The Seattle Seahawks dominated the Miami Dolphins in a Week 3 NFL matchup on September 22, 2024, at Lumen Field, securing a convincing 24-3 victory. This game highlighted Seattle’s defensive prowess and offensive efficiency under new head coach Mike Macdonald, while Miami struggled with quarterback injuries and offensive miscues. With Tua Tagovailoa sidelined and Skylar Thompson exiting early, the Dolphins’ offense faltered against a relentless Seahawks defense. Below is a unique analysis of the player stats, converting table data into narrative form with small tables to spotlight key performers.
Miami Dolphins vs Seahawks Match Player Stats
- Sport: American Football
- League: NFL (National Football League)
- Date: September 22, 2024
- Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
- Matchup: Seattle Seahawks vs. Miami Dolphins
- Result: Seattle Seahawks won 24–3
- Broadcast: FOX, 4:05 PM ET
Game Context: Seahawks Soar, Dolphins Stumble
The September 22, 2024, game, broadcast on FOX at 4:05 PM ET, marked Seattle’s return to Lumen Field, where a raucous crowd fueled their 3-0 start. The Seahawks, coming off wins against Denver and New England, aimed to maintain their early NFC West lead. The Dolphins, at 1-2, faced adversity without Tua Tagovailoa, who was recovering from a concussion, and saw backup Skylar Thompson leave with a chest injury, thrusting Tim Boyle into action. The game was a tale of Seattle’s control and Miami’s struggles, with penalties (22 combined) and turnovers shaping the outcome. This analysis dives into verified player stats, offering a narrative perspective on the performances that defined the game.
Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith and Defense Shine
The Seahawks’ offense, led by Geno Smith, was efficient despite two turnovers, while their defense stifled Miami’s attack. Smith completed 26 of 34 passes for 289 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions, earning a solid passer rating. His 71-yard touchdown pass to D.K. Metcalf was the game’s defining play, though a third-quarter interception tipped by Calais Campbell and caught by Zach Sieler stalled a drive. Smith’s poise under pressure, connecting with multiple receivers, kept Seattle in command.
D.K. Metcalf was the top receiver, catching four of six targets for 104 yards, including the 71-yard touchdown that capped the first quarter. Tyler Lockett added five catches for 65 yards on seven targets, with an 18-yard gain setting up an early field goal. Jaxon Smith-Njigba contributed three receptions for 39 yards, while Noah Fant and Jake Bobo each had one catch for 11 and 10 yards, respectively. Tight end Pharaoh Brown caught two passes for 29 yards.
Zach Charbonnet powered the ground game, rushing 18 times for 91 yards and scoring two touchdowns—a 4-yard run in the first quarter and a 10-yard score in the fourth to seal the win. DeeJay Dallas added one carry for no gain. Kicker Jason Myers opened the scoring with a 56-yard field goal but missed a 53-yard attempt in the second quarter.
Defensively, Boye Mafe and Dre’Mont Jones led the pass rush, combining for key sacks on Thompson, with Jones’ 10-yard sack in the third quarter forcing a punt. Tyrel Dodson’s sack on Thompson in the second quarter contributed to Miami’s offensive woes. Kader Kohou and Zach Sieler each intercepted Smith, but the Seahawks’ defense held firm, limiting Miami to 205 total yards and becoming the first team since 1979 to hold opponents under 150 passing yards in their first three games.
Seahawks Key Performers
| Player | PTS | YDS | TD | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geno Smith | – | 289 (Pass) | 1 | 26/34, 2 INT, 71-Yd TD |
| D.K. Metcalf | 6 | 104 (Rec) | 1 | 4/6 Targets, 71-Yd TD |
| Zach Charbonnet | 12 | 91 (Rush) | 2 | 18 Carries, 4-Yd & 10-Yd TDs |
The Seahawks’ offense balanced Smith’s 289 passing yards with Charbonnet’s 91 rushing yards, totaling 380 yards. Their 76.5% pass completion rate and two rushing touchdowns showcased efficiency, despite two interceptions. The defense’s five sacks and ability to limit Miami’s passing (186 yards) were pivotal, with Seattle controlling the game from start to finish.
Miami Dolphins: Offense Stalls Amid QB Injuries
The Dolphins’ offense struggled, hampered by quarterback injuries and a penalty-ridden performance. Skylar Thompson started, completing 13 of 19 passes for 107 yards before exiting in the third quarter with a chest injury, likely sustained on a second-quarter sack by Tyrel Dodson. Thompson was sacked five times, losing significant yardage, and failed to generate consistent drives. Tim Boyle, making his Dolphins debut, completed 7 of 13 passes for 79 yards, but his fourth-down incompletion at the Seattle 2-yard line in the fourth quarter ended Miami’s best scoring chance.
Tyreek Hill led the receivers with three catches for 40 yards on five targets, while Jaylen Waddle caught four of five targets for 26 yards. Dee Eskridge, a former Seahawk, had one catch for 30 yards—Miami’s longest play—while De’Von Achane and Jonnu Smith each had two receptions for 24 and 18 yards, respectively. Rookie Jaylen Wright caught one pass for 5 yards.
Achane led the rushing attack with 11 carries for 30 yards, averaging 2.7 yards per carry. Wright showed promise, rushing twice for 17 yards, while Thompson scrambled twice for 2 yards before his injury. Kicker Jason Sanders scored Miami’s only points with a 23-yard field goal in the first quarter but missed a 57-yard attempt early.
Defensively, Jordan Poyer and Jordyn Brooks tied for the team lead with nine tackles, while Jalen Ramsey had two tackles for loss. Zach Sieler’s interception and Calais Campbell’s tip were highlights, but the defense couldn’t stop Seattle’s big plays, including Metcalf’s 71-yard touchdown. The Dolphins’ three sacks on Smith showed fight, but 11 penalties for 92 yards disrupted their rhythm.
Dolphins Key Performers
| Player | PTS | YDS | TD | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skylar Thompson | – | 107 (Pass) | 0 | 13/19, 5 Sacks, Chest Injury |
| Tyreek Hill | – | 40 (Rec) | 0 | 3/5 Targets, 40 Yds |
| De’Von Achane | – | 30 (Rush) | 0 | 11 Carries, 24 Rec Yds |
Miami’s offense managed just 205 yards, with 186 passing and 49 rushing. Their 64.1% completion rate was respectable, but five sacks and 11 penalties crippled drives. The defense forced two turnovers but allowed 380 Seattle yards, including 289 through the air, highlighting their struggle to contain Smith and Metcalf.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Seattle’s offensive efficiency, with 289 passing and 91 rushing yards, dwarfed Miami’s 205 total yards. Smith’s 76.5% completion rate and 71-yard touchdown outshone Thompson’s 107 yards and Boyle’s 79, hampered by five sacks. Seattle’s two rushing touchdowns contrasted with Miami’s sole field goal. The Seahawks’ defense, with five sacks and under 150 passing yards allowed, dominated Miami’s unit, which forced two interceptions but couldn’t stop big plays. Seattle’s cleaner play (11 penalties vs. Miami’s 11) and turnover management sealed their 24-3 rout.
Defining Moments
Seattle set the tone with Myers’ 56-yard field goal and Charbonnet’s 4-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Metcalf’s 71-yard touchdown on the final play of the first quarter extended the lead to 17-3, deflating Miami. Thompson’s third-quarter injury shifted momentum further, and Miami’s failed fourth-down attempt at the Seattle 2-yard line in the fourth quarter ended their comeback hopes. Charbonnet’s 10-yard touchdown with 4:55 left capped a 98-yard drive, putting the game out of reach.
Humanized Narrative: Players Who Made Their Mark
This game was a story of resilience and adversity. Geno Smith’s 289 yards and 71-yard strike to D.K. Metcalf showcased Seattle’s offensive firepower, with Smith’s post-game comment, “All that matters is that we win,” reflecting his focus. Zach Charbonnet’s two touchdowns and 91 yards proved he’s a reliable workhorse, while Boye Mafe and Dre’Mont Jones’ sacks energized the defense.
For Miami, Skylar Thompson’s grit, playing through pain until his chest injury, earned respect, but his five sacks underscored Seattle’s dominance. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle fought for every yard, but the offense couldn’t find rhythm. Jalen Ramsey’s tackles for loss and Zach Sieler’s interception showed defensive heart, but penalties and offensive struggles left the Dolphins reeling. This game was a stark reminder of Miami’s quarterback challenges and Seattle’s early-season surge.
Why This Game Resonates
For NFL fans searching for Dolphins vs. Seahawks insights, this game highlighted Seattle’s defensive identity and Miami’s offensive struggles without Tagovailoa. The Seahawks’ 3-0 start under Macdonald signals their NFC West ambitions, while the Dolphins’ 1-2 record raises questions about their quarterback future. Whether you’re a Seahawks fan celebrating a dominant win or a Dolphins supporter hoping for a rebound, this matchup offered drama, big plays, and lessons for the 2024 season.
