Jacksonville Jaguars vs Miami Dolphins: Game Recap & Key Player Stats
The Sunshine State rivalry between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins turned into a defensive chess match at Hard Rock Stadium, where Miami’s resilience once again proved the difference. In a game filled with grit, pressure, and precision, the Dolphins walked away with a 14–6 win, holding Jacksonville without a touchdown despite multiple scoring chances.
Miami didn’t dominate in flash — they won through discipline, balance, and mistake-free football. For Jacksonville, it was another chapter of frustration where moving the ball wasn’t the issue — finishing drives was.
Battle Recap: Dolphins Deliver When It Counts
Both teams opened cautiously, probing for weaknesses. Jacksonville found early success with Travis Etienne Jr. on the ground but stalled in the red zone, settling for Brandon McManus field goals on consecutive drives.
Midway through the second quarter, Tua Tagovailoa finally broke the stalemate, connecting with Jaylen Waddle on a perfectly timed 27-yard strike to put Miami ahead. The first half closed 7–6 — a score that reflected the Jaguars’ offensive struggles rather than Miami’s dominance.
After halftime, Raheem Mostert powered through for a third-quarter touchdown that ultimately sealed the result. The Dolphins’ defense shut down any comeback attempt, including a critical red-zone interception off Trevor Lawrence late in the fourth.
When it was over, Miami’s formula — clean execution and situational awareness — once again proved reliable.
Spotlight on Miami’s Standouts
| Player | Position | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tua Tagovailoa | QB | 19/29, 232 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT |
| Raheem Mostert | RB | 20 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD |
| Jaylen Waddle | WR | 7 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD |
| Tyreek Hill | WR | 5 receptions, 64 yards |
| Jevon Holland | S | 7 tackles, 1 INT |
| Jaelan Phillips | LB | 6 tackles, 1.5 sacks |
Jaguars’ Effort Falls Short
| Player | Position | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Trevor Lawrence | QB | 24/38, 211 yards, 1 INT |
| Travis Etienne Jr. | RB | 17 carries, 73 yards; 3 catches, 18 yards |
| Calvin Ridley | WR | 6 receptions, 65 yards |
| Evan Engram | TE | 5 receptions, 49 yards |
| Josh Allen | LB | 8 tackles, 2 sacks |
| Andre Cisco | S | 6 tackles, 1 pass defensed |
Stat Breakdown: Efficiency vs Opportunity
| Category | Jaguars | Dolphins |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 304 | 357 |
| Passing Yards | 211 | 232 |
| Rushing Yards | 93 | 125 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 4/13 | 6/12 |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 0/3 | 2/3 |
| Time of Possession | 31:12 | 28:48 |
Game-Defining Sequences
- The Waddle Wake-Up: Tagovailoa’s deep touchdown to Waddle opened the floodgates and energized Miami’s offense.
- Lawrence’s Costly Pick: A red-zone interception turned a potential lead into a missed opportunity.
- Mostert’s Power Drive: His decisive touchdown capped a clock-eating drive that drained Jacksonville’s momentum.
- Phillips & Holland Pressure: Constant backfield disruption kept Lawrence off balance all night.
Sideline Sound-Bites
Tua Tagovailoa:
“We stayed patient. It wasn’t about fireworks, it was about finishing.”
Trevor Lawrence:
“Our offense moved the ball well, but we’ve got to capitalize when it counts. Field goals won’t win road games.”
Raheem Mostert:
“We played smart football — physical, consistent, and hungry. That’s the identity we’re building.”
Deep Dive: What the Numbers Tell Us
The box score tells a familiar story — Jacksonville nearly matched Miami in yards but fell behind in execution. The Dolphins converted two of three red-zone trips, while the Jaguars came up empty on all three.
Miami’s defense also dominated turnover differential (+2) and sacked Lawrence twice in key moments. The Jaguars’ defense, while aggressive, couldn’t generate takeaways to balance the equation.
Outlook: Playoff Paths and Pressure
For Miami, this win reaffirms their status as an AFC heavyweight capable of winning in multiple ways. They control their destiny for a top playoff seed.
Jacksonville’s road, however, becomes trickier. The defense continues to perform at a playoff level, but unless the offense finds consistency inside the 20-yard line, their postseason ambitions could fade.
Both squads are still in the hunt — but their paths couldn’t look more different.
You may also want to see stats of another Jacksonville Jaguars Match against Philadelphia Eagles
Quickfire FAQs
Q: What was the final score?
A: Dolphins 14 – Jaguars 6.
Q: Who led all rushers?
A: Raheem Mostert (89 yards and 1 TD).
Q: Which quarterback had more passing yards?
A: Tua Tagovailoa (232 yards).
Q: Did Jacksonville score any touchdowns?
A: No — both of their scores came from field goals.
Q: Who recorded multiple sacks?
A: Josh Allen for Jacksonville (2 sacks).
Q: What was the biggest deciding factor?
A: Miami’s superior red-zone conversion and clean turnover record.
Editor’s Takeaway
The Miami Dolphins didn’t just win; they showcased maturity and situational mastery. The defense set the tone, and the offense responded with timely precision. Tua Tagovailoa’s composure, Mostert’s physicality, and Waddle’s explosiveness made the difference.
For the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s back to the drawing board. The potential is clear, the execution isn’t. Their defense gave them chances — but without red-zone rhythm, chances turn into regrets.
If these two Florida rivals meet again later this season, expect another tense, tactical duel where one small mistake could decide everything.
