Instant takeaways as Tua Tagovailoa, Raheem Mostert lead Dolphins to 42-21 rout of Panthers
MIAMI GARDENS — The Dolphins began their Sunday looking like they weren’t ready for the winless Carolina Panthers.
They ended it looking like they’re ready for a prime-time showdown next Sunday night against the Eagles in Philadelphia.
After spotting Carolina a 14-0 lead, the Dolphins returned to the form, roaring back with 35 unanswered points to blow out the Panthers 42-21 Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.
Raheem Mostert, called upon as a workhorse with De’Von Achane out injured, ran 17 times for 115 yards and scored twice on runs and once on a reception. He has 11 TDs this season.
Tua Tagovailoa enjoyed another efficient day, completing 21-of-31 passes for 262 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions for a passer rating of 126.0.
Tyreek Hill caught six passes for 163 yards (a 27.2 average) and a touchdown despite again dealing with cramps. Hill, with a stated goal of becoming the first receiver to surpass 2,000 yards in a season, is on pace for 2,306. He is averaging 135.7 yards per game, so even if the NFL were still playing a 16-game regular season, he would have 2,170.6 at his current pace.
The Dolphins improved to 5-1, matching their best start since 2002. The Panthers are now 0-6.
The Dolphins rallied with a 21-point second quarter on a 3-yard reception by Mostert, a 4-yard reception by Jaylen Waddle and a 41-yard catch by Hill for a 21-14 halftime lead. Mostert scored twice more in the third quarter for a 35-14 lead.
About that slow start ...
The Dolphins can’t be classified as slow starters but they have been about twice as effective in their torrid second quarters compared to the first. On Sunday, they spotted the winless Panthers a 14-0 lead after one quarter.
It was an equal-opportunity bit of sleepwalking. The defense was getting controlled at the line of scrimmage and the offense opened with consecutive three-and-outs.
Most concerning defensively was how Chuba Hubbard was able to plow right through the heart of Miami’s defense for a 6-yard touchdown run and Tommy Tremble posterizing Xavien Howard by hurdling over him. Not what you’d want on a day the Dolphins were honoring Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas.
Against the Panthers, you might get away with it.
Against the Eagles next week? Don’t press your luck.
Good read on fake punt
The Panthers had their sights on a 21-7 lead in the second quarter when they tried to catch the Dolphins’ special teams napping.
With Johnny Hekker in punt formation on fourth-and-8 from the Carolina 49, Hekker threw a short pass to Laviska Shenault, who took off for the marker. Elijah Campbell was ready for it and hit Shenault, slowing him just enough for Duke Riley to finish by driving Shenault out of bounds just shy of the marker (a call that survived a replay review).
One play later, Mostert took off on a 49-yard run, the 27th run of 10 or more yards by a Dolphin this year, to key a drive that ended with Waddle catching a 4-yard TD pass from Tagovailoa.
The Tyreek Hill Show continues
The NFL might not appreciate it, but Hill has become can’t-miss viewing not only for what he does on the field, but behind the end zone after scoring.
Last week it was flipping a ball to his mother after a touchdown.
This time it was videotaping himself doing a backflip after a score. Officials were ready for him, flagging him for using a prop in his celebration. It would appear there was some degree of planning involved. A videographer just happened to be standing in the very spot where Hill ended up beyond the end zone, with his phone camera rolling.
Maybe Hill will get fined again for that, for his socks, for something, this coming week.
Only request: Dolphins have to avoid penalties in Philly next week.
Raheem Mostert, run game just fine even minus De’Von Achane
More: Jerome Baker on upcoming schedule: 'It's about time the Dolphins play some meaningful games'
You don’t lose a player as electric as Achane and not notice it.
With Achane on injured reserve with an undisclosed knee injury and Jeff Wilson not quite ready to contribute, the ball was squarely in Mostert’s hands Sunday. He responded the way you’d expect.
Mostert had a 49-yard run to jump-start the run game.
By the end, Mostert had scored on a 3-yard reception and runs of 4 yards and 1 yard, giving him 11 total touchdowns this season.
This and that …
Last week the Dolphins had to challenge a 12-men-on-the-field penalty when they actually had only 11 out there. The player flagged for running off the field as the ball was snapped left Miami with 10 men on defense. On Sunday, a similar bit of late movement cost them. The defense gifted the Panthers a third-down conversion when cornerback Eli Apple was late coming off the field, triggering a 12-men-in-the-huddle penalty. … The Panthers were called for a soft pass interference penalty on Jeremy Chinn in the end zone, setting up a third TD by Mostert. … The Dolphins have won 15 of their past 17 games at Hard Rock Stadium. … The Dolphins started Liam Eichenberg at center in place of the injured Connor Williams but did not allow a sack. They have allowed only six sacks in six games this season. … Mike White replaced Tagovailoa late and threw a 61-yard pick-6 against Troy Hill. … Christian Wilkins had two sacks, three quarterback hits and two tackles for loss. Zach Sieler and Bradley Chubb also had sacks. ... Howard suffered a groin injury. ... Salvon Ahmed scored on a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter for his first touchdown of the season.
Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Instant takeaways as Miami Dolphins (5-1) rout Carolina Panthers 42-21
