The Miami Dolphins vs Seahawks in a challenging Week 3 matchup, traveling cross-country after a disappointing loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins were without their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered a concussion in the previous game. The Seahawks, starting the day with a perfect 2-0 record, took control early and maintained their momentum, ultimately winning 24-3.
Throughout the game, penalties were a significant theme, with a staggering total of 22 accepted flags impacting the flow of play. Despite some glaring missed calls, the penalties were evenly distributed, with 11 assessed to each team. This game highlighted the need for the Dolphins’ coaching staff to make crucial adjustments before their next contest against the Tennessee Titans.
The Dolphins’ performance was marred by a rough start, particularly for the officiating crew. Early in the game, linebacker Jaelan Phillips was tackled without a penalty being called during Seattle’s opening drive, followed by a questionable non-call on running back Jaylen Wright for a potential horse collar tackle. The Seahawks capitalized on their first possession, scoring a field goal, while the Dolphins missed theirs.
After a Seattle touchdown and a Miami punt, the Dolphins’ defense rallied. Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah made significant plays, including a crucial interception by cornerback Kader Kohou, following Ogbah’s pressure on Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. Despite some strong defensive efforts, the Dolphins’ offense struggled to find its rhythm, a problem exacerbated by the absence of their starting quarterback. They managed only a 23-yard field goal after failing to convert a six-yard touchdown opportunity.
The Seahawks quickly responded with a 71-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, widening their lead to 17-3 by the end of the first quarter. Miami’s subsequent drive was thwarted by confusion on the field, resulting in a failed run attempt and another punt. The Seahawks missed a field goal, giving the Dolphins a chance, but Miami could not capitalize, further demonstrating their struggles as key players like Tyreek Hill missed catchable passes.
The second quarter saw the Dolphins unable to muster any significant offense, culminating in a disastrous -29 yard possession, marked by four consecutive penalties. The half ended with Miami trying for an untimed down due to a Seahawks penalty, but the play resulted in a sack, leaving the score at 17-3.
The second half began with both teams exchanging ineffective possessions. Miami’s quarterback, Skylar Thompson, left the game after taking a hard hit, allowing Tim Boyle to step in. Boyle managed to advance the ball but ultimately fell short on a fourth-down attempt at the Seahawks’ two-yard line. Instead of a Dolphins score, Seattle methodically moved down the field, consuming nearly six minutes of clock before adding another touchdown.
Miami continued to struggle offensively, turning the ball over on downs after a brief drive. The game concluded with the Seahawks firmly in control, ending the contest with a score of 24-3.
Overall, the game was a rough outing for the Dolphins, marked by an inability to execute offensively. While the defense showed some promise, the offensive performance raised significant concerns heading into the next week’s matchup.