2013 Miami Dolphins season

Personnel changes

Logo change

During the 2012 season, speculation about the Dolphins updating their current logo, which was introduced during the 1997 season, began during a conference call with season-ticket holders; as owner Stephen Ross and CEO Mike Dee eagerly agreed with a fan on the potential changing of the logo. On December 26, 2012, via Dolphins CEO Mike Dee's Twitter account, Dee unofficially announced that a logo change would take place, but the team was still considering different designs; and an official announcement would be provided sometime before the 2013 NFL draft.

On March 27, 2013, following an accidental leaking of the new Dolphins logo on NFL.com, Dee confirmed in a press conference that the leaked image, as seen on NFL.com, was in fact the new official logo. This announcement came almost a month premature to the scheduled release date of the logo on April 25.

Roster changes

Signings

Re-Signings

Departures

The Miami Dolphins entered the 2013 off-season with an estimated $45 million in salary cap space, third most among other teams, to retain the contracts of impending unrestricted free agents: running back Reggie Bush, safety Chris Clemons, tight end Anthony Fasano, wide receiver Brian Hartline, offensive tackle Jake Long, quarterback Matt Moore, cornerback Sean Smith and defensive tackle Randy Starks. As well as any future free agent signings, and 2013 NFL draft picks.

On March 4, 2013, the Dolphins placed their franchise tag on defensive tackle Randy Starks, and Starks signed the franchise tender on March 20. The move kept Starks from becoming an unrestricted free agent and guaranteed him $8.45 million from the $3.72 million earned during the 2012 season.

On March 8, 2013, coming off his best career season, wide receiver Brian Hartline signed a new five-year contract for an estimated $31 million to remain with the Dolphins. Hartline's agent Drew Rosenhaus believed Hartline could have received more money in the open market, but decided to take a discount to remain a Dolphin. Shortly after, it was reported that quarterback Matt Moore signed a new two-year contract for an estimated $8 million, and should continue to play a backup role behind second year quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

When the NFL free agency period began at 4 p.m. EST on March 12, 2013, former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace, who was viewed as the top free agent prospect of the 2013 offseason by many analysts, signed a five-year contract for an estimated $60 million. The Dolphins signed former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe to a five-year deal worth an estimated $35 million, and former Oakland Raiders linebacker Philip Wheeler to a five-year deal worth an estimated $26 million. Subsequently, Miami released veteran linebackers Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett. While safety Chris Clemons re-signed a one-year contract to remain a Dolphin, and unrestricted free agent Anthony Fasano, who had spent the last five seasons in Miami, signed a four-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.

On March 13, 2013, it was reported that Reggie Bush had signed a four-year $16 million contract to play for the Detroit Lions.

On March 15, 2013, cornerback Sean Smith decided to part ways from the Dolphins and signed a new three-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Former New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller signed a new one-year contract, worth an estimated $4.25 million, and former St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Gibson signed a new three-year contract with the Dolphins.

Former Dolphins 2008 first round draft pick, offensive tackle Jake Long, after courting offers from various teams, signed a new four-year contract, worth an estimated $34 million, with the St. Louis Rams on March 18, 2013.

On March 30, 2013, cornerback Brent Grimes signed a one-year $5.5 million year with the Dolphins.

On October 22, 2013, the Dolphins acquired offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie from the Baltimore Ravens for a conditional late round pick.

2013 draft class

Main article: 2013 NFL draft

The 2013 National Football League Draft was held from April 25–27 in the Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Notes : The Dolphins traded their first- (No. 12 overall) and original second- (No. 42 overall) round selections to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for the Raiders' first-round selection (No. 3 overall). : The Dolphins acquired this second-round selection in a trade that sent cornerback Vontae Davis to the Indianapolis Colts. : The Dolphins previously acquired an additional third-round selection — No. 82 overall — as part of a March 2012 trade that sent wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears. The Dolphins later traded the No. 82 selection to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for two fourth-round selections from the Saints — Nos. 106 and 109 overall. The No. 109 selection, along with the Dolphins' original fifth-round selection (No. 146 overall) and one of their seventh-round selections (No. 224 overall — previously acquired in a July 2012 trade that sent guard Ryan Cook to the Dallas Cowboys), were traded to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for one of the Packers' third-round selections (No. 93 overall). : The Dolphins acquired these fourth- and fifth-round selections in a trade that sent wide receiver Davone Bess the team's original fourth- and seventh-round selections (Nos. 111 and 217 overall, respectively) to the Cleveland Browns. : Compensatory selection. The Dolphins did not have a selection in the sixth round. The team traded their sixth-round selection (No. 180 overall) along with fourth- and sixth-round selections from the 2012 NFL draft to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the 49ers' 2012 fourth-round selection.

Staff

• Chairman/managing general partner – Stephen Ross
• Vice chairman/partner – Jorge Perez
• Vice chairman – Don Shula
• President/CEO – Tom Garfinkel
• General manager – Jeff Ireland
• Assistant general manager – Brian Gaine
• Executive vice president of football administration – Dawn Aponte
• Director of college scouting – Chris Grier
• Assistant director of college scouting – Joe Schoen
• Director of pro scouting – Anthony Hunt
• Assistant director of pro scouting – Chris Shea
• Head coach – Joe Philbin
• Offensive coordinator – Mike Sherman
• Quarterbacks – Zac Taylor
• Assistant quarterbacks – Ben Johnson
• Running backs – Jeff Nixon
• Wide receivers – Ken O'Keefe
• Assistant wide receivers – Phil McGeoghan
• Tight ends – Dan Campbell
• Offensive line – Jim Turner
• Assistant offensive line – Chris Mosley
• Defensive coordinator – Kevin Coyle
• Defensive line – Kacy Rodgers
• Assistant defensive line – Charlie Bullen
• Linebackers – George Edwards
• Defensive quality control/assistant linebackers – David Corrao
• Defensive backs – Lou Anarumo
• Assistant defensive backs – Blue Adams
• Special teams coordinator – Darren Rizzi
• Assistant special teams coordinator – Marwan Maalouf
• Head strength and conditioning – Darren Krein
• Assistant strength and conditioning – David Puloka

Final roster

Schedule

Preseason

Regular season

:Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Cleveland Browns

First quarter

• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 45-yard field goal, 1:29. ''Dolphins 3–0. '''Drive: 15 plays, 58 yards, 7:17.''''' Second quarter
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 49-yard field goal, 13:37. ''Dolphins 6–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, −4 yards, 1:33.'''''
• CLE – Jordan Cameron 7-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Billy Cundiff kick), 0:28. ''Browns 7–6. '''Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 3:45.''''' Third quarter
• MIA – Brian Hartline 34-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 6:46. ''Dolphins 13–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 2:10.'''''
• CLE – Billy Cundiff 39-yard field goal, 3:02. ''Dolphins 13–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:44.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIA – Daniel Thomas 1-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 6:48. ''Dolphins 20–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 5:06.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 36-yard field goal, 3:59. ''Dolphins 23–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:34.''''' Top passers
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 24/38, 272 yards, TD, INT
• CLE – Brandon Weeden – 26/53, 289 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers
• MIA – Daniel Thomas – 8 rushes, 14 yards, TD
• CLE – Trent Richardson – 13 rushes, 47 yards Top receivers
• MIA – Brian Hartline – 9 receptions, 114 yards, TD
• CLE – Jordan Cameron – 9 receptions, 108 yards, TD

The Dolphins started their 2013 season on the road against the Browns. They would score first in the 1st quarter as Caleb Sturgis kicked a 45-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead. They led 6–0 in the 2nd quarter after Sturgis kicked a 49-yard field goal. The Browns got on the board and took the lead before halftime as Brandon Weeden found Jordan Cameron on a 7-yard pass for a 7–6 score. After the break, the Dolphins went back to work and took the lead as Ryan Tannehill found Brian Hartline for a 34-yard pass and retook the lead 13–7. The Browns then came within 3 as Billy Cundiff kicked a 39-yard field goal shortening the lead to 13–10. In the 4th quarter it was all Dolphins and Daniel Thomas ran for a 1-yard TD making the score 20–10 while Sturgis kicked a 36-yard field goal for the final score of the game 23–10. It was the Dolphins' first road win over the Browns since 1993.

With the win, the Dolphins began their season 1–0.

Week 2: at Indianapolis Colts

First quarter

• MIA – Mike Wallace 18-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 9:43. ''Dolphins 7–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 2:19.'''''
• IND – Adam Vinatieri 30-yard field goal, 4:07. ''Dolphins 7–3. '''Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 5:36.'''''
• MIA – Lamar Miller 10-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 2:54. ''Dolphins 14–3. '''Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:13.''''' Second quarter
• IND – Coby Fleener 3-yard pass from Andrew Luck (Adam Vinatieri kick), 13:01. ''Dolphins 14–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:53.'''''
• IND – Ahmad Bradshaw 1-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), 1:26. ''Colts 17–14. '''Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 1:16.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 54-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Tied 17–17. '''Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 1:26.''''' Third quarter
• IND – Adam Vinatieri 38-yard field goal, 11:35. ''Colts 20–17. '''Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:22.'''''
• MIA – Charles Clay 1-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 4:40. ''Dolphins 24–20. '''Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 2:27.''''' Top passers
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 23/34, 319 yards, TD
• IND – Andrew Luck – 25/43, 321 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• MIA – Lamar Miller – 14 rushes, 69 yards, TD
• IND – Ahmad Bradshaw – 15 rushes, 65 yards, TD Top receivers
• MIA – Mike Wallace – 9 receptions, 115 yards, TD
• IND – T.Y. Hilton – 6 receptions, 124 yards

The Dolphins traveled to take on the Colts. In the 1st quarter they got off to a fast start as Mike Wallace and Ryan Tannehill connected on an 18-yard TD pass for a 7–0 lead. The Colts got on the board as Adam Vinatieri nailed a 30-yard field goal for a 7–3 score. The Dolphins then increased their lead as Lamar Miller ran for a 10-yard TD making the score 14–3. The Colts would score in the 2nd quarter as Andrew Luck found Coby Fleener on a 3-yard TD pass shortening the lead to 4, 14–10. They eventually grabbed the lead as Ahmad Bradshaw ran for a 1-yard TD, 17–14. Caleb Sturgis of the Dolphins tied it up before halftime with a 54-yard field goal, 17–17. In the 3rd quarter, the Colts retook the lead as Vinatieri nailed a 38-yard field goal for a 20–17 game. The Dolphins then retook the lead as Charles Clay ran for a 1-yard TD for a 24–20 game. The Dolphins then held the Colts scoreless in the 4th quarter and vice versa which eventually gave the team the win as they improved to 2–0 on the season. This was also the Dolphins' first road win over the Colts since 2002.

Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons

First quarter

• ATL – Jason Snelling 7-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 6:12. ''Falcons 7–0. '''Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 8:48.''''' Second quarter
• ATL – Matt Bryant 52-yard field goal, 13:02. ''Falcons 10–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 42 yards, 5:58.'''''
• MIA – Daniel Thomas 5-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 10:06. ''Falcons 10–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:58.'''''
• ATL – Matt Bryant 20-yard field goal, 2:04. ''Falcons 13–7. '''Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 8:02.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 46-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Falcons 13–10. '''Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:04.''''' Third quarter
• ATL – Levine Toilolo 2-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 12:40. ''Falcons 20–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 12 yards, 1:32.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 53-yard field goal, 9:12. ''Falcons 20–13. '''Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 3:28.'''''
• MIA – Brian Hartline 18-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 0:56. ''Tied 20–20. '''Drive: 3 plays, 19 yards, 0:49.''''' Fourth quarter
• ATL – Matt Bryant 33-yard field goal, 11:39. ''Falcons 23–20. '''Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 4:17.'''''
• MIA – Dion Sims 1-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 0:38. ''Dolphins 27–23. '''Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 4:08.''''' Top passers
• ATL – Matt Ryan – 23/38, 231 yards, 2 TD, INT
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 24/35, 236 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
• ATL – Jacquizz Rodgers – 18 rushes, 86 yards
• MIA – Lamar Miller – 8 rushes, 62 yards Top receivers
• ATL – Julio Jones – 9 receptions, 115 yards
• MIA – Brian Hartline – 4 receptions, 56 yards, TD

The Dolphins went home for their season opener against the Falcons. The Falcons got off to a fast start as Matt Ryan found Jason Snelling on a 7-yard TD pass for a 7–0 lead the only score of the 1st quarter. They would make it 10–0 when Matt Bryant kicked a 52-yard field goal. The Dolphins got on the board when Daniel Thomas ran for a 5-yard TD coming within 3, 10–7. The Falcons then pushed ahead by 6 when Matt Bryant kicked a 30-yard field goal for a 13–7 lead. The Dolphins then wrapped up the scoring when Caleb Sturgis nailed a 46-yard field goal coming within 3 at halftime 13–10. The Falcons increased their lead in the 3rd quarter when Levine Toilolo caught a 2-yard pass from Ryan for a 20–10 lead not long before the Dolphins managed to tie the game at 20 when Sturgis kicked a 50-yard field goal followed up by Tannehill finding Brian Hartline on an 18-yard TD pass. The Falcons moved ahead in the 4th quarter as Bryant kicked a 33-yard field goal for a 23–20 lead but the Dolphins later on would score the game-winning TD when Tannehill found Dion Sims on a 1-yard pass for a final score of 27–23.

With the win, the Dolphins improved to 3–0.

Week 4: at New Orleans Saints

First quarter

• NO – Darren Sproles 5-yard run (Garrett Hartley kick), 11:52. ''Saints 7–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 3:08.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 34-yard field goal, 7:16. ''Saints 7–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:36.''''' Second quarter
• NO – Jimmy Graham 27-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 8:01. ''Saints 14–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:47.'''''
• MIA – Lamar Miller 5-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 3:35. ''Saints 14–10. '''Drive: 8 plays, 81 yards, 4:26.'''''
• NO – Darren Sproles 13-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:55. ''Saints 21–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 23 yards, 0:28.''''' Third quarter
• NO – Benjamin Watson 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 9:44. ''Saints 28–10. '''Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:23.'''''
• NO – Jimmy Graham 43-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 8:12. ''Saints 35–10. '''Drive: 1 play, 43 yards, 0:08.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIA – Charles Clay 3-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 13:48. ''Saints 35–17. '''Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:05.'''''
• NO – Garrett Hartley 29-yard field goal, 7:15. ''Saints 38–17. '''Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 6:33.''''' Top passers
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 22/35, 249 yards, TD, 3 INT
• NO – Drew Brees – 30/39, 413 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
• MIA – Lamar Miller – 11 rushes, 62 yards, TD
• NO – Khiry Robinson – 12 rushes, 37 yards Top receivers
• MIA – Brandon Gibson – 6 receptions, 71 yards
• NO – Jimmy Graham – 4 receptions, 100 yards, 2 TD

Week 5: vs. Baltimore Ravens

First quarter

• BAL – Justin Tucker 42-yard field goal, 10:24. ''Ravens 3–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 2:29.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 37-yard field goal, 2:16. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 10 yards, 1:29.''''' Second quarter
• BAL – Justin Tucker 50-yard field goal, 11:52. ''Ravens 6–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 2:23.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 25-yard field goal, 8:07. ''Tied 6–6. '''Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 3:45.'''''
• MIA – Charles Clay 9-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 0:46. ''Dolphins 13–6. '''Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 1:09.''''' Third quarter
• BAL – Ray Rice 2-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 4:18. ''Tied 13–13. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:53.'''''
• BAL – Justin Tucker 25-yard field goal, 4:18. ''Ravens 16–13. '''Drive: 11 plays, 73 yards, 5:54.''''' Fourth quarter
• BAL – Ray Rice 3-yard run (Justin Tucker kick), 12:06. ''Ravens 23–13. '''Drive: 11 plays, 94 yards, 5:30.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 48-yard field goal, 9:38. ''Ravens 23–16. '''Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 2:28.'''''
• MIA – Reshad Jones 25-yard interception return (Caleb Sturgis kick), 8:03. Tied 23–23.
• BAL – Justin Tucker 44-yard field goal, 1:46. ''Ravens 26–23. '''Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 2:25.''''' Top passers
• BAL – Joe Flacco – 19/32, 269 yards, INT
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 21/40, 307 yards, TD Top rushers
• BAL – Ray Rice – 27 rushes, 74 yards, 2 TD
• MIA – Lamar Miller – 7 rushes, 15 yards Top receivers
• BAL – Torrey Smith – 6 receptions, 121 yards
• MIA – Mike Wallace – 7 receptions, 105 yards Miami would miss a field goal with less than a minute remaining. The miss doomed the Dolphins, as they lost to Baltimore 26–23 in a shootout game.

With the loss, Miami fell to 3–2.

Week 7: vs. Buffalo Bills

First quarter

• BUF – Nickell Robey-Coleman 19-yard interception return (Dan Carpenter kick), 13:27. Bills 7–0.
• BUF – Fred Jackson 3-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 5:47. ''Bills 14–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 2:35.''''' Second quarter
• MIA – Charles Clay 7-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 10:59. ''Bills 14–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 3:23.'''''
• BUF – Dan Carpenter 39-yard field goal, 3:14. ''Bills 17–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 2:36.'''''
• MIA – Brandon Gibson 13-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 0:21. ''Bills 17–14. '''Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:04.''''' Third quarter
• MIA – Brandon Gibson 4-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 6:46. ''Dolphins 21–17. '''Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 6:43.''''' Fourth quarter
• BUF – Dan Carpenter 20-yard field goal, 14:16. ''Dolphins 21–20. '''Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards, 7:30.'''''
• BUF – Dan Carpenter 31-yard field goal, 0:33. ''Bills 23–21. '''Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards, 2:15.''''' Top passers
• BUF – Thaddeus Lewis – 21/32, 202 yards, INT
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 19/37, 194 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• BUF – Fred Jackson – 11 rushes, 36 yards, TD
• MIA – Daniel Thomas – 12 rushes, 60 yards Top receivers
• BUF – Stevie Johnson – 6 receptions, 61 yards
• MIA – Mike Wallace – 5 receptions, 76 yards With their third straight loss, Miami fell to 3–3 after starting 3–0.

Week 8: at New England Patriots

First quarter

• MIA – Brandon Gibson 4-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 6:32. ''Dolphins 7–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 40 yards, 5:42.''''' Second quarter
• MIA – Daniel Thomas 5-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 9:55. ''Dolphins 14–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 4:31.'''''
• NE – Stephen Gostkowski 34-yard field goal, 3:43. ''Dolphins 14–3. '''Drive: 13 plays, 64 yards, 6:12.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 52-yard field goal, 0:30. ''Dolphins 17–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 3:13.''''' Third quarter
• NE – Aaron Dobson 14-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 8:28. ''Dolphins 17–10. '''Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:45.'''''
• NE – Brandon Bolden 2-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 6:42. ''Tied 17–17. '''Drive: 3 plays, 13 yards, 1:01.'''''
• NE – Stephen Gostkowski 48-yard field goal, 0:08. ''Patriots 20–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 2:16.''''' Fourth quarter
• NE – Stevan Ridley 3-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 7:14. ''Patriots 27–17. '''Drive: 12 plays, 82 yards, 5:56.''''' Top passers
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 22/42, 192 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
• NE – Tom Brady – 13/22, 116 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• MIA – Lamar Miller – 18 rushes, 89 yards
• NE – Stevan Ridley – 14 rushes, 79 yards, TD Top receivers
• MIA – Mike Wallace – 3 receptions, 41 yards
• NE – Aaron Dobson – 4 receptions, 60 yards, TD With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 3–4.

Week 9: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

First quarter

• No scoring plays. Second quarter
• CIN – Mike Nugent 31-yard field goal, 11:56. ''Bengals 3–0. '''Drive: 14 plays, 63 yards, 5:57.'''''
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill 1-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 2:39. ''Dolphins 7–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 93 yards, 5:51.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 36-yard field goal, 0:06. ''Dolphins 10–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 0:22.''''' Third quarter
• MIA – Brent Grimes 94-yard interception return (Caleb Sturgis kick), 7:37. Dolphins 17–3.
• CIN – Giovani Bernard 3-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 2:10. ''Dolphins 17–10. '''Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:27.''''' Fourth quarter
• CIN – Giovani Bernard 35-yard run (Mike Nugent kick), 12:37. ''Tied 17–17. '''Drive: 4 plays, 70 yards, 2:15.'''''
• CIN – Mike Nugent 54-yard field goal, 1:24. ''Bengals 20–17. '''Drive: 9 plays, 35 yards, 1:43.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 44-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Tied 20–20. '''Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 1:13.''''' Overtime
• MIA – Andy Dalton sacked in endzone by Cameron Wake for a safety, 6:38. Dolphins 22–20. Top passers
• CIN – Andy Dalton – 32/58, 338 yards, 3 INT
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 20/28, 208 yards Top rushers
• CIN – Giovani Bernard – 9 rushes, 79 yards, 2 TD
• MIA – Lamar Miller – 16 rushes, 105 yards Top receivers
• CIN – A. J. Green – 11 receptions, 128 yards
• MIA – Mike Wallace – 6 receptions, 82 yards

The Dolphins would force four turnovers in this game as they beat Cincinnati 22–20 in overtime on Thursday Night Football. The game ended with a safety in overtime on a sack on Andy Dalton in the end zone by Cameron Wake. It was the first time since Adewale Ogunleye tackled Fred Miller in Miller's own end zone on November 14, 2004, a game ended on a safety in overtime.

With the win, the Dolphins evened their record at 4–4.

Week 10: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

First quarter

• TB – Donald Penn 1-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 9:37. ''Buccaneers 7–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 5:23.'''''
• TB – Rian Lindell 24-yard field goal, 5:27. ''Buccaneers 10–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 2:40.''''' Second quarter
• TB – Daniel Thomas tackled in the end zone by Lavonte David for a safety, 13:52. Buccaneers 12–0.
• TB – Rian Lindell 35-yard field goal, 9:01. ''Buccaneers 15–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 4:51.'''''
• MIA – Rishard Matthews 6-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 0:28. ''Buccaneers 15–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 3:26.''''' Third quarter
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 40-yard field goal, 7:57. ''Buccaneers 15–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:33.'''''
• MIA – Rishard Matthews 19-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (pass failed), 2:01. ''Dolphins 16–15. '''Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 2:06.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 30-yard field goal, 0:10. ''Dolphins 19–15. '''Drive: 4 plays, −5 yards, 1:24.''''' Fourth quarter
• TB – Bobby Rainey 1-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 10:19. ''Buccaneers 22–19. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:51.''''' Top passers
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 27/42, 229 yards, 2 TD, INT
• TB – Mike Glennon – 11/21, 139 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 1 rush, 2 yards
• TB – Brian Leonard – 20 rushes, 57 yards Top receivers
• MIA – Rishard Matthews – 11 receptions, 120 yards, 2 TD
• TB – Tiquan Underwood – 3 receptions, 64 yards Tampa Bay came into this game having not won a game, at 0–8. The Dolphins would trail 15–0 for most of the first 2 quarters, but they would score 19 unanswered points from the end of the second quarter through most of the third to take a 19–15 lead. However, the Buccaneers would take the lead for good when they scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to go up 22–19, which would be the final score, thus giving the Buccaneers their first win of the season. The Dolphins were also seeking their first win in Tampa since 1988.

With the bitter loss, the Dolphins fell to 4–5.

Week 11: vs. San Diego Chargers

First quarter

• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 22-yard field goal, 9:13. ''Dolphins 3–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:47.'''''
• SD – Antonio Gates 5-yard pass from Philip Rivers (Nick Novak kick), 0:18. ''Chargers 7–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 2:17.''''' Second quarter
• MIA – Daniel Thomas 1-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 9:43. ''Dolphins 10–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:35.'''''
• SD – Nick Novak 27-yard field goal, 0:54. ''Tied 10–10. '''Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 2:45.''''' Third quarter
• MIA – Charles Clay 39-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 7:43. ''Dolphins 17–10. '''Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:36.'''''
• SD – Nick Novak 50-yard field goal, 4:00. ''Dolphins 17–13. '''Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 3:43.''''' Fourth quarter
• SD – Nick Novak 29-yard field goal, 14:52. ''Dolphins 17–16. '''Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 1:56.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 37-yard field goal, 8:34. ''Dolphins 20–16. '''Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 3:17.''''' Top passers
• SD – Philip Rivers – 22/34, 298 yards, TD, INT
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 22/35, 268 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• SD – Ryan Mathews – 19 rushes, 127 yards
• MIA – Daniel Thomas – 10 rushes, 57 yards, TD Top receivers
• SD – Ladarius Green – 4 receptions, 81 yards
• MIA – Charles Clay – 6 receptions, 90 yards, TD With the win, the Dolphins improved to 5–5.

Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers

First quarter

• CAR – Graham Gano 52-yard field goal, 6:58. ''Panthers 3–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 8 yards, 2:15.'''''
• MIA – Mike Wallace 53-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 5:39. ''Dolphins 7–3. '''Drive: 3 plays, 77 yards, 1:19.''''' Second quarter
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 32-yard field goal, 12:34. ''Dolphins 10–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 2:14.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 47-yard field goal, 2:13. ''Dolphins 13–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 28 yards, 2:10.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 23-yard field goal, 1:01. ''Dolphins 16–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:00.'''''
• CAR – Graham Gano 46-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Dolphins 16–6. '''Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 1:01.''''' Third quarter
• CAR – Cam Newton 5-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 8:08. ''Dolphins 16–13. '''Drive: 14 plays, 83 yards, 6:52.''''' Fourth quarter
• CAR – Greg Olsen 1-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:43. ''Panthers 20–16. '''Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 3:30.''''' Top passers
• CAR – Cam Newton – 19/38 yards, 174 yards, TD, INT
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 28/42, 310 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• CAR – Cam Newton – 7 rushes, 51 yards, TD
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 4 rushes, 36 yards Top receivers
• CAR – Steve Smith Sr. – 5 receptions, 69 yards
• MIA – Mike Wallace – 5 receptions, 127 yards, TD Miami would build a 16–3 lead at one point. But the Panthers would rally behind Cam Newton to score a touchdown with less than a minute left. For the first time in franchise history, the Dolphins were defeated by the Panthers, as they had come into this game 4–0 all time against them.

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 5–6.

Week 13: at New York Jets

First quarter

• No scoring plays. Second quarter
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 34-yard field goal, 0:44. ''Dolphins 3–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 0:51.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 43-yard field goal, 0:05. ''Dolphins 6–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 19 yards, 0:17.''''' Third quarter
• MIA – Brian Hartline 31-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 9:42. ''Dolphins 13–0. '''Drive: 2 plays, 48 yards, 0:26.'''''
• NYJ – Nick Folk 20-yard field goal, 4:30. ''Dolphins 13–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:12.'''''
• MIA – Mike Wallace 28-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 1:02. ''Dolphins 20–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 3:28.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 18-yard field goal, 5:59. ''Dolphins 23–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 6:15.''''' Top passers
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 28/43, 331 yards, 2 TD, INT
• NYJ – Matt Simms – 9/18, 79 yards, INT Top rushers
• MIA – Lamar Miller – 22 rushes, 72 yards
• NYJ – Chris Ivory – 12 rushes, 61 yards Top receivers
• MIA – Brian Hartline – 9 receptions, 127 yards, TD
• NYJ – David Nelson – 3 receptions, 37 yards With the commanding win, the Dolphins evened their record at 6–6.

Week 14: at Pittsburgh Steelers

First quarter

• PIT – Emmanuel Sanders 5-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 4:20. ''Steelers 7–0. '''Drive: 12 plays, 74 yards, 7:05.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 30-yard field goal, 0:40. ''Steelers 7–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:40.''''' Second quarter
• MIA – Charles Clay 6-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 8:15. ''Dolphins 10–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 2:29.''''' Third quarter
• MIA – Daniel Thomas 4-yard run (Caleb Sturgis kick), 10:15. ''Dolphins 17–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:10.'''''
• PIT – Antonio Brown 43-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 8:58. ''Dolphins 17–14. '''Drive: 4 plays, 83 yards, 1:52.'''''
• PIT – Troy Polamalu 19-yard interception return (Shaun Suisham kick), 8:05. Steelers 21–17.
• MIA – Brian Hartline 4-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 4:52. ''Dolphins 24–21. '''Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 3:13.''''' Fourth quarter
• PIT – Jerricho Cotchery 16-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Shaun Suisham kick), 14:56. ''Steelers 28–24. '''Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 4:56.'''''
• MIA – Charles Clay 12-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 2:53. ''Dolphins 31–28. '''Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:38.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 27-yard field goal, 1:08. ''Dolphins 34–28. '''Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 1:15.''''' Top passers
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 20/33, 200 yards, 3 TD, INT
• PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 23/39, 349 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
• MIA – Daniel Thomas – 16 rushes, 105 yards, TD
• PIT – Le'Veon Bell – 15 rushes, 61 yards Top receivers
• MIA – Charles Clay – 7 receptions, 97 yards, 2 TD
• PIT – Antonio Brown – 5 receptions, 138 yards, TD In a game filled with snow similar to the Snowplow Game, the Dolphins would upset the Steelers 34–28 to keep their playoff hopes alive. The game is notable for the final play, in which the Steelers lateralled the ball 7 times, with the final lateral pass being caught by Antonio Brown in stride. Brown then sprinted down the sidelines, avoided several tackles, and sprinted into the endzone for an apparent game-winning touchdown. However, most noticeable on replay, Brown barely stepped out of bounds, with the left half of his foot barely touching the sideline. With the win, the Dolphins improved to 7–6. It was also the Dolphins' first win in Pittsburgh since 1990.

Week 15: vs. New England Patriots

First quarter

• NE – Stephen Gostkowski 22-yard field goal, 3:53. ''Patriots 3–0. '''Drive: 16 plays, 83 yards, 7:13.''''' Second quarter
• NE – Michael Hoomanawanui 13-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 1:38. ''Patriots 10–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 1:57.'''''
• MIA – Mike Wallace 39-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 0:32. ''Patriots 10–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 1:06.''''' Third quarter
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 32-yard field goal, 7:31. ''Tied 10–10. '''Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 3:43.''''' Fourth quarter
• MIA – Daniel Thomas 2-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 14:54. ''Dolphins 17–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 5:11.'''''
• NE – Stephen Gostkowski 23-yard field goal, 7:45. ''Dolphins 17–13. '''Drive: 15 plays, 81 yards, 7:09.'''''
• NE – Julian Edelman 24-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:07. ''Patriots 20–17. '''Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 2:36.'''''
• MIA – Marcus Thigpen 14-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 1:15. ''Dolphins 24–20. '''Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 2:52.''''' Top passers
• NE – Tom Brady – 34/55, 364 yards, 2 TD, INT
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 25/37, 312 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
• NE – LeGarrette Blount – 11 rushes, 47 yards
• MIA – Lamar Miller – 15 rushes, 61 yards Top receivers
• NE – Julian Edelman – 13 receptions, 139 yards, TD
• MIA – Mike Wallace – 6 receptions, 105 yards, TD With the win, the Dolphins improved to 8–6 and climbed to the second Wild Card seat; however, with the Ravens' victory over the Lions the following night, the team went back to the seventh spot in the playoff hunt.

Week 16: at Buffalo Bills

First quarter

• BUF – Dan Carpenter 45-yard field goal, 6:42. ''Bills 3–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 1:46.''''' Second quarter
• BUF – Fred Jackson 9-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 13:18. ''Bills 10–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 4:47.''''' Third quarter
• No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
• BUF – Dan Carpenter 21-yard field goal, 12:01. ''Bills 13–0. '''Drive: 19 plays, 92 yards, 9:16.'''''
• BUF – Dan Carpenter 22-yard field goal, 6:43. ''Bills 16–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 3:48.'''''
• BUF – Dan Carpenter 26-yard field goal, 2:26. ''Bills 19–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 2:18.''''' Top passers
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 10/27, 82 yards
• BUF – EJ Manuel – 15/25, 193 yards, INT Top rushers
• MIA – Lamar Miller – 3 rushes, 8 yards
• BUF – Fred Jackson – 18 rushes, 105 yards, TD Top receivers
• MIA – Brian Hartline – 2 receptions, 53 yards
• BUF – Robert Woods – 3 receptions, 70 yards With the shutout loss, the Dolphins fell to 8–7 and put their playoff hopes on the line. This was the first time the Dolphins had been shoutout since week 17 of last year against the Patriots.

Week 17: vs. New York Jets

First quarter

• No scoring plays. Second quarter
• MIA – Mike Wallace 5-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 11:51. ''Dolphins 7–0. '''Drive: 14 plays, 89 yards, 6:56.'''''
• NYJ – Sheldon Richardson 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 3:20. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 5:20.'''''
• NYJ – Geno Smith 7-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 0:03. ''Jets 14–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 2:18.''''' Third quarter
• No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
• NYJ – Nick Folk 35-yard field goal, 4:18. ''Jets 17–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 5:00.'''''
• NYJ – Nick Folk 26-yard field goal, 2:59. ''Jets 20–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:00.''''' Top passers
• NYJ – Geno Smith – 17/27, 190 yards
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 20/40, 204 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers
• NYJ – Bilal Powell – 21 rushes, 76 yards
• MIA – Lamar Miller – 17 rushes, 73 yards Top receivers
• NYJ – David Nelson – 5 receptions, 66 yards
• MIA – Rishard Matthews – 4 receptions, 58 yards With the loss, the Dolphins finished the season with an 8–8 record and were eliminated from playoff contention.

Standings

Division

Conference

References

References

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