MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins defeated the New Orleans Saints 21-17 on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, extending their winning streak to three games behind a strong performance from running back De’Von Achane and a late defensive stand after a rare onside kick recovery.
The game also marked the return of right tackle Austin Jackson and tight end Darren Waller, who had missed multiple games with a pectoral injury.
Miami opened with an efficient scoring drive, highlighted by receptions from Waller and Malik Washington before Achane sliced through the Saints defense for a 29-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
The run made Achane the third Dolphins player in the past 10 seasons to record at least 1,300 yards from scrimmage in consecutive years, joining Jay Ajayi and Ricky Williams.
Miami’s defense set the tone early.
Defensive tackle Zeke Biggers notched a first-quarter sack, and a Minkah Fitzpatrick strip-sack of Saints quarterback Tyler Shough was recovered by Zach Sieler.
However, the Dolphins gave the ball back moments later when Tua Tagovailoa was intercepted by rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry on a deep shot to Jaylen Waddle.
Tagovailoa rebounded by finding Waller for a 36-yard gain, setting up one of three first-half field goals from Riley Patterson, who connected from 39, 40 and 48 yards.
The Dolphins led 16-0 at halftime, holding New Orleans to just 63 yards of offense and 34 rushing yards on 13 carries.
The Saints finally broke through on the opening drive of the second half. Shough hit Devaughn Vele on a diving 14-yard grab that survived review and later found Chris Olave for a 17-yard touchdown. Shough ran in the 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to 16-8.
Miami responded with steady offensive movement, including completions to Greg Dulcich and Waddle, while the defense continued its pressure. Bradley Chubb and Chop Robinson each recorded key second-half sacks.
Achane surpassed 1,000 rushing yards on the season, becoming the fourth player in franchise history to reach the mark within the first 12 games. It’s also the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career.
New Orleans clawed back with a 55-yard field goal from Charlie Smyth, his first NFL attempt, and later cut the lead to 19-17 on Shough’s 15-yard touchdown to Vele with 1:17 remaining.
Fitzpatrick then delivered a pivotal moment, intercepting Shough’s 2-point attempt and returning it for a defensive conversion to extend Miami’s lead to 21-17.
The Saints recovered their following onside kick attempt with 1:17 left, but Shough was stuffed on fourth-and-1 inside of Dolphins territory, turning the ball over on downs and sealing the victory for Miami.
Achane finished with 22 carries for 134 yards and a touchdown. Waller led Miami’s receivers with 47 yards on two catches. The Dolphins defense recorded four sacks.
Up next:
Miami (5-7) visits the New York Jets (3-9) at MetLife Stadium.
New Orleans (2-10) visits the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) at Raymond James Stadium.
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