a Dolphins player since Dick Westmoreland in 1967. The Dolphins also clinched the rights for the 3rd pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, which is one of the 2 first round picks they received from trading Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills to the Houston Texans a season prior. The Dolphins had also finished the 2020 season by scoring a total of 404 points, which is their third highest-scoring total in a season in franchise history (the franchise's highest being 513 total points in 1984).

This season was also highlighted by the emergence of rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the 5th pick in the 2020 Draft, who was named the Dolphins' starter in Week 8, after the team began 3-3 under the leadership of Ryan Fitzpatrick. As the Dolphins starting quarterback, he went 6–3 and also became the fifth rookie quarterback since the 1970 merger to win their first three starts.

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Signings

The Dolphins signed former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Byron Jones, former Philadelphia Eagles running back Jordan Howard, and former New England Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy. The Dolphins also picked up San Francisco 49ers' RB Matt Breida in a trade for a fifth-round draft pick which later became Colton McKivitz.

Free Agent Signings

Position Player Age 2019 Team Contract
RB Jordan Howard 25 Philadelphia Eagles 2 years, $9.75 million
CB Byron Jones 27 Dallas Cowboys 5 years, $82 million
OLB Kyle Van Noy 29 New England Patriots 4 years, $51 million
C Ted Karras 27 New England Patriots 1 year, $4 million
G Ereck Flowers 26 Washington Redskins 3 years, $30 million
ILB Elandon Roberts 26 New England Patriots 1 year, $2 million
SS Clayton Fejedelem 26 Cincinnati Bengals 3 years, $8.55 million
DE Emmanuel Ogbah 25 Kansas City Chiefs 2 years, $15 million
OLB Shaq Lawson 25 Buffalo Bills 3 years, $30 million
ILB Kamu Grugier-Hill 26 Philadelphia Eagles 1 year, $3 million
FS Kavon Frazier 25 Dallas Cowboys 1 year, $1 million

Draft

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Main article: 2020 NFL Draft
2020 Miami Dolphins Draft
Round Selection Player Position College Notes
1 5 Tua Tagovailoa QB Alabama
18 Austin Jackson OT USC from Pittsburgh
30 Noah Igbinoghene CB Auburn from Green Bay
2 39 Robert Hunt OT Louisiana
56 Raekwon Davis NT Alabama from New Orleans
3 70 Brandon Jones FS Texas
4 111 Solomon Kindley G Georgia from Houston
5 154 Jason Strowbridge DE North Carolina from Jacksonville via Pittsburgh
164 Curtis Weaver OLB Boise State from Baltimore via Los Angeles Rams
6 185 Blake Ferguson LS LSU
7 246 Malcolm Perry WR Navy from Kansas City

Draft trades

Staff

2020 Miami Dolphins staff
Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

Final roster

2020 Miami Dolphins final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 52 Active, 8 Inactive, 15 Practice squad

Preseason

The Dolphins' preseason schedule was announced on May 7, but was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[11]

Week Date Opponent Venue Result
1 August 14 at Atlanta Falcons Mercedes-Benz Stadium Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2 August 20 Philadelphia Eagles Hard Rock Stadium
3 August 27 Detroit Lions Hard Rock Stadium
4 September 3 at New Orleans Saints Mercedes-Benz Superdome

Regular season

Schedule

The Dolphins' 2020 schedule was announced on May 7.[11]

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 13 at New England Patriots L 11–21 0–1 Gillette Stadium Recap
2 September 20 Buffalo Bills L 28–31 0–2 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
3 September 24 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 31–13 1–2 TIAA Bank Field Recap
4 October 4 Seattle Seahawks L 23–31 1–3 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
5 October 11 at San Francisco 49ers W 43–17 2–3 Levi's Stadium Recap
6 October 18 New York Jets W 24–0 3–3 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
7 Bye
8 November 1 Los Angeles Rams W 28–17 4–3 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
9 November 8 at Arizona Cardinals W 34–31 5–3 State Farm Stadium Recap
10 November 15 Los Angeles Chargers W 29–21 6–3 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
11 November 22 at Denver Broncos L 13–20 6–4 Empower Field at Mile High Recap
12 November 29 at New York Jets W 20–3 7–4 MetLife Stadium Recap
13 December 6 Cincinnati Bengals W 19–7 8–4 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
14 December 13 Kansas City Chiefs L 27–33 8–5 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
15 December 20 New England Patriots W 22–12 9–5 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
16 December 26 at Las Vegas Raiders W 26–25 10–5 Allegiant Stadium Recap
17 January 3 at Buffalo Bills L 26–56 10–6 Bills Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at New England Patriots

Week One: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Dolphins 0 3 0 8 11
Patriots 0 7 7 7 21

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • NE – Cam Newton 4-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:12 Patriots 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:11.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 46-yard field goal, 3:53 Patriots 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:16.

Third quarter

  • NE – Cam Newton 11-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 10:14 Patriots 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:46.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Jordan Howard 1-yard run (Ryan Fitzpatrick run), 10:31 Patriots 14–11. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:23.
  • NE – Sony Michel 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 5:23 Patriots 21–11. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:08.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

This was the Patriots' first game without long-time quarterback Tom Brady since October 2, 2016, and their first without Brady on the roster since January 2, 2000. With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week Two: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Bills 7 10 0 14 31
Dolphins 7 3 3 15 28

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • BUF – Stefon Diggs 22-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 11:40 Bills 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 84 yards, 2:58.
  • BUF – Tyler Bass 39-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 2:30 Bills 17–7. Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 6:13.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 52-yard field goal, 0:02 Bills 17–10. Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 0:31.

Third quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 45-yard field goal, 11:18 Bills 17–13. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 3:42.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Jordan Howard 2-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 10:11 Dolphins 20–17. Drive: 10 plays, 44 yards, 5:13.
  • BUF – Gabriel Davis 6-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 5:55 Bills 24–20. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 4:16.
  • BUF – John Brown 46-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 3:09 Bills 31–20. Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 1:17.
  • MIA – Mike Gesicki 8-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Ryan Fitzpatrick–Preston Williams pass), 0:49 Dolphins 31–28. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 2:20.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–2.

Week 3: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Three: Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Dolphins 14 7 7 3 31
Jaguars 0 7 0 6 13

at TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • JAX – James Robinson 11-yard run (Brandon Wright kick), 13:04. Dolphins 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:33.
  • MIA – Mike Gesicki 15-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jason Sanders kick), 5:58. Dolphins 21–7. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 7:06.

Third quarter

  • MIA – Ryan Fitzpatrick 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 2:01. Dolphins 28–7. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 2:03.

Fourth quarter

  • JAX – James Robinson 1-yard run (kick failed), 9:03. Dolphins 28–13. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 3:11.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 30-yard field goal, 3:49. Dolphins 31–13. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:58.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

This was the Dolphins' first win over the Jaguars since 2014 and their first win by 10+ points since a 2017 win over the Denver Broncos. With the win, the Dolphins improved to 1–2.

Week 4: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week Four: Seattle Seahawks at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Seahawks 10 7 0 14 31
Dolphins 3 6 3 11 23

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

First quarter

  • SEA – Chris Carson 1-yard run (Jason Myers kick), 10:00. Seahawks 7–0. Drive: 6 play, 57 yards, 2:52.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 41-yard field goal, 2:33. Seahawks 7–3. Drive: 9 play, 54 yards, 4:02.
  • SEA – Jason Myers 55-yard field goal, 0:07. Seahawks 10–3. Drive: 7 play, 39 yards, 2:26.

Second quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 29-yard field goal, 11:24. Seahawks 10–6. Drive: 8 play, 64 yards, 3:43.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 45-yard field goal, 0:24. Seahawks 10–9. Drive: 10 play, 48 yards, 4:21.
  • SEA – Travis Homer 3-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 0:03. Seahawks 17–9. Drive: 4 play, 75 yards, 0:21.

Third quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 43-yard field goal, 4:07. Seahawks 17–12. Drive: 10 play, 55 yards, 5:49.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 29-yard field goal, 8:31. Seahawks 17–15. Drive: 17 play, 73 yards, 7:59.
  • SEA – David Moore 17-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 5:24. Seahawks 24–15. Drive: 6 play, 75 yards, 3:07.
  • SEA – Chris Carson 1-yard run (Jason Myers kick), 4:00. Seahawks 31–15. Drive: 2 play, 33 yards, 0:16.
  • MIA – Ryan Fitzpatrick 10-yard run (Ryan Fitzpatrick–Preston Williams pass), 1:50. Seahawks 31–23. Drive: 8 play, 75 yards, 2:10.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

This was the Seahawks' first road win over the Dolphins since 1996, when the Seahawks were part of the AFC West. With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 1–3.

Week 5: at San Francisco 49ers

Week Five: Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Dolphins 14 16 7 6 43
49ers 0 7 10 0 17

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • SF – Kyle Juszczyk 7-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 12:07. Dolphins 14–7. Drive: 3 plays, 49 yards, 1:18.
  • MIA – DeVante Parker 22-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jason Sanders kick), 7:29. Dolphins 21–7. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 4:38.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 26-yard field goal, 2:00. Dolphins 24–7. Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 2:40.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 50-yard field goal, 0:38. Dolphins 27–7. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:03.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 29-yard field goal, 0:00. Dolphins 30–7. Drive: 3 plays, 8 yards, 0:14.

Third quarter

  • SF – Kendrick Bourne 19-yard pass from C.J. Beathard (Robbie Gould kick), 8:07. Dolphins 30–14. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 3:20.
  • MIA – Preston Williams 32-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jason Sanders kick), 4:42. Dolphins 37–14. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:25.
  • SF – Robbie Gould 37-yard field goal, 0:46. Dolphins 37–17. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 3:56.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 31-yard field goal, 8:40. Dolphins 40–17. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 7:06.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 49-yard field goal, 5:52. Dolphins 43–17. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:40.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

In this rematch of Super Bowl XIX, this was the Dolphins' first road win over the 49ers since 2004, also their first time since October 25, 2015 scoring over 40 points in a game, and their largest blowout win since December 3, 2017. With the win, the Dolphins improved to 2–3.

Week 6: vs. New York Jets

Week Six: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Jets 0 0 0 0 0
Dolphins 7 14 3 0 24

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • MIA – Preston Williams 3-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jason Sanders kick), 11:16. Dolphins 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards, 3:44.
  • MIA – Durham Smythe 4-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jason Sanders kick), 1:53. Dolphins 21–0. Drive: 3 plays, 48 yards, 0:41.

Third quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 24-yard field goal, 3:49. Dolphins 24–0. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 3:45.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top passers

This was the Dolphins' first shutout win since November 2, 2014, when they defeated the San Diego Chargers 37–0. Jets quarterback Joe Flacco also lost to the Dolphins for the first time in his 12-year career. Rookie Tua Tagovailoa, the 5th overall pick in the 2020 Draft made his NFL debut during the final seconds of the game, where he relieved Ryan Fitzpatrick and completed 2 passes for 9 passing yards, also Tua's first game since November 16, 2019 when he suffered a season-ending hip injury as a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide. With the win, the Dolphins improved to 3–3.

Week 8: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week Eight: Los Angeles Rams at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Rams 7 3 0 7 17
Dolphins 7 21 0 0 28

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

First Quarter

Second Quarter

  • MIA – Andrew Van Ginkel 78-yard fumble return (Jason Sanders kick), 10:01. Dolphins 14–7.
  • MIA – Jakeem Grant 88-yard punt return (Jason Sanders kick), 8:44. Dolphins 21–7.
  • MIA – Myles Gaskin 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 2:47. Dolphins 28–7. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:04.
  • LAR – Kai Forbath 23-yard field goal, 0:11. Dolphins 28–10. Drive: 13 plays, 70 yards, 2:36.

Third Quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth Quarter

  • LAR – Robert Woods 11-yard pass from Jared Goff (Kai Forbath kick), 9:58. Dolphins 28–17. Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards, 4:09.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

This was rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's first NFL start, with Ryan Fitzpatrick returning to his backup role for the first time since October 13, 2019. The Dolphins also defeated the Rams for the 5th time since 2001. The game was dominated by the Dolphins' defense, which forced the Rams into four first-half turnovers. During the 2nd quarter, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel scored his first NFL touchdown on an 78-yard fumble recovery, the second-longest fumbled return in franchise history since Dolphins Hall of Famer Jason Taylor ran on an 85-yard fumble return in 2005. With the win, the Dolphins improved to 4–3.

Week 9: at Arizona Cardinals

Week Nine: Miami Dolphins at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Dolphins 14 10 0 10 34
Cardinals 7 10 14 0 31

at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • ARI – Christian Kirk 56-yard pass from Kyler Murray (Zane Gonzalez kick), 14:23. Tied 14–14. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:32.
  • MIA – Preston Williams 9-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 10:18. Dolphins 21–14. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:05.
  • ARI – Zane Gonzalez 37-yard field goal, 5:10. Dolphins 21–17. Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 5:08.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 56-yard field goal, 0:03. Dolphins 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 0:43.

Third quarter

  • ARI – Darrell Daniels 21-yard pass from Kyler Murray (Zane Gonzalez kick), 12:13. Tied 24–24. Drive: 7 plays, 87 yards, 3:12.
  • ARI – Kyler Murray 12-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 2:34. Cardinals 31–24. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 6:10.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Mack Hollins 11-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 11:19. Tied 31–31. Drive: 10 plays, 93 yards, 6:09.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 50-yard field goal, 3:35. Dolphins 34–31. Drive: 5 plays, 28 yards, 1:40.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

In a back-and-forth game, Miami pulled ahead late in the game with 10 points in the forth quarter, taking the lead with a 50-yard field goal from Jason Sanders after the two-minute warning. Kyler Murray drove the Cardinals into field goal range in the final seconds, but kicker Zane Gonzalez missed the potential game-tying field goal short, sealing a 34–31 Miami victory. With the win, the Dolphins not only improved to 5–3 for the first time since 2014, but also earned their first 4-game winning streak since 2016 and a win in Phoenix for the first time since 1996.

Week 10: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week Ten: Los Angeles Chargers at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Chargers 0 7 7 7 21
Dolphins 14 3 3 9 29

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: November 15
  • Game time: 4:05 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 83 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 12,751
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Rich Gannon and AJ Ross
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • LAC – Justin Herbert 1-yard run (Michael Badgley kick), 4:25. Dolphins 14–7. Drive: 11 plays, 37 yards, 5:51.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 50-yard field goal, 0:29. Dolphins 17–7. Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 0:37.

Third quarter

  • LAC – Hunter Henry 2-yard pass from Justin Herbert (Michael Badgley kick), 7:02. Dolphins 17–14. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 6:38.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 35-yard field goal, 2:34. Dolphins 20–14. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 4:28.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Durham Smythe 2-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (pass failed), 11:38. Tied 26–14. Drive: 5 plays, 32 yards, 2:32.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 49-yard field goal, 4:06. Dolphins 29–14. Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards, 2:38.
  • LAC – Keenan Allen 13-yard pass from Justin Hebert (Michael Badgley kick), 1:57. Dolphins 29–21. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 2:02.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

The Dolphins began the season 6–3 for the first time since 2001. Tua Tagovailoa also became the 5th rookie quarterback since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to begin 3–0, after Ben Roethlisberger, Mark Sanchez, Carson Wentz, and Lamar Jackson.

Week 11: at Denver Broncos

Week Eleven: Miami Dolphins at Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Dolphins 7 3 0 3 13
Broncos 7 6 7 0 20

at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • DEN – Brandon McManus 29-yard field goal, 9:55. Broncos 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 1:54.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 41-yard field goal, 2:39. Tied 10–10. Drive: 14 plays, 52 yards, 7:16.
  • DEN – Brandon McManus 47-yard field goal, 0:00. Broncos 13–10. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 2:34.

Third quarter

  • DEN – Melvin Gordon 20-yard run (Brandon McManus kick), 2:31. Broncos 20–10. Drive: 9 plays, 84 yard, 4:46.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 53-yard field goal, 7:51. Broncos 20–13. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 2:04.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

The Dolphins played without running back Jordan Howard as he got cut on November 16, 2020, after just 9 games with the Dolphins. In the fourth quarter, Tua was replaced by Fitzpatrick after Tua got hurt. Fitzpatrick attempted a comeback but threw an interception in the red-zone ending any chances of a comeback and dropping the Dolphins 6–4. Not only did the Dolphins fail to win in Denver for the first time since 2008, but Tua failed to join Ben Roethlisberger as the only rookie quarterbacks to begin 4–0.

Week 12: at New York Jets

Week Twelve: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Dolphins 3 10 0 7 20
Jets 3 0 0 0 3

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 54 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Referee: Adrian Hill
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and AJ Ross
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • NYJ – Sergio Castillo 38-yard field goal, 9:48. Jets 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 5:15.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 54-yard field goal, 1:17. Tied 3–3. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 2:18.

Second quarter

  • MIA – Mike Gesicki 13-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jason Sanders kick), 8:56. Dolphins 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 88 yards, 5:11.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 51-yard field goal, 5:57. Dolphins 13–3. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 2:30.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Adam Shaheen 7-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jason Sanders kick), 6:54. Dolphins 20–3. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:39.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick made his first start since Week 6, as rookie Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out after suffering a minor injury during practices. Wide receiver DeVante Parker became the 9th player in franchise history to reach 4,000 career receiving yards, and the Dolphins swept the Jets for the first time in 2 seasons. With the win, the Dolphins improved to 7–4.

Week 13: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week Thirteen: Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Bengals 7 0 0 0 7
Dolphins 0 6 10 3 19

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: December 6
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 81 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 12,577
  • Referee: Ronald Torbert
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and AJ Ross
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 25-yard field goal, 11:35. Bengals 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 6:38.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 48-yard field goal, 0:02. Bengals 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 27 yards, 0:58.

Third quarter

  • MIA – Mike Gesicki 5-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 11:35. Dolphins 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:25.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 23-yard field goal, 5:37. Dolphins 16–7. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 4:10.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 19-yard field goal, 13:24. Bengals 19–7. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 5:31.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

For the first time since suffering a minor thumb injury, Tua Tagovailoa returned as the Dolphins starting quarterback. The Dolphins began 8–4 for the first time since 2003 and also clinched a non-losing season for the first time since 2016.

Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week Fourteen: Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Chiefs 0 14 16 3 33
Dolphins 7 3 0 17 27

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 31-yard field goal, 10:14. Dolphins 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 34 yards, 5:23.
  • KC – Tyreek Hill 32-yard run (Harrison Butker kick), 8:10. Dolphins 10–7. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:04.
  • KC – Travis Kelce 6-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker kick), 0:37. Chiefs 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 2:15.

Third quarter

  • KC – Tyreek Hill 44-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker kick), 13:50. Chiefs 21–10. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:10.
  • KC – Mecole Hardman 67-yard punt return (Harrison Butker kick), 12:38. Chiefs 28–10.
  • KC – Chris Jones sacks Tua Tagovailoa in endzone for safety, 6:52. Chiefs 30–10.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Mike Gesicki 29-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 12:03. Chiefs 30–17. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:16.
  • MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 4:15. Chiefs 30–24. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 5:52.
  • KC – Harrison Butker 46-yard field goal, 1:08. Chiefs 33–24. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 3:07.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 44-yard field goal, 0:16. Chiefs 33–27. Drive: 5 plays, 49 yards, 0:52.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Despite holding an 10–0 lead during the first quarter and attempting a comeback from 30 to 10 in the 4th quarter, the Dolphins not only failed to beat the Chiefs for the first time since 2011, but they also failed to beat them at home for the first time since 2006, and to beat an Andy Reid-coached team for the first time since 1999, which was Reid's first year coaching the Philadelphia Eagles. With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 8–5.

Week 15: vs. New England Patriots

Week Fifteen: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Patriots 0 6 3 3 12
Dolphins 0 0 7 15 22

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 8:55. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 6:10.
  • NE – Nick Folk 36-yard field goal, 4:19. Patriots 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 2:32.

Third quarter

  • MIA – Salvon Ahmed 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 10:32. Dolphins 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:28.
  • NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 4:23. Patriots 9–7. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 3:16.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 3-yard run (Tua Tagovailoa–Salvon Ahmed pass), 12:55. Dolphins 15–7. Drive: 14 plays, 90 yards, 6:25.
  • NE – Nick Folk 42-yard field goal, 9:07. Dolphins 15–12. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 3:52.
  • MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 3:17. Dolphins 22–12. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:46.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Not only did the Dolphins clinch their first winning season since 2016, but they defeated the Patriots at home for the first time since the Miracle in Miami, and defeated a Cam Newton-led team for the first time in franchise history. The Dolphins also eliminated the Patriots from postseason contention for the first time since 2008, and ensured their first non-winning season since 2000. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa became the 6th rookie quarterback to defeat Bill Belichick's Patriots, after Ben Roethlisberger, Mark Sanchez, Colt McCoy, Russell Wilson, and Geno Smith. Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick also finished with a winning record in his career for the first time since 2015, when he played for the New York Jets, and for only the second time in his 15-year career. With the win, the Dolphins improved to 9–5.

Week 16: at Las Vegas Raiders

Week Sixteen: Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Dolphins 3 3 7 13 26
Raiders 7 6 3 9 25

at Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada

Game information

First quarter

  • LV – Derek Carr 1-yard run (Daniel Carlson kick), 8:25. Raiders 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 2:56.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 37-yard field goal, 1:28. Raiders 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 6:57.

Second quarter

  • LV – Daniel Carlson 23-yard field goal, 6:51. Raiders 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 4:26.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 39-yard field goal, 1:47. Raiders 10–6. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 5:04.
  • LV – Daniel Carlson 38-yard field goal, 0:16. Raiders 13–6. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 1:26.

Third quarter

  • MIA – Myles Gaskin 10-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 10:38. Tied 13–13. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:29.
  • LV – Daniel Carlson 20-yard field goal, 2:34. Raiders 16–13. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:17.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 22-yard field goal, 4:05. Tied 16–16. Drive: 13 plays, 84 yards, 5:46.
  • LV – Nelson Agholor 85-yard pass from Derek Carr (kick failed), 3:37. Raiders 22–16. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:24.
  • MIA – Myles Gaskin 59-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jason Sanders kick), 2:55. Dolphins 23–22. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:42.
  • LV – Daniel Carlson 22-yard field goal, 0:23. Raiders 25–23. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 2:32.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 44-yard field goal, 0:06. Dolphins 26–25. Drive: 3 plays, 49 yards, 0:13.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Despite not holding a lead for much of the game and not scoring a touchdown in the first half, the Dolphins defeated the Raiders in a last-minute field goal made by Jason Sanders. Backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick relieved a struggling Tua Tagovailoa in the 4th quarter and threw to Myles Gaskin for a touchdown to hand the Dolphins their first lead of the game, 23–22. After the Raiders retook the lead with only 23 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Fitzpatrick threw a no-look pass to Mack Hollins, which Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes dubbed "the greatest no-look pass of all time",[12] to set up Sanders' game-winning field goal. With the win, the Dolphins improved to 10–5.

Week 17: at Buffalo Bills

Week Seventeen: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
1 2 3 4 Total
Dolphins 3 3 7 13 26
Bills 0 28 7 21 56

at Bills Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: January 3, 2021
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 35 °F (2 °C)
  • Game attendance: 0
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and AJ Ross
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 49-yard field goal, 8:07. Dolphins 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 10 yards, 2:35.

Second quarter

  • BUF – Isaiah McKenzie 7-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 12:09. Bills 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 3:19.
  • BUF – Isaiah McKenzie 14-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 6:56. Bills 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 88 yards, 2:47.
  • BUF – Isaiah McKenzie 84-yard punt return (Tyler Bass kick), 5:22. Bills 21–3.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 32-yard field goal, 1:44. Bills 21–6. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 3:38.
  • BUF – John Brown 32-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 1:00. Bills 28–6. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 0:44.

Third quarter

  • MIA – Myles Gaskin 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 11:08. Bills 28–13. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:52.
  • BUF – Josh Norman 16-yard interception return (Tyler Bass kick), 8:20. Bills 35–13.

Fourth quarter

  • BUF – Antonio Williams 18-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 13:44. Bills 42–13. Drive: 5 plays, 79 yards, 2:45.
  • BUF – Antonio Williams 2-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 11:55. Bills 49–13. Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 1:37.
  • MIA – Salvon Ahmed 16-yard run (pass failed), 8:40. Bills 49–19. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:15.
  • BUF – Gabriel Davis 56-yard pass from Matt Barkley (Tyler Bass kick), 6:18. Bills 56–19. Drive: 1 play, 56 yards, 0:09.
  • MIA – Malcolm Perry 25-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 2:47. Bills 56–26. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:31.

Top passers

  • MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 35/58, 361 yards, TD, 3 INT
  • BUF – Josh Allen – 18/25, 224 yards, 3 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • MIA – Salvon Ahmed – 6 rushes, 29 yards, TD
  • BUF – Antonio Williams – 12 rushes, 63 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • MIA – DeVante Parker – 7 receptions, 116 yards
  • BUF – Gabriel Davis – 2 receptions, 107 yards, TD

After the embarrassing blowout loss, the Dolphins failed to win 11 games in a season for the first time since 2008. After the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars the same day, the Dolphins were eliminated from postseason contention for the 4th consecutive season. The Dolphins had also failed to become the first team since the 1999 Washington Redskins to clinch both a playoff berth and a top-3 pick in the upcoming draft, which is the first-round pick they acquired from trading Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills to the Houston Texans the season prior. With the loss, the Dolphins finished the 2020 season at 10–6.

Standings

Division

Template:2020 AFC East standings

Conference

Template:2020 AFC standings

References

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External links

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