Sports
Miami Dolphins Make NFL, Franchise History in 70-20 Win Over Denver Broncos
Published
3 years agoon
By
Matt WolffMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – A lot was at stake today as the Miami Dolphins hosted the Denver Broncos for their home opener at Hard Rock Stadium, and the Phins delivered.
Dolphins Make Franchise & NFL History
Once the game started, Tua wasted no time (1 minute 23 seconds) driving the Ferrari into the endzone as he connected with a wide-open Tyreek Hill for a 54-yard touchdown to give the Dolphins a 7-0 lead. The second drive took a little longer but ended with another touchdown. This time third round pick De’Von Achane got his first NFL touchdown for a 14-0 lead.
After a slow start, Russell Wilson drove the Broncos down the field at the end of the first quarter and got Denver on the board with a 12-yard touchdown to Courtland Sutton to cut the lead in half (14-7).
Despite multiple holding penalties negating big plays, Tua got the Phins back in the endzone with a trick shovel pass to Archane for a one-yard touchdown, his second on the day and a 21-7 lead.
Denver tacked on a 31-yard field goal after an offensive pass interference took a Courtney Sutton touchdown off the board, but the Dolphins drove right back down the field and Mostert broke a 20-yard touchdown run to put the Phins up 28-10. A forced fumble by Jevon Holland with just under two minutes put the Dolphins on the three-yard line and Mostert ran it in to give Miami points, tying for second most points scored in the first half in Dolphins history. Denver got inside the 10-yard line but settled for a 25-yard field goal to close out the half trailing 35-13.
The second half was more of the same. Tua connected on his first 17 passes (16 for 16 in the first half), but eventually missed on his 18th, falling one short of the team record. Archane then broke a 40-yard run to get the ball inside the 5-yard line and Mostert finished it off with a one-yard touchdown, his third of the game.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Tua surpassed 300 yards for the game, throwing another shovel pass to Archane for a touchdown. With that score, the Dolphins set a franchise record for points in a game (56), breaking the 55 they scored on Thanksgiving Day (11/24) in 1977 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Mike White entered the game and threw a 68-yard touchdown to Robbie Chosen, giving Miami 63 points–the most points scored in the NFL since 1966.
Archane went over 200 yards rushing for the day with a 67-yard touchdown, his fourth of the day. That score got the Dolphins to 70 points, two shy of an NFL record.
When asked about the last drive Coach McDaniel said, “I’m very okay with the decision, and I think the team, notably the leaders of the team supported it, the captains supported it. It’s not the way you want to get the record. I would hope that if the shoe was on the other foot, the opponent would feel the same way. That’s called karma. I’m trying to keep good karma with the Miami Dolphins.”
The lone highlight of the day for the Broncos was a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Marvin Mims Jr. in the middle of the fourth Quarter.
The Dolphins are 3-0 for the second consecutive season and improved to 9-1 all-time vs. Denver at home. After two close losses by three total points, the Broncos lost by seven touchdowns and have fallen to (0-3) on the season.
This was a game full of NFL and Dolphin records, including most points (70) and yards (726). The Dolphins are the first team in NFL history to record five passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns in the same game. Mostert and Achane are the first pair of teammates ever to both score 4 TDs in the same game. Tua set an NFL record with 10 victories against a Super Bowl winning coach. The 50-point margin of victory is 2nd all-time behind a 52-point win against the Patriots during the undefeated 1972 season.
Tua Tagovailoa, who entered today the #1 passer in the NFL, added 309 yards and four touchdowns with a 155.8 QB rating. While he usually uses his running ability as an advantage, he didn’t have to run at all today.
Running back Raheem Mostert continued his hot start, adding three rushing touchdowns, pushing his league lead to six, including a touchdown reception.
In the first full game of his career, De’Von Achane ran for 208 yards on 18 carries with four total touchdowns.
Lost in the incredible rushing performance was Tyreek Hill, who had nine catches for 157 yards, including the 54-yard touchdown to open the game. And the Dolphins did all of this without their second-best receiver as Jaylen Waddle is still in concussion protocol.
“It’s a lot of players executing a lot of things to a standard that’s unrelenting,” McDaniel said when asked his thoughts about 700+ yards and 10 touchdowns.
Diehard Dolphans
After a little rain to start the morning, the sun came out and the fans were tailgating in full force. There were a lot of hardcore fans there, but maybe none as diehard as Joe Bailey and Allie Goodman. Both have represented the Dolphins at the Super Bowl, with Allie being voted Fan of the Year (nominated by fans, selected by the Dolphins).
Joe Bailey (Lake Worth) is witnessing his 461st game in 54 years. He’s missed only 3 home games since 1970. When asked about the outlook for the season, he said “We got a Ferrari. As long as we got a guy that knows how to drive stick shift we are going all the way if we don’t blow a clutch.”
Allie “Dolphreaky” Goodman (Naples) is from Eastern Pennsylvania and her father was a die-hard fan who said “Sundays were about football. It was about the Dolphins and there was no other thing.” When she isn’t rooting on the Dolphins and heading up the SW Florida Dolphan Club, she is working on her charity Dolphreaky’s Phriends (dolphreakysfphriends.org – @dolphreaky)
There were pockets of Broncos fans including Emily G (Tampa), a lifetime fan who lived in Denver was still confident despite the 0-2 start. “No worries” as she predicts a 21-13 Broncos victory.
Stu Moss (hailing from New York) disagreed and was sure they will get to 3-0 with 28-10 victory. When asked how he became a Dolphins fan, he replied, “My wife’s a Dolphin fan and she said if I ever want to sleep with her again I gotta become a Dolphin fan.”
What’s Next
Denver travels to Chicago in a matchup between two winless teams. Miami travels to Buffalo next weekend to take on the 2-1 Bills in a big AFC East matchup.
If the Dolphins keep scoring this way, the 1972 team might have some company.
_________________________________
Matt Wolff is a sports reporter for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com
Central Florida News
2027 Arnold Palmer Invitational Tickets Go on Sale With Exclusive Mastercard Presale
Published
1 day agoon
September 12, 2026By
FNN SPORTSGeneral public ticket sales begin Sept. 17 for Central Florida’s signature PGA TOUR event at Bay Hill
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Golf fans can begin making plans for the 2027 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, with tickets and upgraded fan experiences now available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders ahead of next week’s general public sale.
The Mastercard presale began Sept. 10, a date that would have marked golf legend Arnold Palmer’s 97th birthday. The tournament returns March 18-21, 2027, to Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando.
Tickets for the general public go on sale Thursday, Sept. 17.
Ticket Prices Start at $40
General admission tickets start at $40 for Tuesday and Wednesday practice rounds. Thursday tickets begin at $85, while admission Friday through Sunday starts at $99.
Prices are before fees and are subject to change.
Mastercard cardholders can save 10% on ticket purchases, excluding taxes, when paying with a Mastercard.
“We strive to create unique experiences at all price points,” Tournament Director Drew Donovan said. “From our special events to our premium experiences, there is something for everyone.”
Donovan said spectators can choose from experiences ranging from Bay Hill Clubhouse access at The Orange Grove to front-row viewing at the Michelob Ultra Fan Deck and the premium Lakehouse experience.
Premium Fan Experiences Return to Bay Hill
The Orange Grove returns in 2027 with enhanced amenities, including access to the Bay Hill Clubhouse. The all-inclusive experience features tournament grounds admission, daily clubhouse access, entry to Arnie’s at the Orange Grove, food and beverages, private greenside seating at No. 9 and parking with the four-day Tournament Experience package.
The Michelob Ultra Fan Deck, located between the 15th green and 16th tee, also returns following a full rebrand. The venue features upgraded concessions, a large live video wall and front-row views of players competing at No. 16. Fan Deck tickets, including grounds admission, start at $150.
The Lakehouse returns after selling out in each of its first two years, including an even faster sellout in 2026.
Tournament organizers also plan to bring back Wine & Dine on 9, Birdies & BBQ and Throwback Thursday presented by Corkcicle. All three events sold out last year. Dates, prices and additional details are expected to be announced later.
Akshay Bhatia Set to Defend Title
Defending champion Akshay Bhatia is expected to return to Bay Hill following a career-best year and will compete for a share of the tournament’s elevated $20 million purse.
The 2027 field is expected to once again feature many of the world’s leading golfers competing for one of the PGA TOUR’s most prestigious titles. Additional player commitments will be announced closer to tournament week.
Continuing Arnold Palmer’s Legacy
The Arnold Palmer Invitational has become one of Central Florida’s signature sporting events while preserving Palmer’s influence on professional golf and the Orlando community.
Proceeds benefit the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and its work supporting children’s health, character development and nature-focused wellness initiatives.
The tournament will be played March 18-21, 2027, at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando.
Central Florida News
Buccaneers-Bengals Injury Report: Jalen McMillan, Justin Skule, Sean Tucker Doubtful
Published
1 day agoon
September 12, 2026Tampa Bay lists three players as doubtful, while linebacker Christian Rozeboom is questionable ahead of matchup with Cincinnati
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be without three players when they face the Cincinnati Bengals, with wide receiver Jalen McMillan, offensive tackle Justin Skule and running back Sean Tucker listed as doubtful on Friday’s final injury report.
Linebacker Christian Rozeboom is questionable with a foot injury, while outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr., wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and guard Billy Schrauth carry no game-status designation after finishing the practice week as full participants.
Three Buccaneers Listed as Doubtful
McMillan, who is dealing with a knee injury, was limited in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before receiving a doubtful designation.
Skule followed the same practice pattern while dealing with an oblique injury. Tucker did not practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury before returning as a limited participant Thursday and Friday. Both are also listed as doubtful.
Rozeboom was limited throughout the week with a foot injury and is questionable.
Bain progressed from limited participation Wednesday to full participation Thursday and Friday despite a shoulder injury. Egbuka, who is dealing with a toe injury, and Schrauth, who has a knee injury, were full participants throughout the week. None of the three received a game-status designation.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Report
| Player | Pos. | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen McMillan | WR | Knee | Limited | Limited | Limited | Doubtful |
| Justin Skule | T | Oblique | Limited | Limited | Limited | Doubtful |
| Sean Tucker | RB | Hamstring | DNP | Limited | Limited | Doubtful |
| Christian Rozeboom | LB | Foot | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable |
| Rueben Bain Jr. | OLB | Shoulder | Limited | Full | Full | — |
| Emeka Egbuka | WR | Toe | Full | Full | Full | — |
| Billy Schrauth | G | Knee | Full | Full | Full | — |
Bengals List Shemar Stewart as Doubtful
Cincinnati defensive end Shemar Stewart is doubtful with a knee injury after his participation declined during the week. Stewart was a full participant Wednesday, limited Thursday and did not practice Friday.
Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase did not participate Friday because of a knee/rest designation after practicing fully Wednesday and Thursday. Chase, however, received no game-status designation.
Wide receiver Tee Higgins was a full participant throughout the week despite a foot injury and also carries no game-status designation.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen returned to full participation Friday after a scheduled rest day Thursday. B.J. Hill was limited Thursday before returning to full participation Friday.
Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II did not practice Friday because of rest, while cornerback D.J. Turner II was limited Thursday and Friday with a hamstring injury. Neither received a game-status designation.
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report
| Player | Pos. | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shemar Stewart | DE | Knee | Full | Limited | DNP | Doubtful |
| Jonathan Allen | DT | Rest | — | DNP | Full | — |
| Ja’Marr Chase | WR | Knee/Rest | Full | Full | DNP | — |
| Tee Higgins | WR | Foot | Full | Full | Full | — |
| B.J. Hill | DT | Rest | — | Limited | Full | — |
| Dexter Lawrence II | DT | Rest | — | — | DNP | — |
| D.J. Turner II | CB | Hamstring | — | Limited | Limited | — |
What It Means for Tampa Bay
The biggest concern for the Buccaneers is the potential loss of depth across multiple offensive positions. With McMillan, Skule and Tucker all considered unlikely to play, Tampa Bay could be forced to adjust its receiver rotation, offensive line depth and running back workload against Cincinnati.
The positive development is that Bain, Egbuka and Schrauth finished the week as full participants without game-status designations, putting Tampa Bay in a stronger position at several other key spots.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, enters the matchup with Stewart doubtful but without game-status designations for several other notable players who appeared on the injury report, including Chase and Higgins.
Under NFL injury-report terminology, doubtful means a player is unlikely to play, while questionable means it is uncertain whether the player will play. DNP indicates a player did not participate in practice.
North Florida News
WNBA Bound: Jacksonville Waves Guard Shyanne Sellers Signs With Los Angeles Sparks
Published
2 days agoon
September 11, 2026By
FNN SPORTSFormer Maryland standout becomes the first Jacksonville Waves player to earn a WNBA opportunity after helping lead the team to the UPSHOT League championship game.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Jacksonville Waves guard Shyanne Sellers has signed a Player Development Pool contract with the Los Angeles Sparks after a standout 2026 season in the UPSHOT League.
Sellers averaged 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game for Jacksonville while ranking third in the league in assists. Her performance helped the Waves reach the UPSHOT League’s inaugural championship game and earned Sellers another opportunity in the WNBA.
From Maryland Standout to the Pros
A former University of Maryland standout and member of a basketball family from Ohio, Sellers has continued building her own professional career.
She was selected No. 17 overall by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2025 WNBA Draft and later spent time with the Dallas Wings before joining the Jacksonville Waves.
The UPSHOT League’s inaugural season gave players such as Sellers another opportunity to compete at a high level, develop their games and position themselves for additional professional opportunities.
Jacksonville Waves guard Shyanne Sellers drives to the basket against a Charlotte defender during UPSHOT League action. Photo: Nisey Spruill/Florida National News
First Jacksonville Waves Player to Earn WNBA Opportunity
Sellers’ performance in Jacksonville ultimately put her back into the WNBA pipeline, making her the first Waves player to receive a WNBA opportunity.
Her Player Development Pool contract with Los Angeles represents another significant step in her professional career and an early milestone for the Jacksonville Waves organization.
A Jacksonville Waves player drives to the basket for a layup while being defended by a Charlotte player during UPSHOT League action. Photo: Nisey Spruill/Florida National News
Jacksonville-to-WNBA Pipeline Takes Shape
Sellers’ signing also highlights the potential role of the UPSHOT League and Jacksonville Waves as a pathway for players seeking to remain competitive and earn opportunities at the highest level of women’s professional basketball.
For Jacksonville, Sellers becomes the franchise’s first player to make the jump from the Waves to a WNBA organization.
_____________________________
– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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