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Ivory CoastYoung Dolphins Learn Hard Lessons in Blowout Loss to 49ers
The Miami Dolphins are looking to grow from their 35-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers as they return home with two losses.
A Tough Road Trip Ends in Defeat
The Miami Dolphins finished their two games on the road with another loss, falling 35-13 to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. After losing to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1, the Dolphins return home with two losses and no wins.
The game got away from Miami quickly in the second half. After going into halftime trailing 14-6, the Dolphins watched the deficit grow to 29 points in just a few minutes. San Francisco scored touchdowns on each of its first five possessions.
Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley called the game a tale of two halves. He noted that his team started strongly but made a major mistake on the first play of the second half. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy completed a 40 yard pass to George Kittle, which set up a touchdown. San Francisco scored two more touchdowns in their next ten plays.
Experience Gap Shows on the Field
The matchup highlighted a major difference in experience. The Dolphins are the youngest team in the NFL, while the 49ers are the second oldest. Seven of the ten players who led Miami in defensive snaps on Sunday have played in the league for less than two seasons.
That lack of experience showed against a veteran offense. Purdy finished the game with more total touchdowns (3) than incompletions (2). The 49ers offense averaged 7.8 yards per play, and their receivers consistently found open space, averaging 4.8 yards of separation.
Linebacker Jordyn Brooks pointed out that many young players were facing a championship team in only their second career game. He said he would rather these mistakes happen now so the team can learn and build as the season goes on.
Finding Positives Amid the Struggles
There were a few bright spots late in the game. Miami forced consecutive punts before quarterback Malik Willis threw a 77 yard touchdown pass to Ryan Miller. It was the longest passing touchdown for the team since Week 1 of the 2024 season, and Willis's first touchdown pass of the year.
Willis was not satisfied with the late score, saying it helped on the stat sheet but did not help the team. However, defensive tackle Zach Sieler said the team can use the positive moments as building blocks. Sieler said the team played well in the first half but needs to learn how to finish games.
The Dolphins now return home to host Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3. It will be another tough test against a veteran team, but Brooks believes the locker room has the right players to keep the season from falling apart.
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