Dolphins Survive Saints' Late Surge, Ride Achane’s Breakout to Third Straight Win
The Miami Dolphins didn’t just win a football game on Sunday - they survived a wild, chaotic fourth quarter that nearly unraveled everything they’d built in the first half. After jumping out to a commanding 16-0 lead at halftime, Miami barely held on to defeat the New Orleans Saints, 21-17, in a game that turned into a rollercoaster down the stretch.
That win marks the Dolphins’ third in a row, pushing their record to 5-7 after a brutal 1-5 start. And while it wasn’t exactly a textbook finish, it was the kind of gritty, gut-check victory that can keep a season alive.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half belonged to Miami. The defense clamped down, the offense moved the ball efficiently, and the Dolphins looked like a team in control. But the second half told a very different story.
New Orleans, led by rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and 7th-round wideout Devaughn Vele, came to life. They put up 17 points in the final two quarters, and with just over a minute left, they were a two-point conversion away from tying the game.
That’s when Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick delivered one of the rarest - and most clutch - plays of the season. Shough’s pass was picked off and returned the length of the field for a Pick-2, a defensive two-point conversion that gave Miami a 21-17 lead instead of a tie game. It was a massive swing and a reminder that Fitzpatrick still has a knack for the big moment.
But the drama wasn’t done.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Saints recovered an onside kick after officials ruled the ball had grazed a Miami player. Suddenly, New Orleans had the ball, the momentum, and a shot to win it.
They drove down to a 4th-and-1 with just over 30 seconds left. Shough tried a quarterback sneak, but the Dolphins’ defensive front held strong, stuffing the play and sealing the win.
Ugly? Maybe. But it still counts in the standings.
De’Von Achane Hits 1,000-Yard Milestone
If there’s been a bright spot in Miami’s up-and-down season, it’s De’Von Achane. The third-year back continues to be the heartbeat of this offense, and Sunday was no different. Achane carried the ball 22 times for 134 yards and a touchdown - good for 6.1 yards per carry - and was, frankly, the Dolphins’ most consistent offensive weapon.
With that performance, Achane crossed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career, now sitting at 1,034 rushing yards on the season. It’s a major milestone for the young back and a sign of just how important he’s become to this team’s identity.
While Ricky Williams’ franchise record of 1,853 yards from 2002 is still a distant dream, Achane has a realistic shot at climbing to second on the Dolphins’ all-time single-season rushing list. If he averages just under 68 yards per game the rest of the way, he’ll surpass Williams’ 1,372-yard campaign from 2003.
In a season full of questions, Achane has been an answer.
Saints' Pass Rush Gives Dolphins Line Trouble
Coming into Week 13, the Saints ranked 17th in the league in sacks - not exactly a fearsome pass rush on paper. But they looked like world-beaters against the Dolphins’ offensive line on Sunday.
New Orleans racked up four sacks on the day, consistently collapsing the pocket and making life difficult for Tua Tagovailoa. Cameron Jordan was his usual disruptive self, notching two sacks. Bryan Bresee and Chase Young each added one of their own.
For a quarterback with a history of injuries - including multiple concussions - the amount of pressure Tagovailoa took is a real concern. Miami can’t afford to let their franchise signal-caller take that kind of punishment, especially not with a crucial stretch of games ahead.
Offensive line coach Butch Barry has some work to do. The Dolphins head to New York next to face a Jets defense that can bring the heat, and if the protection doesn’t improve, things could get ugly fast.
Tagovailoa’s Struggles Continue
Speaking of Tua, it was another rough outing for the former top-five pick. He finished the day just 12-of-23 for 157 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception - a pick to Saints rookie corner Kool-Aid McKinstry.
That interception was Tagovailoa’s 14th of the season, tying a career high. For a quarterback who led the league in passing yards just two seasons ago and topped the NFL in completion percentage last year, the regression in 2025 has been jarring.
This is the first year of a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension that includes over $167 million guaranteed. And so far, the return on investment hasn’t matched the price tag.
The Dolphins need more from their quarterback - plain and simple. Whether it’s decision-making, pocket presence, or just finding rhythm with his receivers, Tagovailoa hasn’t looked like the player he once was. And if that doesn’t change soon, Miami could be facing some tough decisions about their future under center.
What’s Next?
At 5-7, the Dolphins are still alive in the playoff race - barely. But they’ll need to string together more wins, and fast. Next up is a road trip to face the Jets, followed by a Monday Night Football showdown with the Steelers.
Win those two, and suddenly Miami is back at .500 with momentum heading into the final stretch.
This team isn’t perfect. Far from it. But they’re fighting, they’re getting key contributions from rising stars like Achane, and they’re finding ways to win - even if it’s not always pretty.
And in December, that’s what matters.