Winter is coming.
With a comprehensive effort across all three phases, the Cleveland Browns secured a 31-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins, ending a three-game losing streak.
Quinshon Judkins scored three touchdowns, helping the Browns (2-5) surpass the 17-point mark for the first time in 12 games. The defense limited an opponent to a single touchdown for the first time in nearly two years, and the special teams units contributed by forcing a critical turnover in the second quarter.
“We did everything we could to lose the game,” coach Mike McDaniel said. “You saw a lot of frustration from the season seep into our play. I felt like emotional overreactions in the first half were detrimental to us. Four drives were sustained by penalties defensively.”
In a game where passing was limited due to heavy rain and wind in the first half, Judkins became the first Browns running back since Nick Chubb in 2022 to record three rushing touchdowns in a single game.
Two of the touchdowns were scored on direct snaps from the Wildcat formation. Coach Kevin Stefanski stated that they included this strategy in the game plan later in the week after reviewing the weather forecast.
The Browns intercepted Tua Tagovailoa three times and converted those turnovers into 21 points.
Miami (1-6) outgained Cleveland 219-206, but only managed two field goals from Riley Patterson. Tagovailoa threw three interceptions for the second consecutive week and recorded a career-low passer rating of 24.1, completing 12 of 23 passes for 100 yards. He also fumbled three times but did not lose possession.
Quinn Ewers replaced Tagovailoa late in the fourth quarter after the quarterback experienced his sixth career game with three interceptions.
The Dolphins struggled offensively, converting only 1 of 13 third-down attempts, and were penalized 11 times for a total of 103 yards.
Do not anticipate any immediate changes in the Miami Dolphins’ front office following this challenging loss to the Cleveland Browns. Typically, midseason adjustments to the front office are uncommon, and such changes to the coaching staff are even rarer. The team is in need of revitalization, which will require coordinated efforts from the coaching staff, players, and front office. A fresh perspective may be necessary to help reverse the current trajectory of the season.
All of the challenges anticipated have impacted the Dolphins this season. Tyreek Hill is currently sidelined for the remainder of the year, and Darren Waller has been dealing with injuries. Overall, the team has encountered setbacks that have affected their performance.
Stephen Ross and Tom Garfinkel will be actively involved as the trade deadline approaches. The Dolphins have several valuable players on their roster who could be traded for future draft picks to competitive teams. As a result, they are expected to receive numerous inquiries from other organizations.
Tagovailoa recently experienced his second consecutive game with three interceptions. His performance has been impacted by the absence of Hill. Additionally, Jaylen Waddle has been facing double coverage. He lost Waller early in the game. The offensive line has shown inconsistency, and Tagovailoa has struggled to perform to his full potential.
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