Dolphins Score 70, Skip NFL Record Attempt
Dolphins’ 70-Point Blitz: A Surprising Choice at NFL History’s Doorstep
On Sunday, the Miami Dolphins delivered an offensive spectacle in their home opener, outclassing the Denver Broncos with a resounding 70-20 victory. This remarkable performance ranks as the second-highest point total ever achieved by a team in a regular season NFL game.
It’s worth noting that the all-time single-game NFL scoring record stands at 73 points, established by the Chicago Bears during the 1940 NFL Championship. Meanwhile, the regular season record is held at 72 points, accomplished by Washington in the year 1966.
In the waning moments of the fourth quarter, the Dolphins found themselves in a position to potentially surpass the NFL’s regular season scoring record and draw level with the Bears’ historic achievement. However, they chose to take a knee instead of attempting a field goal from the Broncos’ 28-yard line.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel shared his perspective on the situation, stating, “It seemed like we were pursuing points and records, which wasn’t our primary goal for being here. It doesn’t significantly impact the overall outcome of the season.” He further explained, “In such instances, you kneel down without hesitation, nine times out of ten. While the record was within reach, it was a neat possibility, but I felt the message it might convey didn’t align with my personal philosophy.”
According to ESPN Stats & Info, the Miami Dolphins’ triumph marks only the fourth occasion in NFL history, including playoff games, where a team has amassed a total of 70 or more points.
In a remarkable display of skill, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa orchestrated a flawless first half, connecting on all 16 of his passes for a total of 206 yards, resulting in two touchdowns and zero interceptions. This outstanding performance propelled the team to a commanding 35-13 lead.
Tagovailoa’s remarkable feat makes him the first quarterback since 1991 to achieve a perfect halftime performance, completing 15 or more passes without a single incompletion while amassing 200 or more passing yards.
In parallel, the dynamic duo of Dolphins running backs, Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, contributed significantly, combining for an astonishing eight touchdowns. Their incredible efforts enabled Miami to shatter the franchise’s scoring record by a margin of 15 points.
Achane concluded the game with an impressive 203 rushing yards on 18 carries, while Mostert accumulated a total of 142 yards, showcasing their exceptional skills on the field.
Tagovailoa and many of the team’s key players were rested early in the fourth quarter. Tagovailoa’s stellar performance included four touchdown passes, completing an impressive 23 of 26 pass attempts.
Miami’s astonishing total of 726 yards of offense establishes a new franchise record for the highest yardage achieved in a single game.
To put this achievement in historical context, in December 1940, the Bears dominated Washington with a 73-0 victory in the NFL Championship Game. In November 1966, Washington defeated the New York Giants 72-41 during a late regular-season matchup. Notably, the only other NFL team to score 70 points in a game was the Los Angeles Rams, who achieved this feat in 1950 against the Baltimore Colts.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
