Expectations are high this season for the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars, who began week one with an in-state showdown.
It was not pretty; however, you never apologize for a win.
Jason Sanders connected on a 52-yard field goal as time expired, as the Dolphins rallied past the Jaguars 20-17 on Sunday to win their fourth straight season opener.
A season opener that included two players, star wideout Tyreek Hill and defensive lineman Calais Campbell, were handcuffed outside Hard Rock stadium a few hours before kickoff.
Tua Tagovailoa, who signed a new contract extension in the offseason, threw for 336 yards and a touchdown and led Miami on an eight-play, 31-yard drive over the final 2:09.
“Tyreek told me his story. I will always support my teammate, based on what he told me,” Tagovailoa said. “I only know that side of the story. I don’t know the other side. I am always going to support my teammates. It was an unfortunate deal that happened today.”
Tagovailoa is now 4-0 as a starter in week one games in his career.
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“Anytime we get the ball that is always the perfect opportunity for our team, Tagovailoa said. “Whether it is six points or three points to score on offense.”
Dolphins were only shut out three times last year in the opening quarter. They were shut out in the opening quarter of this week’s game.
Miami Dade Police officers stopped Hill for a traffic violation near the stadium that led to being handcuffed, faced down, and added excessive force. Teammate Campbell stopped to assist as he drove past the scene. He, too, was handcuffed, saying officers told him the reason why was that he disobeyed their direct orders.
“I still don’t know what happened, What if I was not Tyreek Hill? I have respect for state troopers I have no idea why,” Hill said. I want to be able to use this platform to figure out a way to flip this and make it a positive. On my end and Miami Dade, we can do something positive for the community.”
Hill started the comeback with 80-yard touchdown catch that sparked Miami’s sluggish offense in the third quarter and got the Dolphins within 17-14. After the score, Hill placed his hands behind his back as if to simulate being handcuffed.
“I am glad my teammates were there to support me in that situation because I felt alone,” Hill added. “When they showed up, it made me realize we have a good team this year for them to put their life on the line; it was amazing to see.”
Hill finished with seven catches for 130 yards. Devon Achane had seven catches for 75 yards and ran for 25 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who also agreed to a contract extension in the offseason, completed 12 of 21 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. Tank Bigsby had 73 yards on 12 carries.
Travis Etienne had the ball punched from his grasp by Dolphins safety Jevon Holland just before crossing the goal line in the third.
“Fans out there don’t lose faith. Whenever it looks down, it is always bent, don’t break, and don’t lose faith in the team. We are always going to show up,” Holland said.
Miami scored one play later when Tagovailoa found a streaking Hill, who outran two Jaguars defenders into the end zone.
“Obviously, turnovers are killers, especially down in the red zone,” Lawrence said, “but I thought Travis did a good job of bouncing back and keeping his head in the game. … We still had plenty of time in the game, and we have to be able to handle the adversity and go score in the next series.”
NFL executives and other players shared their frustration with how Hill was treated before the game, which reached a fever pitch. Hill is a professional, so it is impossible to eliminate this in his life. His family is not happy about it. He will continue to turn a negative into a positive. He was remarkable coming in the clutch for the Dolphins throughout the game.
For everything that Hill went through pre-game, I am amazed at who he is as an NFL player. His ability is unique. He is a gifted Hall of Fame talent, a great competitor, and a lover of his teammates. Moreover, the support he received from teammates Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith shows how close this Dolphins team is.
This win is a galvanizing win. The Dolphins were down by 14 points, and they were down by 10 points in the second half. Holland had a clutch play to force a fumble when Etienne appeared to be on the verge of scoring on what would have been possibly a crushing blow for the team. Instead, it was a huge comeback win. There were a lot of new players on the field for the Dolphins today, and it says a lot about this team. They will be confident on a short week hosting the Buffalo Bills.
Expect the Dolphins to be at their best and a faster start than today hosting the Jaguars. The Dolphins will play better against a talented Bills team that is missing players they have had in the past. Expect the Dolphins to improve to 2-0.
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