The Cleveland Browns broke open a close game in the second half scoring 21 unanswered points to pull away and secure the lopsided victory. Cleveland (1-0) was able to utilize a diverse attack that featured the passing of QB Matt Stafford and the running of Joe Mixon all night long and the Dolphins simply had no answers. Stafford would finish with 303 yards and 5 TDs while Mixon would rush 16 times for 99 yards. Fellow tailback, Jeremy McNichols, would add an additional 33 yards on 10 efforts. Star WRs Stefon Diggs and Robby Anderson also did not disappoint hauling in 13 receptions for 205 yards and 3 TDs!
Miami, the defending AFC East Champions, could not get any consistency on either side of the ball. They would be limited to just 4-11 on third downs and QB Ryan Tannehill simply could not get any completions downfield. RB David Montgomery would end his night with 18 carries for 90 yards, but he was not truly effective. Coach Jeff Beyel seemed quite calm despite the big defeat, "It was just the season opener. We did not play well nor were prepared for them to use some players as much as they did. We will regroup and get ready for next week. It is a very long season."
News and Notes: Cleveland will continue its rugged start to their season hosting the New England Patriots next and then heading out to the desert to face a powerful Arizona club. They piled up an impressive 430 yards of offense versus a talented Miami unit while the defense held Tanneyhill to just 199 yards through the air. Cleveland beat the Dolphins last season in the lid lifter, 21-12, and Miami began last year very slowly starting at just 3-2. "Relax Folks. "Beyel stated "We will be just fine." T Lane Johnson was lost for much of the season with an injury for the Dolphins. Miami will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Florida.
Posted on 02 Jan 2022 by dolphins
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