Dolphins 30, Panthers 23: Tua, Tyreek connect late as Miami rallies to stay unbeaten

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Miami Dolphins stayed perfect with a 30-23 road win over the Carolina Panthers, rallying from a halftime deficit behind a four-touchdown performance from Tua Tagovailoa. Head coach Sean Nguyen's team moves to 5-0, while Dave Canales' Panthers fall to 2-3.

Tua turns it on after halftime

Tagovailoa went 25-of-38 for 401 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions (114.0 rating). The team's net passing yardage (375) accounted for sack yardage, but the aerial attack was relentless: a 70-yard strike to Darren Waller jump-started the third-quarter surge, Jaylen Waddle added a six-yard score later in the quarter, and Tyreek Hill capped it with fourth-quarter touchdowns from six and 59 yards-the last coming with 38 seconds left.

"We didn't blink at halftime," Tagovailoa said. "Coach kept us aggressive, and the guys won their matchups when it mattered."

Hill finished with 6 receptions for 114 yards and two TDs; Waddle caught 5 for 98 and a score; Waller posted 3 for 88 and a 70-yard TD. On the ground, De'Von Achane powered out 89 yards on 14 carries (long 41).

Panthers ride Hubbard, defense grabs two picks

Carolina controlled long stretches with the run game. Chuba Hubbard ripped off 168 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries (long 49), and Bryce Young added 41 rushing yards while throwing 18-for-33 for 162 yards without a turnover.

The Panthers' secondary swiped two passes-courtesy of Mike Jackson and Akayleb Evans-and their front tallied four sacks behind Derrick Brown (1.5), Tershawn Wharton (1.0), Patrick Jones II (0.5) and Nic Scourton (1.0). Kicker Greg Zuerlein hit from 27, 34 and 47 yards and converted two PATs.

"We fought like crazy," Canales said. "Our run game and defense gave us a chance. We have to finish drives better."

Hidden yards and money downs

Miami owned third down (5-of-9, 55.6%) and totaled 464 offensive yards, while Carolina struggled to sustain (2-of-12, 16.7%; 351 yards). The Dolphins defense produced five sacks-led by Zach Sieler (2.0), with help from Matthew Judon (1.0), Kenneth Grant (1.0) and a split sack by Tyrel Dodson and Clark Phillips III.

"Third downs and pass rush swung it," Nguyen said. "We weathered their run game and answered every punch."

Up Next

The Dolphins (5-0) return home in Week 6 to host the Los Angeles Chargers. The Panthers (2-3) stay in Charlotte to welcome the Dallas Cowboys.