Achane’s Hat Trick Lifts Dolphins Past Undefeated Falcons, 34–20

ATLANTA - In a clash between two of the league's hottest teams, Sean Nguyen's Miami Dolphins went on the road and handled Chuck Davis's Atlanta Falcons, 34-20, behind a three-touchdown day from De'Von Achane and a composed 300-yard outing from Tua Tagovailoa. Miami improved to 7-1 while Atlanta fell to 6-1, its first loss of the season.

Achane sets the tone, then slams the door

Achane blew the game open with a 71-yard first-quarter sprint, then added a 21-yard TD reception before icing it late with a 3-yard score and a two-point snag by Darren Waller. He finished with 142 scrimmage yards (82 rushing on 14 carries; 60 receiving on six catches) and three total TDs. "Coach told us to attack edges early-I saw daylight and trusted the speed," Achane said of his long run.

Tua's poise, Patterson's perfection

Tagovailoa dealt efficiently against a fast Falcons front, going 23-of-34 for 312 yards with one touchdown and one interception. "When they cushioned the deep ball, we worked seams and flats-just take what's there," he said. Kicker Riley Patterson nailed all four field-goal tries (46, 42, 40 and 36 yards) and both PATs to keep Miami in command. "That's winning football-points on every drive," Nguyen said.

Falcons flash, Dolphins finish

Atlanta punched back in the second quarter as Michael Penix Jr. found Drake London from four yards and Kyle Pitts from three, trimming the halftime deficit to 17-14. Penix finished 23-of-37 for 259 yards, three TDs and one INT, later hitting Darnell Mooney on a 50-yard strike in the fourth. "We had shots and took them-we just needed one more stop," Davis said. London posted 4/31/1 and Pitts 7/78/1, while Bijan Robinson battled for 66 rushing yards on 15 carries. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Defense and details tilt it Miami's way

Nguyen's defense delivered the kind of high-leverage plays that swing heavyweight games. Minkah Fitzpatrick notched the lone interception of Penix, and Jaelan Phillips recorded a sack and forced fumble as Miami won the turnover battle. "That pick flipped the field," Fitzpatrick said. Atlanta's Kaden Elliss had the Falcons' interception, but Miami held serve on third down and in the red zone to close it out. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

By the numbers

Miami out-gained Atlanta in total offense 398-306 and both teams finished 50% on third down (MIA 6-for-12; ATL 7-for-14). Tyreek Hill (5/70) and Waller (3/75) punctuated Tagovailoa's 312 passing yards. "Our depth kept their safeties honest," Hill said.

Up Next

The Dolphins return home in Week 9 to host the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium. The Falcons travel to Foxborough to face the New England Patriots.