Oct 26, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Every NFL team hopes its season will turn around after a losing streak, but the Dolphins must have made a huge wish before heading to Atlanta. The oddsmakers gave them a +7.5 spread, and most fans thought they'd need a GPS to find the end zone, but Miami showed up like they'd missed their flight to reality, not Atlanta.

Tua Tagovailoa took to the field wearing his new lucky visor, perhaps to block out memories of those recent interceptions, and he put on an absolute show. He finished the game 20-of-26 with four touchdowns, tossing passes like he was distributing Halloween candy. Jaylen Waddle, never one to disappoint, danced his way to five catches for 99 yards and a score. Rookie Malik Washington, the ever-versatile De'Von Achane, and running back Ollie Gordon all got their names inked in the TD column, making Atlanta’s celebrated secondary look like they were allergic to covering receivers.

Miami’s offense wasn’t just explosive; it was efficient, controlling possession and silencing critics who questioned its game planning after a three-game slide. Tua found rhythm early, helped by creative play calls from Coach Mike McDaniel, whose job security had been the subject of much debate leading into the matchup. After his squad’s performance, the heat on McDaniel’s seat cooled to about room temperature.

Defense was just as crucial in Miami’s upset. Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, usually a highlight machine, was limited to just 25 yards on the ground and caught only three passes for 23 yards. Miami’s front seven clogged running lanes and forced Atlanta to abandon its game plan. By the fourth quarter, Falcons fans were searching for more than answers, and they needed good snacks to distract from the score line.

For the Dolphins, everything clicked: turnovers were avoided, drives finished in points, and both lines held firm. Outgaining Atlanta 338-213 and dominating time of possession, Miami looked more like contenders than underdogs. Even Coach McDaniel flashed a rare postgame smile, reminding media members he’d always believed in showing up when it mattered most.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Stunning Victory: Dolphins Shock Falcons in Atlanta 34-10

Reporting by Tyler Whitcomb, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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