Dobbins rushes for 99 yards as Broncos snap skid, beat Dolphins 19-7

Denver, CO - J.K. Dobbins rushed for a game-high 99 yards, and the Denver Broncos gradually created separation in a 19-7 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 13. The win ended Denver's three-game losing streak and gave the Broncos a needed result after they entered the game with a 4-7 record.

Denver established the steadier shape in a low-scoring game, building an advantage and protecting it as Miami struggled to sustain its offense. The Broncos finished with 315 offensive yards and 18 first downs, compared with 198 yards and 10 first downs for the Dolphins. Neither passing attack was especially efficient, but Denver paired 166 passing yards with 149 on the ground.

Dobbins was at the center of that balance. He carried 18 times, matching De'Von Achane for the most rushing attempts in the game, and broke a game-long 26-yard run. His 99 yards comfortably led all rushers and gave Denver a consistent source of production throughout a game in which points were difficult to find.

"You have to be willing to take the tough yards and stay with it," Dobbins said. "There were chances to get into some space, but most of the day was about being patient and continuing to push. Getting the win after the stretch we've had is what matters."

Bo Nix completed 17 of 36 passes for a game-high 166 yards. He did not throw an interception, and his longest completion went for 24 yards. Jaylen Waddle provided Denver's top receiving performance, catching five passes for a game-high 66 yards with a long reception of 24.

The Broncos reached the red zone five times, scoring one touchdown and making three field goals on those trips. Denver also converted both of its fourth-down attempts, though it finished only 4-for-16 on third down. Those numbers reflected an offense that did not consistently move the chains but repeatedly put itself within scoring range.

"We weren't as sharp as we wanted to be, especially with the completion percentage and third downs," Nix said. "But we kept working into scoring position and gave ourselves opportunities. In a game like this, you have to stay composed and be ready to take the points that are there."

Miami entered the afternoon on its own three-game losing streak and could not produce enough offense to reverse that direction. Malik Willis completed 11 of 31 passes for 95 yards, was intercepted once and finished with a 30.9 passer rating. His 27-yard completion was the longest of the game, and Chris Bell finished as Miami's leading receiver with two catches for 39 yards.

The Dolphins found more production on the ground, totaling 103 rushing yards. Achane carried 18 times for 60 yards and accounted for Miami's touchdown, while Willis added 43 yards on five attempts. Miami was perfect on its lone red-zone trip, but it reached that area only once.

Third down was a persistent problem for the Dolphins, who converted just one of 12 opportunities. They went 1-for-2 on fourth down. That left Miami with limited room to develop a sustained response as Denver maintained its advantage and increased the margin.

"One for 12 on third down isn't close to where we need to be," Willis said. "We had some production running the ball, but we didn't connect enough in the passing game. When you finish with seven points, there are a lot of things you know have to be cleaner."

The defensive numbers offered an unusual contrast. Miami recorded four sacks and no interceptions, while Denver did not register a sack but came away with one interception. The Broncos also held the Dolphins below 100 passing yards and allowed only one scoring trip inside the 20.

For Denver, the result was less about gaudy individual numbers than ending a difficult stretch. Dobbins supplied the game's leading rushing total, Waddle led all receivers and the Broncos finished with advantages in first downs, passing yards, rushing yards and offensive yards. Most importantly, Denver walked away with a 12-point victory and a three-game losing streak finally behind it.

Up Next

The Broncos will travel to face the New York Jets in Week 14 looking to build on the victory, while the Dolphins return home to host the Chicago Bears and try to rebound from another loss.