Sports

Defense Rules the Day as Miami Dolphins Beat Las Vegas Raiders 20-13

Published

3 years ago

November 19, 2023

Miami Dolphins running back Salvon Ahmed (26) reacts as he crosses the goal line to score against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Photo: Al Diaz/Miami Herald.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – With their 20-13 win against the Las Vegas Raiders (5-6), the Miami Dolphins now have back-to-back 7-3 starts for the first time since 2000-01 seasons. Miami pitched a shutout in the second half as the Dolphins offense struggled in the red zone.

The Dolphins forced a fumble on the Raiders’ opening drive and ran it back for a touchdown, but replays showed an incomplete pass and the call was reversed. After forcing a punt, the Dolphins gave it right back to the Raiders as Tua Tagovailoa fumbled the ball running for a first down. The Raiders settled for a 34-yard field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. The Dolphins then drove right down the field, capping off a 10-play drive with a 38-yard touchdown pass from Tua to Tyreek Hill, his NFL leading ninth of the year, to take a 7-3 lead. The Raiders answered with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Aidan O’Connell to Davonte Adams–four plays, 75 yards and a 2:02 total series put the Raiders in front 10-7. The 17 combined points in the first quarter would end up being more than the total points scored the rest of the game.

An 11-yard touchdown pass from Tua to Salvon Ahmed gave the Phins a 14-10 lead as the first half was coming to a close, but the Raiders recovered a Tyreek Hill fumble in Dolphins territory and Daniel Carlson hit a 47-yard field goal, closing the gap to 14-13 at halftime.

The second half started with the same offensive struggles as Isaiah Pola-Mao picked off Tua on the first play. Each team forced three turnovers, but neither was able to convert the takeaways into touchdowns.

After Jason Sanders missed a 50-yard field goal, Jalen Ramsey picked off O’Connell for his second interception of the season. Sanders then connected on 41- and 51-yard field goals on consecutive drives to extend the lead to 20-13 heading into the fourth quarter. That was all the scoring there would be.

The Raiders were driving down the field with under two minutes left, but Ramsey’s second interception of the game in the endzone with 22 seconds left sealed the victory.

De’Von Achane reinjured his knee in the first quarter and Raheem Mostert got most of the carries. He was limited to 3.9 yards per carry, well short of his league leading 5.6 coming into the game.

With 146 yards, Tyreek Hill had catches for 146 yards, breaking the NFL record for most receiving yards in the first 10 games of a season in the Super Bowl era (since 1966)

Tua Tagovailoa completed 28 passes for 325 yards and moved into 4^th place all time for completions in Miami Dolphins history.

With the win, Miami (5-0) remains one of 3 NFL teams undefeated at home. The Dolphins have won 8 of the past 10 times they played the Raiders.

Tagovailoa noted, “Nothing’s done. There’s nothing accomplished being 7-3.” With a favorable schedule the next four weeks, it will be vital for the Dolphins to continue to beat the teams they are favored against if they are going to win their first AFC East title since 2000. (Yes, I’m not counting 2008 when Tom Brady was injured in the season opener)

Next week the Dolphins (7-3) travel to NJ to take on the Jets in the NFL’s First Ever Black Friday Game.

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Matt Wolff is a South Florida reporter for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Fall to 0-2 Under Sean Sweeney After 115-93 Loss to Timberwolves

Published

5 days ago

October 24, 2026

FNN NEWS

Orlando’s Paolo Banchero, wearing a white No. 5 jersey, dribbles while Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards defends in a blue uniform.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93, dropping the Magic to 0-2. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

Shooting struggles and a costly third quarter leave Orlando winless through two games under first-year coach Sean Sweeney
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — A new coaching era has opened with consecutive losses for the Orlando Magic, who fell 115-93 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Kia Center.

Orlando dropped to 0-2 under first-year head coach Sean Sweeney as shooting struggles again slowed its offense. The Magic also struggled with turnovers and missed free throws, repeating problems from their season-opening loss to Atlanta. Yahoo Sports

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards holds the basketball while airborne as Orlando’s Paolo Banchero contests behind him and another Magic defender raises both arms.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards handles the ball as Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero contests the play at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

Third-quarter struggles prove costly

Minnesota led 57-45 at halftime before taking control in the third quarter. The Timberwolves closed the period with a 17-3 run, building an 86-60 advantage heading into the fourth. Orlando could not recover from the 26-point deficit. reuters.com

Carter leads Orlando

Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner scored 18 points before fouling out, while Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs added 14 apiece.

Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels each scored 15 points for Minnesota, which improved to 2-0. Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Reuters

Perimeter shooting remains a concern

Orlando made just eight of its 39 attempts from 3-point range, shooting 20.5%. Minnesota connected on 37.8% of its attempts from beyond the arc. reuters.com

Two games offer a limited measure of Sweeney’s tenure, but the early results identify an immediate challenge: improving offensive execution and preventing difficult stretches from becoming decisive runs.

Central Florida News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Select 25 Coaches for 2027 Academy, Five for Fellowships

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2026

FNN SPORTS

The fourth class will receive scholarships for a weeklong program in Tampa, with five participants returning for training camp and preseason.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are accepting applications for their 2027 National Coaching Academy, offering 25 finalists an opportunity to learn from NFL coaches and participate in rookie minicamp activities.

Applications close Dec. 31, 2026. The program uses rolling admissions, and applicants are encouraged to apply early, according to the team.

Presented by ReliaQuest, the academy was established by the Glazer family to create pathways for coaches seeking NFL opportunities. The upcoming class will be its fourth.

Eligibility and Scholarships

Applicants must have at least three years of coaching or work experience in a football program at the high school, college or semiprofessional level.

The 25 finalists will receive full scholarships covering costs while in Tampa for the weeklong academy.

After completing the program, five participants will be selected to return as fellows for training camp and the preseason.

On-Field Experience and Coaching Instruction

Finalists will attend team meetings and participate in on-field coaching sessions during rookie minicamp.

The program includes master classes led by Buccaneers coaches, along with Super Bowl-winning head coaches Jon Gruden, Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, according to the announcement.

Additional sessions cover film review, media training, business insights and networking.

Program Draws International Interest

The academy has attracted more than 3,000 applicants from 22 countries over its first three years, the team said. Dozens of previous finalists have since earned new positions or promotions at their institutions.

Applications for the 2027 class are open now until Dec. 31, 2026, with a rolling admissions program. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. More information can be found HERE.

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2026

FNN SPORTS

Orlando Magic, ThreatLocker Add Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Courtside Branding

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic and Orlando-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker have expanded their partnership to include player warmup branding, courtside signage and a cybersecurity awareness campaign, the team announced Oct. 21.

ThreatLocker’s branding will appear on the Magic’s player warmup shirts for all home and away games, as well as front-row courtside seatback covers at Kia Center.

Campaign to Share Online Safety Tips

Timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the awareness campaign includes an opening-night commercial featuring ThreatLocker CEO and co-founder Danny Jenkins.

The spot will offer tips to help fans and Orlando-area residents protect themselves online, according to the announcement.

“As a Magic Champion of the Community partner since 2023, ThreatLocker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “We’re excited to help raise cybersecurity awareness and continue growing their brand and our collective community impact.”

Branding Extends Across Games and Broadcasts

The agreement also includes a season-long commercial campaign and a custom-branded broadcast feature. ThreatLocker will receive exposure through MagicTV 27 in Central Florida and the team’s regional over-the-air broadcast network.

Warmup shirt branding will give the company visibility during pregame activities, player-focused content and game broadcasts, according to the announcement.

“We’re delighted that this partnership will help fans stay safe online,” Jenkins said. “And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to share a few simple steps everyone can take to better protect themselves and their families.”