The Miami Dolphins extended their win streak to three games on Sunday, grinding out a 21-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 13. While the scoreboard suggests a nail-biter, this was a game Miami largely controlled - thanks to a suffocating first-half defensive effort, a ground game led by De’Von Achane, and some clutch kicking from Riley Patterson. Let’s break down how the Dolphins got it done and why this win had all three phases of the game working in sync.
1. Anthony Weaver’s Defense Set the Tone Early
If you’re looking for the blueprint behind this win, start with Anthony Weaver’s defense.
The Dolphins came out of the gate with a defensive game plan that completely stifled the Saints. In the first half, Miami pitched a shutout, allowing just 63 total yards and forcing two turnovers.
That kind of dominance doesn’t just keep points off the board - it sets the tone, builds momentum, and gives your offense time to find its rhythm. Even as Miami’s offense struggled to move the ball consistently, the defense kept forcing quick Saints possessions and handed the ball right back.
The defense didn’t just show up early - they made plays when it mattered most. The turning point came late in the game, when the Saints were threatening to tie things up.
After a touchdown narrowed the gap, New Orleans went for two to even the score. That’s when Minkah Fitzpatrick stepped up with a game-saving interception on the conversion attempt - a heads-up play that sealed the win.
Add in four sacks - a season-high for this unit - and it’s clear this was one of Miami’s most complete defensive performances of the year. Weaver’s group didn’t just bend without breaking - they brought the pressure, made plays, and closed the door when it counted.
2. De’Von Achane Carries the Load - Again
De’Von Achane continues to look like one of the most dynamic backs in the league, and Sunday was another showcase of what makes him special.
With the passing game stuck in neutral (just 157 yards through the air), Miami leaned heavily on Achane - and he delivered. He carried the ball 22 times for 134 yards and a touchdown, consistently finding daylight even when running lanes were tight. His blend of patience, vision, and burst in the open field makes him a nightmare for defenses, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Achane has already passed the 1,000-yard mark for the season, and it's not hard to see why. He’s not just a change-of-pace back - he’s the engine of this offense right now. On a day when Miami needed someone to step up and move the chains, Achane answered the call, over and over again.
3. Riley Patterson Delivers in the Clutch
When your kicker accounts for more than half of your points, you know he had a big day - and Riley Patterson was as steady as they come.
Filling in for the injured Jason Sanders, Patterson went a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals and added an extra point, contributing 13 of Miami’s 21 points. His longest kick of the day was a 48-yarder, and each of his attempts came at crucial moments when the Dolphins needed to come away with points.
Patterson doesn’t have the biggest leg in the league - his season long is 49 yards - but what he does have is consistency. He now ranks in the top 10 in both field goals made (21) and field goal percentage (91.3%), and he’s proving to be a reliable option for a team that’s had to lean on special teams more than expected this season.
With Sanders expected to miss the rest of the year, Patterson’s performance couldn’t come at a better time. He’s not just filling in - he’s thriving.
Up Next: Jets Rematch
The Dolphins will head north next week for a divisional rematch with the 3-9 New York Jets, who are coming off a 27-24 win over the Falcons. Miami already took care of business against the Jets back in Week 4, winning 27-21, and they'll look to complete the season sweep.
With the defense playing lights out, Achane running wild, and Patterson nailing kicks, the Dolphins are finding ways to win - even when it’s not pretty. And in December football, that’s exactly what you want to see.