In a game where the Miami Dolphins overcame chaos off the field and a sluggish start on it, Jason Sanders’ 52-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Dolphins to a 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. The win marked Miami’s fourth consecutive season-opening triumph, but it was the bizarre series of events hours before kickoff that made this one of the most memorable days in franchise history.
The day started with two Dolphins players, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell, being placed in handcuffs outside the stadium. Hill was reportedly stopped by Miami-Dade Police officers for a traffic violation near the stadium and was forced to the ground and handcuffed. Campbell, who witnessed the incident, pulled over to assist but was also placed in handcuffs after allegedly disobeying officers’ orders. Both players were later released, and an investigation into the officers’ conduct was immediately launched by Miami-Dade officials, with one officer placed on administrative leave.
Despite the off-field distractions, Hill delivered on the field, sparking Miami’s comeback with an 80-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter that narrowed Jacksonville’s lead to 17-14. Hill, who finished with seven catches for 130 yards, marked the score with a gesture that mimicked his earlier ordeal, placing his hands behind his back as if to be handcuffed.
Miami’s offense, led by Tua Tagovailoa, struggled early but came alive in the second half. Tagovailoa, fresh off a lucrative offseason contract extension, threw for 336 yards and a touchdown, leading the Dolphins on an eight-play, 31-yard drive in the final 2:09 to set up Sanders’ game-winning field goal. Tagovailoa’s favorite target was Hill, while Jaylen Waddle chipped in five catches for 109 yards, including a crucial 63-yard reception in the fourth quarter that put Miami in scoring position.
The game had a back-and-forth feel, with Jacksonville capitalizing on an early pass-interference penalty against Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was playing through a hamstring injury. That flag set the Jaguars up at Miami’s 1-yard line, allowing running back Travis Etienne to punch in a touchdown. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville’s franchise quarterback and another player who recently signed a massive contract, completed 12 of 21 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. Rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught a 14-yard touchdown and was a key part of Jacksonville’s first scoring drive.
Jacksonville appeared in control for much of the game, building a 17-7 lead, but Miami’s defense stepped up late. Safety Jevon Holland forced a fumble just before Etienne could cross the goal line for what would have been a critical third-quarter touchdown. Instead, Tagovailoa found Hill streaking downfield on the very next play for an 80-yard score, swinging momentum back to the Dolphins.
On Jacksonville’s final possession, Miami’s defense sacked Lawrence twice in quick succession, forcing a punt and giving Tagovailoa one last chance to orchestrate the game-winning drive. Sanders, reliable under pressure, sealed the victory with his 52-yard field goal as the clock hit zero.
Jacksonville’s rookie running back Tank Bigsby was a bright spot, rushing for 73 yards on 12 carries, but the Jaguars struggled to maintain offensive rhythm in the second half. For the Dolphins, rookie running back Devon Achane showed promise with 75 receiving yards and a touchdown on the ground, providing Miami a much-needed spark.
In a day filled with drama on and off the field, the Dolphins ultimately found a way to pull through, and with their fourth consecutive Week 1 victory, they hope to ride this momentum deeper into the 2024 NFL season.
