{
  "id": 9015556,
  "title": "Dolphins must lean on small victories after being overmatched for a second straight game",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/dolphins-must-lean-on-small-victories-after-being-overmatched-for-a",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T21:55:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dolphins-must-lean-small-victories-215505041.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins will rely on small victories as actual wins remain elusive this season. Despite a valiant effort in the first half of their 35-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the young team was outmatched by the star-studded roster, including All-Pros like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Nick Bosa. Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley acknowledged the game was a \"tale of two halves,\" praising his team's improvement in the first half but lamenting their inability to sustain their performance in the second. Quarterback Malik Willis showed promise with a 77-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, while rookie safety Michael Taaffe contributed with an interception and nine tackles. However, special teams and the offensive line have been key areas of concern, with field goal misses and struggles in run blocking. The Dolphins' run game, highlighted by De Von Achane's 20 carries, provided some relief, but their offensive line struggled against San Francisco's pass rush. Injuries have also affected the team, with WR Caleb Douglas out with an ankle injury, LB Chop Robinson recovering from a concussion, and RB Jaylen Wright's status uncertain. As they prepare for their home opener against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the Dolphins will prioritize building around players like Taaffe and focusing on improving their special teams and offensive line.",
  "summary": "Much of this season for the Miami Dolphins will be about small victories — even if actual wins are hard to come by. “I think the game was really a tale of two halves,” Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley said. A small victory in the 35-13 loss: Quarterback Malik Willis has shown an ability to put the offense in good positions despite the unit's inability to finish drives.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}