The Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins have produced several competitive meetings, but their September 8, 2024, regular-season game stands out because of its dramatic finish. Jacksonville controlled the first half and built a 17–7 lead. However, Miami responded after halftime, scored 13 unanswered points, and secured a 20–17 victory through Jason Sanders’ last-second field goal.
This breakdown of the jacksonville jaguars vs miami dolphins match player stats focuses on the leading passers, runners, receivers, defenders, and special-teams contributors from that regular-season contest. It also explains how Miami recovered from a slow start and why Jacksonville failed to protect a ten-point halftime advantage.
Jaguars vs Dolphins Match Summary
Jacksonville began the game with confidence and scored the opening touchdown on a one-yard run by Travis Etienne Jr. The Jaguars then extended their advantage when Trevor Lawrence connected with rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. for a 14-yard touchdown. Miami answered through De’Von Achane, but Cam Little’s 53-yard field goal sent Jacksonville into halftime with a 17–7 lead.
The game changed in the third quarter. Etienne appeared close to scoring another touchdown, but safety Jevon Holland forced a fumble near the Miami goal line. Kader Kohou recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchback. On Miami’s next offensive play, Tua Tagovailoa found Tyreek Hill for an 80-yard touchdown. Jason Sanders later tied the score before kicking a 52-yard field goal as time expired. Reuters’ game report confirms the sequence behind Miami’s 20–17 comeback.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats Overview
| Category | Jacksonville Jaguars | Miami Dolphins |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 17 | 20 |
| Total yards | 267 | 400 |
| Passing yards | 139 net | 317 net |
| Rushing yards | 128 | 83 |
| First downs | 17 | 18 |
| Third-down conversions | 2 of 10 | 8 of 16 |
| Fourth-down conversions | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Sacks allowed | 3 | 3 |
| Time of possession | 26:41 | 33:19 |
Miami’s advantage in total offense came mainly through its passing game. The Dolphins finished with 400 yards, while Jacksonville managed 267. The Jaguars ran the ball more effectively, yet Miami extended drives by converting eight of 16 third downs. Jacksonville converted only two of ten, which limited Lawrence’s opportunities during the second half. The official statistical comparison also shows Miami holding a 400–267 advantage in total yardage. ESPN’s matchup statistics list the complete team totals.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Passing Performance
Tua Tagovailoa completed 23 of 37 passes for 338 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. His 62.2 percent completion rate does not fully describe his influence because several completions produced major gains. He remained patient against Jacksonville’s pressure and repeatedly placed the ball where Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane could gain yards after the catch.
Tagovailoa’s most important throw was the 80-yard touchdown to Hill. The play came immediately after Jacksonville’s goal-line fumble and completely changed the mood of the game. Instead of falling behind by two scores, Miami reduced the deficit to three points in a matter of seconds. Tagovailoa finished with a 101.0 passer rating and guided the Dolphins into scoring position for the winning field goal.
Trevor Lawrence’s Passing Performance
Trevor Lawrence completed 12 of 21 attempts for 162 yards and one touchdown. He did not throw an interception and posted a passer rating of 97.0. Lawrence looked comfortable during Jacksonville’s first-half scoring drives, particularly when he delivered a well-placed touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr. in the back of the end zone.
However, Jacksonville’s passing attack almost disappeared after halftime. Lawrence attempted only seven passes in the second half, while the Jaguars struggled to stay on the field. He also took three sacks, and Jacksonville produced no points over the final two quarters. The quarterback protected the football, but the offense lacked enough rhythm and volume to answer Miami’s comeback.
Jacksonville Jaguars Rushing Stats
Tank Bigsby led Jacksonville with 73 rushing yards on 12 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt. His longest run covered 26 yards, and his physical running style gave the Jaguars a reliable option between the tackles. Bigsby’s performance was one of Jacksonville’s strongest positives because he consistently gained yards against Miami’s defensive front.
Travis Etienne Jr. recorded 44 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries. He also caught two passes for 15 yards. However, his third-quarter fumble became the most important mistake of the afternoon. Jacksonville could have extended its lead near the goal line, but the turnover gave possession back to Miami and directly preceded Hill’s long touchdown. Overall, Jacksonville outrushed Miami 128–83, but the lost fumble reduced the value of that advantage. Jacksonville’s official game report details Bigsby’s 73-yard showing and the team’s rushing advantage.
Miami Dolphins Rushing Stats
De’Von Achane led Miami’s running backs with 24 yards and one touchdown on ten carries. Although Jacksonville prevented him from producing explosive rushing plays, he scored Miami’s first touchdown on a one-yard run. Achane also made a much larger contribution as a receiver, giving the Dolphins another way to use his speed in open space.
Jeff Wilson Jr. gained 26 yards on five carries, while Raheem Mostert managed nine yards on six attempts. Tagovailoa added 11 yards on one run, and fullback Alec Ingold contributed eight yards. Miami averaged only 3.2 yards per rushing attempt, so its ground game never became the main source of offense. Instead, the rushing attempts kept Jacksonville’s defense honest while Tagovailoa attacked through the air.
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle Receiving Stats
Tyreek Hill delivered the most explosive receiving performance of the game. He caught seven of 12 targets for 130 yards and one touchdown. His 80-yard score was Miami’s biggest play and accounted for more than half of his receiving total. Hill used his speed to separate from the coverage before finishing the play in the end zone.
Jaylen Waddle was equally efficient, catching all five of his targets for 109 yards. His longest reception gained 63 yards, and he averaged 21.8 yards per catch. Together, Hill and Waddle recorded 239 receiving yards. Their ability to stretch Jacksonville’s secondary created space for Miami’s shorter passing options and allowed Tagovailoa to overcome the team’s limited rushing production.
De’Von Achane’s All-Purpose Impact
Achane caught seven passes for 76 yards in addition to his rushing touchdown. He finished with 100 yards from scrimmage and gave Tagovailoa a dependable target underneath. His longest reception covered 39 yards, showing that his influence extended beyond checkdowns and short passes.
The jacksonville jaguars vs miami dolphins match player stats show why Achane was one of Miami’s most valuable offensive players. Hill supplied the biggest touchdown, but Achane contributed as a runner, receiver, and red-zone scorer. His versatility helped Miami move the chains when Jacksonville focused its coverage on Hill and Waddle.
Jacksonville Jaguars Receiving Stats
Gabe Davis led Jacksonville with 62 receiving yards on three catches. He averaged 20.7 yards per reception and produced a long gain of 22 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. caught all four of his targets for 47 yards and scored the first touchdown of his NFL career. His touchdown reception offered an early example of the size, control, and scoring ability he could bring to Jacksonville’s offense.
Christian Kirk caught one pass for 30 yards on four targets, while Evan Engram managed one five-yard reception from four targets. Those limited contributions hurt Jacksonville’s passing consistency. Lawrence needed more production from his established targets, particularly after Miami tightened its defense in the second half. Parker Washington added one reception for three yards, while Etienne supplied two catches out of the backfield.
Defensive Players Who Changed the Game
Jevon Holland made Miami’s most important defensive play by forcing Etienne’s fumble near the goal line. Kader Kohou completed the turnover by recovering the ball in the end zone. Without that sequence, Jacksonville could have taken a commanding lead late in the third quarter. Instead, Miami gained possession and scored an 80-yard touchdown on its next snap.
Jacksonville’s Travon Walker recorded two sacks and consistently pressured Tagovailoa. Arik Armstead also contributed to a sack as the Jaguars finished with three. Miami answered with three sacks of Lawrence, including pressure from Calais Campbell, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Zach Sieler. Both defensive fronts created disruption, but Miami’s forced turnover had the greatest effect on the final result.
Special Teams Player Stats
Cam Little had an encouraging NFL debut for Jacksonville. He converted both extra-point attempts and made a 53-yard field goal before halftime. His seven points helped the Jaguars establish their ten-point lead, and his long-range kick showed that Jacksonville could trust him in difficult situations.
Jason Sanders experienced a more complicated afternoon. He made two extra points but missed a 42-yard field-goal attempt early in the fourth quarter. Still, he recovered by converting from 37 yards to tie the game. He then made the winning 52-yard kick as time expired, finishing with eight points and giving Miami its first victory of the season.
How Miami Completed the Comeback
Miami won because it avoided turnovers, controlled third down, and generated more explosive passing plays. The Dolphins converted 50 percent of their third-down attempts, while Jacksonville converted only 20 percent. That difference allowed Miami to run more sustained drives and keep Jacksonville’s offense away from the field.
The Dolphins also produced three receptions of at least 39 yards, including Hill’s 80-yard touchdown and Waddle’s 63-yard gain. Jacksonville ran efficiently but failed to create the same number of game-changing plays. Most importantly, Miami scored 13 unanswered points after halftime while preventing the Jaguars from adding anything to their total.
Why Jacksonville Lost Its Lead
Jacksonville’s offense became too conservative and ineffective during the second half. The Jaguars recorded just 70 yards after halftime and failed to score on every remaining possession. Their struggles on third down repeatedly forced the defense back onto the field, giving Miami more opportunities to complete the comeback.
Etienne’s fumble was the clearest turning point, but it was not the only reason Jacksonville lost. The Jaguars produced fewer passing yards, failed to involve Kirk and Engram consistently, and could not respond after Miami tied the score. Therefore, a game that began with balance and control ended with Jacksonville managing only 267 total yards.
What the Player Stats Reveal
The final jacksonville jaguars vs miami dolphins match player stats tell a clear story. Jacksonville controlled the rushing battle, protected the football through the air, and built a strong first-half lead. However, Miami’s passing speed, third-down efficiency, and defensive takeaway proved more valuable over four quarters.
Tagovailoa, Hill, Waddle, and Achane gave Miami several ways to attack. Meanwhile, Jacksonville depended heavily on Bigsby’s rushing and a few early completions from Lawrence. Once the Jaguars lost their offensive rhythm, they could not produce the plays needed to close the game. Sanders’ winning kick completed a comeback built on patience, speed, and one crucial turnover.
Latest Preseason Meeting
The teams met again on August 23, 2025, during the preseason, when Miami won 14–6. Tua Tagovailoa completed four of eight passes for 49 yards and a touchdown, while Jacksonville rested most of its regular starters. Seth Henigan led the Jaguars with 77 passing yards but threw an interception. Cam Little scored all six Jacksonville points with field goals from 43 and 59 yards. Because it was a preseason contest featuring reserve players, the 2024 game remains the more useful matchup for evaluating established starters. CBS Sports’ 2025 recap provides the later exhibition-game figures.
Conclusion
Miami’s 20–17 victory showed how quickly an NFL game can change. Jacksonville led by ten points at halftime and appeared ready to take control after another long drive. However, Holland’s forced fumble, Hill’s 80-yard touchdown, and Sanders’ late field goals completely reversed the contest.
The jacksonville jaguars vs miami dolphins match player stats highlight Miami’s superior passing production and Jacksonville’s strong but ultimately unrewarded rushing effort. Tagovailoa threw for 338 yards, Hill and Waddle both crossed 100 receiving yards, and Sanders delivered the final points. Jacksonville received promising performances from Bigsby and Thomas, but its second-half offensive decline prevented it from finishing the job.
FAQs
Who won the Jaguars vs Dolphins game?
Miami defeated Jacksonville 20–17 in the September 8, 2024, regular-season game.
How many passing yards did Tua Tagovailoa record?
Tagovailoa completed 23 of 37 passes for 338 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions.
Who led the game in receiving yards?
Tyreek Hill led all receivers with seven catches for 130 yards and one touchdown.
Who was Jacksonville’s leading rusher?
Tank Bigsby led the Jaguars with 73 rushing yards on 12 carries.
Who kicked the winning field goal?
Jason Sanders made a 52-yard field goal as time expired to secure Miami’s victory.