The Denver Broncos visited Sun Life Stadium on Sunday, October 23rd. For most of the game, it appeared as thought the Dolphins were on their way to a solid win. It would have been their first win of the season. However, those hopes turned to despair as they turned a 15 – 0 lead into a 15 – 18 loss in overtime.
The team didn’t show much offense in the first quarter with all three possessions ending in a punt after only 5, 3 and 3 plays for each drive. Actually, neither offense was able to put much together in the first half as the teams were unable to convert any of their first 16 combined third down attempts.
The second quarter picked up with a 10 play possession that gained 41 yards and ended up with a 37-yard field goal by Dan Carpenter. He also kicked a 36-yarder later in the quarter.
The longest drive of the game came in the third quarter. They took possession on their own 28 yard line and drove the length of the field for a 16-yard touchdown pass from Matt Moore to Anthony Fasano. Miami’s head coach made the decision to attempt a two point conversion, however wide receiver Marlon Moore was unable to hang on to the ball in the end zone. The decision would come back to haunt them later in the game.
After Carpenter continued his big day with a 43-yard field goal in the 4th quarter. At this point, the Dolphins appeared to be in control of the game with a 15 – 0. There were only 5:23 left in the game. However, new starting quarterback Tim Tebow took the Broncos on an 80 yard drive for their first touchdown of the game. That was followed by a successful Bronco onside kick and another touchdown drive, this time for 56 yards. Tebow scored on the 2-pt conversion to tie the game and force overtime.
During the overtime period, both teams had two possessions but couldn’t score. Quarterback Matt Moore was then sacked and coughed up the football at the their own 36-yard line. After three more plays, Matt Prater hit a game winning 52 yard field goal.
On the day, quarterback Moore completed 22-of-33 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown. His counterpart, Tim Tebow, finished 13-of-27 for only 161 yards. However, his two touchdowns and 2-pt conversion late in the 4th quarter were the difference in the game.
Much of the fan base showed divided loyalties for the game. Although it was a away game, Tebow is a local legend due to the success he had in the stadium in his college days.
After what appeared to be their first win, instead they extended their losing streak to 8 games. Next week, they will try to rebound from what some are calling some of the most heartbreaking losses in the history of the franchise. They will go back on the road for a game against the Giants at the Meadowlands. They will need your support to win this game so make sure you buy your Dolphins tickets now!
