ATLANTA — In desperation mode, the Miami Dolphins turned in a stunning performance on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, taking care of the Atlanta Falcons 34-10 to snap their three-game losing streak.

Picking up their first win since Sept. 29, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was added to the injury report prior to kickoff with what the team called an “illness,” threw for 205 yards and four touchdowns – completing 20 of his 26 passes before being replaced by Zach Wilson late in the fourth quarter.

Tagovailoa wore a visor for the first time in his professional career – with the illness being a swollen left eye.

Without starter Michael Penix Jr., sidelined by a bone bruise to his left knee suffered in last week’s loss to the 49ers, the Falcons (3-4) turned to backup quarterback Kirk Cousins – who struggled to find his receivers without top wideout Drake London, ruled out with a hip injury.

The Dolphins (2-6) quickly jumped out to a 7-0 lead, with Tagovailoa connecting with a wide-open running back De’Von Achane.

Achane was one of four different players to reach the end zone, joining rookie running back Ollie Gordon II and wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington.

Achane led all players with 67 rushing yards on 18 carries.

Miami’s defense, which has struggled this season in stopping the run, held Falcons standout running back Bijan Robinson to 25 yards on nine carries – with Robinson averaging 2.8 yards per run.

The Falcons never led in the game, as the Dolphins piled on 337 total yards of offense.

KEY NOTES

• After the game, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said he woke up with his eye swollen shut this morning but the Dolphins medical staff was able to get it under control. Said he’s unsure what caused it but it didn’t impact his play.
• As much as the Dolphins’ run defense has struggled this season, they didn’t give the Falcons much room to work with on Sunday – Atlanta managed 45 total yards on the ground.
• Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith moved from the coach’s box to the sideline, with players saying the decision was made by head coach Mike McDaniel.
• In response, McDaniel McDaniel said the decision to have Dolphins’ Frank Smith on the sideline was not planned but “more of a reaction to the work week.” He called Smith a “problem solver,” who invested in the players this week and the players responded to him.
• The Dolphins outgained the Falcons, 338-213, and held a big edge in time of possession, as well.
• Four Dolphins were injured on Sunday, including safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick (thumb), Ifeatu Melifonwu (hand), and Ashtyn Davis (quad), wide receiver Dee Eskridge (shoulder), and cornerback Storm Duck (knee). Eskridge and Duck were ruled out. Fullback Alec Ingold was evaluated for a concussion but returned to the game.

NEXT UP

• The Dolphins host the Ravens (2-5) on Oct. 30 at Hard Rock Stadium at 8:15 p.m. ET, with the expectation that quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) will play for the first time since Sept. 28.
• The Falcons travel to Gillette Stadium on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. ET to take on the red-hot Patriots (6-2), though it remains to be seen if Penix Jr. will return.

Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.