Jaguars vs Dolphins: A Thrilling Week 1 Showdown

Jaguars vs Dolphins Recap

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – This was weird at times and wild at others. Mostly for the Jaguars, it was really frustrating because what mattered on a sun-splashed South Florida Sunday afternoon that opened the 2024 regular season in front of 65,582 at Hard Rock Stadium was this:

Miami Dolphins 20, Jaguars 17.

“We just kind of gave it away,” Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence said, with defensive end Josh Hines-Allen adding of the Dolphins: “Kudos to them. They came out and executed their plan well. They got the dub.”

Key Moments in the Game

Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders converted two field goals in the final five minutes – the second from 52 yards as time expired – to cap a steady comeback. The Jaguars led by 14 points in the first half, leading 17-7 at halftime and until two minutes remained in the third quarter.

• “It was just kind of a tale of two halves, really,” Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson said. “We made plays in the first half. They made plays in the second half. So credit them.”
• The Jaguars missed a chance to extend their lead late in the third quarter when running back Travis Etienne Jr. fumbled into the end zone.
• “Turnovers are killers, especially down in the red zone,” Lawrence emphasized.

The Jaguars were shut out in the second half after scoring 17 first-half points. Center Mitch Morse expressed frustration but focused on moving forward: “It feels terrible to be 0-1.”

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sparked the comeback with a spectacular 80-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill. Despite strong performance, including three sacks by the Jaguars’ defense, Jacksonville could not secure the victory.

Notable Players and Stats

• Lawrence completed 12 of 21 passes for 162 yards.
• Bigsby rushed for 73 yards on 12 carries.
• Jaguars defense allowed 400 total yards.

“We beat ourselves today,” Hines-Allen said. “Kudos to them. They’re a heck of a team. Hopefully we see them down the road.”