CNN – The Miami Dolphins showcased an impressive offensive performance in their home opener, defeating the Denver Broncos with a final score of 70-20. This victory marks the second-highest point tally by a team in a regular season game in NFL history, falling just short of the record of 73 points set by the Chicago Bears in the 1940 NFL Championship. The previous regular season record of 72 points was achieved by Washington in 1966.
During the fourth quarter of the game, the Dolphins had an opportunity to break the NFL regular season record and match the Bears’ mark. However, instead of attempting a field goal from the Broncos’ 28-yard line, they chose to kneel. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel explained, “It felt like chasing points, chasing a record, that’s not what we came here to do. That doesn’t have a bearing on the overall season outcome.” He emphasized that in such situations, it is common practice to concede and kneel down. McDaniel also noted, “Because there was an attainable record, that was cool, but the message I thought it would send wasn’t in line with how I view things.”
According to ESPN Stats & Info, Miami’s achievement is only the fourth time in NFL history that a team has scored at least 70 points, including playoffs. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa played a pivotal role in their success, delivering a flawless first half performance. He completed 16-of-16 passes for 206 yards, contributing two touchdowns and zero interceptions, leading the team to a commanding 35-13 lead. Tagovailoa became the first quarterback since 1991 to complete 15-plus passes without an incompletion and throw for 200-plus yards by halftime. Reflecting on the game, he said, “This doesn’t compare to anything that I’ve seen or been a part of. It just talks about the resilience of our team.”
In addition, Dolphins running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane played crucial roles in the team’s victory, combining for a total of eight touchdowns and breaking a franchise scoring record by 15 points. Achane recorded 203 rushing yards on 18 carries, while Mostert contributed 142 total yards. Tagovailoa and several other standout players were substituted early in the fourth quarter. Tagovailoa finished the game with four touchdown passes and an impressive 23-of-26 completions. Furthermore, Miami’s total of 726 yards in the game set a franchise record for the most yards ever accomplished in a single game.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton expressed his disappointment, describing the game as “embarrassing” and “tough to watch.” He acknowledged that reviewing the tape and preparing for future games would be challenging for both the players and the coaching staff. Payton’s frustration was evident when he snapped at a reporter who was discussing the statistics of the historic loss during a news conference.
To summarize the historical significance of the Dolphins’ victory, the Bears’ 73-0 victory over Washington in the 1940 NFL Championship Game, Washington’s 72-41 victory over the New York Giants in 1966, and the Los Angeles Rams’ 70-point feat against the Baltimore Colts in 1950 remain the only other instances of teams reaching the 70-point mark in an NFL game.