The Miami Dolphins displayed fantastic offense on Sunday as they crushed the Denver Broncos 70-20. The Dolphins scored 70 points, making this game the second highest-scoring regular season NFL game on record. They could have taken a shot at the record, needing less than 4 points. However, they chose to kneel on the Broncos’ 28-yard line.
Dolphins’ head coach, Mike McDaniel, justified the decision saying, “We didn’t come here for records.” He emphasized that their focus was on season performance, not chasing records. So, even with an attainable record, the Dolphins stood down.
In fact, the Dolphins’ commanding victory clocks in as the fourth time in NFL history a team has crossed the 70 points threshold. The team got an early start when wide receiver Tyreek Hill scored the first touchdown just over a minute into the game.
Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was exceptional, completing all 16-of-16 first half passes. He also threw two touchdowns, leading the Dolphins to a comfortable 35-13 half-time lead. Tagovailoa also proved himself the first quarterback since 1991 to accomplish this feat – a perfect passing first half with 200-plus yards.
Dolphins running backs, Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, were also instrumental to the victory. They scored a combined eight touchdowns. Achane ended the day on a high note with 203 rushing yards on 18 carries, and Mostert contributed 142 total yards.
Miami’s total yardage for the game was 726, a franchise record. Yet, the team’s stars, including Tagovailoa, left the match early in the final quarter. The Dolphins’ quarterback completed 23-of-26 passes before retiring.
Meanwhile, Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton had a tough day, calling the game “embarrassing” and “hard to watch”. He added that reviewing the game tape would be a hard day for his players and coaches.
This historic game brings to mind two past record-breaking matches. First, the 1940 NFL Championship where the Chicago Bears thrashed Washington 73-0. And the high-scoring tussle between Washington and the New York Giants—resulting in a 72-41 victory for Washington.
