The Miami Dolphins hosted the Cincinnati Bengals in a Week 16 showdown on Sunday afternoon. They played the part of host well, basically allowing the Bengals to do whatever they wanted in the second half in route to a second-straight embarrassing loss to an AFC North team. The game was close at halftime, with the Dolphins starting with the ball, only to have multiple turnovers blow the doors off anything Miami wanted to do.
The first career start at quarterback for rookie Quinn Ewers, who replaced the benched Tua Tagovailoa, did not do anything to spark Miami’s play. Interceptions, fumbles, and turnovers on downs doomed Miami in the second half.
Below you will find our full-game recap of all the action. Reactions are in italics.
Final Score
Bengals 45 – 21 Dolphins
First Quarter
Zach Sieler shuts down Bengals opening drive
The Dolphins won the coin toss and, after weeks of takin the ball first, elected to defer to the second half. Cincinnati opened the game with the ball, convering on a 3rd-and-8 with a pass from quarterback Joe Burrow to wide receiver Jamar Chase for exactly eight yards on the third play of the drive. Facing a 3rd-and-6 three plays later, Burrow looked to pass, but Miami defensive tackle Zach Sieler cut through two offensive linemen to get to Burrow’s blindside and record a sack. The Bengals were forced to punt.
Good defensive start. Getting Sieler hot early will be a good thing for the defense. In a game with a rookie quarterback making his first start, the defense is going to have to be effective.
Dolphins punt on opening drive for Quinn Ewers
Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers entered the game as the team’s starting quarterback with head coach Mike McDaniel clearly trying to take the pressure off his seventh-round pick. Running back De’Von Achane picked up four yards on the first play, then was stopped for no gain on a pass from Ewers in the flat. On 3rd-and-6, Ewers hesitated on a couple of potential passes, then threw a jump ball as the pressure reached him, with tight end Darren Waller making a play to come down with the 22-yard pass. The drive stalled shortly thereafter, however, with a reverse run from running back Jaylen Wright picking up four yards, Achane adding another four yards, but running back Ollie Gordon II losing a yard on 3rd-and-2, leading to a punt.
The third-down pass attempt was scary, with Ewers looking like a rookie surprised by the speed of the pass rush. Waller made a great play to come up with the ball, saving his quarterback. Miami is going to run the ball all day and the Bengals defense knows it, so it will be up to the offensive line to create space for Achane, Wright, and Gordon.
Burrow dealing on second possession
Cincinnati started at their nine-yard line after a good punt from Miami’s Jake Bailey, but then Burrow laid out a go-route pass to Higgins for a 35-yard gain. An eight-yard gain on a screen pass to running back Samaje Perine was followed by a run from Perine for three yards and a first down in Miami territory. Burrow then threw to Chase on a crossing route, adding 11 more yards. Two plays later, Burrow again targeted Chase, this time finding the receiver wide open in the middle of the field for a 22-yard gain. On 1st-and-Goal from the nine-yard line, Burrow placed the ball deep in the right side of the endzone, with Higgins dragging his toes for the touchdown reception.
Burrow was on fire on that drive. Perfectly placed passes, and the receivers made great catches. Other than the 22-yard gain, the Dolphins’ defenders actually were in good positions, but the play was just better. Great drive from Cincinnati.
Bengals 7-0.
Dolphins answer immediately
Miami opened with their response with a 16-yard pass from Ewers to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. After Achane was stopped for a one-yard gain, the running back broke through the left side of the offense for a 48-yard touchdown run.
What’s the best way to support your rookie QB making his first start?
De’Von Achane.
pic.twitter.com/XNhD3Qr0Xc
— The Phinsider (@thephinsider)
December 21, 2025
The Dolphins are not afraid to have their rookie throwing the ball, but the team is going to win today if the running game can get into rhythm. That looked like it was going to find its rhythm. Well done.
Tied 7-7.
Cincinnati three-and-out ends quarter
Chase caught a screen pass for a one-yard loss to start the drive, a possession that felt completely opposite the previous Bengals drive. Perine gained three yards and a pass from Burrow to Chase added six yards. After the quarter break, the Bengals punted on a three-and-out.
Good response from the defense after the touchdown drive from Cincinnati on the last possession.
Second Quarter
Waller converts first down before Miami forced to punt
The Dolphins started with a four-yard gain from Achane before an incomplete pass set up 3rd-and-6. Ewers looked to Waller on an out route, with the tight end making a contested catch short of the sticks, but fighting his way forward and reaching out the ball to convert for the first down. Ewers looked down field, but had to check down to Waddle for a one-yard gain on the next play, then a three-yard run from Wright and an incomplete pass led to a Miami punt.
Waller is doing what he can to help out his quarterback. Two targets, two catches, 29 yards and two first downs, both on contested catches that he fought to make. The drive could not be sustained, but the Dolphins have Ewers 6-for-8 for 57 yards so far today; if they can keep that up, they could have a good day.
Bengals drive stalls as Burrow sacked again
After a false start, Burrow took charge of the offense, running for five yards before throwing two passes for a combined 30 yards. After running back Chase Brown picked up seven yards, moving past midfield, Burrow found Perine for eight yards and a first down. Two plays later, Burrow threw to former Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki for an 11-yard gain. A one-yard pass to Chase, a combined sack from linebacker Chop Robinson and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, and an incomplete pass led to a 45-yard field goal.
The Dolphins’ defense is settling in and playing a bend-don’t-break style right now. They are making the plays when they are there, and they are not making big mistakes. They just need to keep the scoring low so the offense does not feel the pressure of needing Ewers to throw on every play.
Dolphins take lead as Ewers continues hot start
After Achane only gained a yard on first down, Ewers went back to Waller, connecting with the tight end for an 11-yard gain. Achane then ran for three yards before a play-action pass to Waddle on a dagger route picked up 19 yards, with fullback Alec Ingold jumping on the ball as it was stripped from the receiver in the tackle. On the first down, Ewers looked to Waddle again, this time gaining 21 yards to move the ball to the 13-yard line. After an Achane run for three yards, Miami faked the handoff to the running back, with wide receiver Malik Washington taking a flip from Ewers on an endaround and scoring from 10-yards out.
Aaron Brewer out lead blocking as he clears the way for the Malik Washington touchdown.
pic.twitter.com/NpJVYaYCt2
— The Phinsider (@thephinsider)
December 21, 2025
Or, just let Ewers throw the ball. He is making good decisions and finding open receivers. The running game is clearly taking the pressure off of him, while Waller and Waddle are making plays when given the chance. Ewers is 9-for-11 for 105 yards so far today. Nice play design on the endaround, with everyone looking like they were running left, leaving Washington and center Aaron Brewer running to the right for the score.
Dolphins 14-10.
Cincinnati responds to retake lead
The Bengals regained possession, looking to respond to Miami’s scoring drive. After a 41-yard kick return, Burrow threw to Gesicki for seven yards. Two incomplete passes set up 3rd-and-10, with the Dolphins’ pass rush appearing to get to Burrow, only to have the quarterback somehow find tight end Drew Sample in a mess of player, and the tight end turn a loss into a 27-yard gain. After am facemask penalty on the Dolphins, Perine finished the drive with a two-yard run for the score.
The Bengals took exactly one minute to respond to the Dolphins’ score. Can the Miami offense use the 1:24 remaining in the half to score, then double up on the other side of the half?
Dolphins cannot get back into gear
The Dolphins opened the drive with a pass play, but Ewers was forced to run for a five-yard scramble. After Achane picked up four yards, Miami again looked to run the ball, but the running back was stuffed for a four-yard loss, leading to a three-and-out punt.
Not exactly the answering drive, or set up for a double-up around halftime, the Dolphins would have wanted, but the punt was perfect and Miami should leave the half trailing by just three points.
Bengals run out clock
After having called a timeout hoping to be able to put together a scoring drive with about 40 seconds remaining in the half, Bailey’s punt hit at the five-yard line and immediately checked up, starting Cincinnati at their four-yard line. After a run from Brown for six yards, the Bengals elected to let the clock run out.
Perfectly done punt by Bailey. Now Miami needs to regain the lead to start the second half.
Halftime Stats
Halftime stats:
Ewers 10/12, 109 yds, 104.5 rate
Achane 9 att, 65 yds, TD
Washington 1 att, 9 yds, TD
Waddle 4 rec, 54 yds
Waller 3 rec, 40 yds
Brooks 10 tackles, 1 pass def
Douglas 4 tackles, 1 pass def
Sieler 1 tackle, 1 sack
Robinson 1 tackle 0.5 sack
Grant 2 tackle, 0.5 sack
— The Phinsider (@thephinsider)
December 21, 2025
Halftime Stats:
CIN – MIA
First down 13 – 9
Yards 221 – 194
Rush yds 39 – 85
Pass yds 182 – 109
Turnovers 0 – 0
TOP 16:44 – 13:16
— The Phinsider (@thephinsider)
December 21, 2025
The Dolphins have played well, especially with a rookie quarterback making his first start. Ewers is throwing the ball well, and they are not trying to force anything. The running game will continue to be the key to the team’s success today.
The defense needs to continue to step up in the second half. Getting more pressure on Burrow will be critical to slowing down the Cincinnati attack in the second half.
Third Quarter
Dolphins get hosed by refs to open second half
Achane picked up six yards on two carries to open the drive, then picked up 31 yards on a screen pass, only to have the referees flag Miami wide receiver Theo Wease for offensive pass interference. The Bengals defender clearly ran into Wease, who was moving out of the way, and it should never have been flagged, but the play was negated. On a 3rd-and-14 pass, tight end Greg Dulcich caught the pass, but fumbled and Cincinnati recovered the loose ball.
What a miserable pair of plays for the Dolphins. That offensive pass interference penalty was ridiculous. Dulcich just never fully secured the ball and was hit right on it on the third-down play. Just rough start to the half.
Bengals make Miami pay for turnover
Starting at the Dolphins’ 34-yard line, Cincinnati looked to extend their lead after the turnover. Burrow threw to sample for four yards to start the possession, then Brown picked up five yards. After no gain on third down, Burrow ran a tush-push to convert on 4th-and-1, then threw to Chase for 15 yards. On the next play, a screen pass turned into a nine-yard touchdown from Brown.
Ouch. What a series of plays. This game quickly went from Miami potentially doubling up around half time to a 10-point lead for the Bengals.
Bengals 24-14.
Dolphins give ball to Bengals again
The Dolphins opened with two incomplete passes before Ewers looked deep to Wease, but the receiver could not pull in the ball, with it flying straight up and being intercepted.
This is starting to feel like last week, when Miami was in the game in the first half, only to watch it all quickly fall apart.
Bengals make Miami pay for turnover again
Two Miami possessions. Two turnovers. Two Bengals possessions. Two touchdowns. Starting at the Dolphins’ 35-yard line, Cincinnati turned to Brown, who caught a pass and turned it into a 23-yard gain before he ran for the 12-yard score.
This is quickly getting out of hand. The Dolphins need to calm down and get back to what was working. They cannot turn this into a passing-only shootout, even down 17. Take the pressure off Ewers to regain their rhythm.
Bengals 31-14.
Miami turnover on downs completes trifecta of giveaways
Wright gained a yard on the first play of the drive, then turned a screen pass into an 18-yard gain. After Eskridge picked up two yards, an incomplete pass and a seven-yard gain on a pass to Dulcich, set up a 4th-and-1. Ewers attempted to make the conversion with a quarterback sneak, but his foot slipped on the midfield paint and, after a virtual measurement, he came up 10 inches short.
Miami turned the ball over on downs, making their three possessions of the second half end with the ball in the Bengals’ hands. The Dolphins have to get back into rhythm, but time is starting to run down – and the Bengals are in position to extend the lead even more.
Bengals continue onslaught
Brown continued to dominate in the third quarter, starting with five rushing yards on the first two plays before Burrow to Chase turned into a 36-yard gain. Brown then added another five yards before catching a pass for the five-yard touchdown.
This game went from Miami hanging with the Bengals to a complete blowout. That is three touchdowns in the quarter for Cincinnati, while Miami has 44 yards in the half. The Dolphins are completely out of their depth at this point.
Bengals 38-14
Dolphins get one play
Ewers looked deep toward Waddle on the first play, only to have the pass picked off.
Fumble. Pick. Turnover on downs. Pick. What a quarter for the Miami offense.
Fourth Quarter
Gesicki gets in on the Bengals scoring
The drive started in the third quarter, but the Bengals slowed down their attack, running the 2:12 remaining int the quarter with a pass to Brown for six yards, then three runs split between Brown and Perine to move to the Miami 21-yard line. Three plays into the fourth period, Burrow found Gesicki for the 17-yard score, with the tight end clearly enjoying scoring back in Miami.
Gesicki did his version of the “griddy” and enjoyed the moment of scoring back where the was originally drafted. The Bengals have jumped out to a 45-14 lead after having a 17-14 lead at halftime. This is just flat out ugly.
Dolphins successfully punt the ball
Miami opened with a one-yard loss on a run from Wright, then Achane gained six yards. After a false start on the Dolphins, Ewers threw to Achane for five yards before the Dolphins punted.
At this point, a punt is a successful drive for Miami. This half has been ugly, and the Dolphins holding on to the ball for a three-and-out is a win.
Bengals pull starters
Cincinnati started pulling out their starters, including Joe Flacco replacing Joe Burrow at quarterback. The Bengals picked up six yards before punting on the three-and-out possession.
Not only is this game out of hand, but it is so out of hand that the Bengals will play most of the fourth quarter with their backups. Completely embarrassing.
Miami finds endzone once game out of reach
The Dolphins started at their three-yard line. Ewers was able to move the team down the field, throwing passes to Dulcich, Ingold, Waddle, and Washington while Achane and Wright worked on the ground. The nine-play drive covered all 97 yards in 5:27, ending with Wright carrying the ball the final three yards for the score.
Just like last week, when the Dolphins lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football, Miami was able to put up a late touchdown to make an embarrassing loss a little closer – but still just as embarrassing.
Bengals 45-24
Bengals work clock before punting
Cincinnati just looked to run the clock after Miami’s score. Three carries only gained six yards, but the Bengals were able to take off nearly two minutes of play time.
It is not like Miami’s defense is doing anything special now. The Bengals have clearly taken their foot off the gas and are just trying to get out of South Florida now.
Dolphins use last drive to keep Ewers throwing, gaining experience
With the game effectively over, the Dolphins continued to try to work with Ewers and keep adding to his experience. Another good punt started Miami at their four-yard line, with Ewers throwing the ball multiple times to get out near midfield, but letting the clock run to end the game.
The final seconds ticking off the clock are the best thing that Miami could see at this point.
