Miami Dolphins stop short of NFL scoring record with 70-point outburst – and fans boo
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Ever hear a home team booed by their home fans after putting up 70 points in a rout?
Well, it happened during the Miami Dolphins’ 70-20 blowout of the Denver Broncos on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, with coach Mike McDaniel pulling back rather than making a final push for the NFL record for points in a single game.
The Dolphins could have trotted kicker Jason Sanders out to attempt a 45-yard field goal, which would have broken the mark that has stood for 57 years.
Instead, McDaniel instructed backup quarterback Mike White to take a knee because he didn’t want to “chase” after points or an NFL record.
And the boos started – and ended shortly after – as the clock ran out.
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“There was an attainable record that was cool, but the message I thought it would send wasn’t in line with how I view things,” McDaniel said postgame. “It would’ve been cool. But what we’re trying to do, I think I’ll be talking from both sides of my mouth if we sent the field goal team on and tried to squeeze an extra three (points).
“That’s not what I’m about,” McDaniel added.
Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns, while running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane scored four touchdowns each during the game.
Star Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill had 157 yards on nine receptions as well as a touchdown catch from Tagovailoa, who threw one touchdown to Mostert and had two shovel passes to Achane for scores.
“We’re not trying to humiliate teams,” Tagovailoa said.
Achane finished with 233 total yards, while Mostert had 142 total yards as the Dolphins set the franchise record for points and yards (726) in a game.
The Dolphins also became the first team in NFL history to score five rushing touchdowns and five passing touchdowns in the same contest.
And the previous regular-season scoring record, held by the Washington franchise in a 72-41 win over the New York Giants on Nov. 27, 1966, still stands.
“I will be fine getting second guessed by turning down NFL records. That’s fine,” McDaniel said. “I am very, very okay with the decision … That’s called karma, and I’m trying to keep good karma with the Miami Dolphins.”