CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina running back Rico Dowdle gashed the Miami Dolphins’ defense for 206 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, leading the Panthers to a 27-24 win Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.

The loss dropped the Dolphins to 1-4, while the Panthers improved to 2-3. More troubling for Miami, though, was how it unfolded — the Dolphins squandered an early 17-point lead in the defeat.

Dowdle repeatedly exploited Miami’s right side of the Dolphins’ defensive line, breaking multiple tackles and setting up key scores throughout the game.

Entering the week ranked 26th in total defense, the Dolphins had no answer for Dowdle’s power and vision as the Panthers controlled the ground game from start to finish. Dowdle was named the starter at running back in Week 4 after Chuba Hubbard was ruled out with a calf injury.

Dowdle’s big game on the ground comes a week after the Dolphins allowed 199 rushing yards in their Week 3 27-21 win over the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.

On the positive side for Miami, tight end Darren Waller, coming off a two-touchdown debut in Monday night’s win over the Jets, found the end zone again for Miami.

Dolphins running back De’Von Achane added a highlight-worthy 10-yard touchdown catch from Tua Tagovailoa, toe-tapping in the end zone before going out-of-bounds for Miami’s first score of the afternoon.

Defensively, Miami briefly turned the tide when Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepted Bryce Young in the first half — the team’s first interception of the season.

But a late hit penalty on EDGE Chop Robinson gave Carolina new life, setting up Dowdle’s 1-yard touchdown run that put the Panthers ahead 20-17.

Miami fought back after Malik Washington’s 35-yard kick return gave the Dolphins solid field position.

Tagovailoa then connected with Jaylen Waddle, his former Alabama teammate, for a 46-yard touchdown that snapped his streak of three straight games with a late interception. The score gave Miami a 24-20 lead.

It was Waddle’s best performance of the young season after he recorded six catches, 110 yards and a touchdown while serving as team’s No. 1 wide receiver after Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending knee injury vs. the Jets last week.

Young, however, responded with a methodical drive, capping it with a 4-yard touchdown pass to backup tight end Mitchell Evans, giving Carolina the final 27-24 edge.

Tagovailoa was sacked on third down by Panthers defensive end Patrick Jones II with less than two minutes left, forcing a fourth-and-18.

A pass interference penalty on Dolphins cornerback Jack Jones against wide receiver Hunter Renfrow allowed the Panthers to run out the clock.

Miami defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver had recently called for his group to play with more “violence,” but the Dolphins have now surrendered more than 425 rushing yards over their last two games.

Game notes

Linebacker Bradley Chubb forced a fumble on Young and recorded his fourth sack of the season. He has been one of the bright spots on the Dolphins’ struggling defense.

Waller has also been a reliable target and now has three touchdowns in two games. Chris Grier has faced a lot of heat from fans, but trading for the 33-year-old tight end has worked out well early.

Up next

The Dolphins (1-4) will look to regroup when they host the Los Angeles Chargers (3-1) next Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. The Panthers (2-3) will host the Dallas Cowboys (2-2-1).

Rico Dowdle runs wild as Panthers hand Dolphins 27-24 loss

About The Author

Ryan Mackey