LANDOVER, Maryland — The Miami Dolphins wasted no time showcasing their prowess during Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders.
It took just three plays for Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to connect with wide receiver Tyreek Hill for a 78-yard touchdown, the second longest of each player’s career.
Hill quickly outran Commanders cornerback Jartavius Martin, finding himself without safety help. The All-Pro received the pass from Tagovailoa and sprinted to the end zone, reaching a top speed of 21.68 mph — the fifth-fastest registered ball carrier speed by Next Gen Stats.
TUA TO TYREEK ON A 78-YARD TD
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📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/xvCjbLUIcN pic.twitter.com/I7MXJ3qJbU— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2023
This score marked Hill’s 11th career touchdown of at least 75 yards, the fourth most in NFL history. It also propelled him to a league-leading 1,402 receiving yards this season, putting him on pace to become the first player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 receiving yards in a season.
Not satisfied with just one, Tagovailoa found Hill again in the second quarter for another long touchdown.
On a third-and-7 from his own 40-yard line, Hill shifted right and surged down the seam when the ball was snapped. Despite pressure on Tagovailoa, he lobbed the ball deep to his speedy wide receiver, who expertly chased down the pass and scored a 60-yard touchdown.
TUA TO TYREEK AGAIN. 60-YARD TD.
📺: #MIAvsWAS on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/xvCjbLUIcN pic.twitter.com/IK98vuCTEI— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2023
With this reception, Hill ended the first half with 132 yards and two touchdowns on three catches.
The defense also contributed to the first-half excitement. After a three-and-out on offense, the Dolphins’ defense scored a touchdown to close the first quarter, courtesy of an Andrew Van Ginkel pick-six.
Filling in for Jaelan Phillips, who is on injured reserve with a season-ending Achilles tear, Van Ginkel thwarted Washington’s screen attempt and returned Sam Howell’s pass 32 yards for Miami’s second pick-six of the season.
Andrew Van Ginkel Pick-6!
📺: #MIAvsWAS on FOX
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— NFL (@NFL) December 3, 2023
Van Ginkel’s run increased the Dolphins’ lead to 17-0.
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