By admin 
The Miami Dolphins produced several individual bright spots Sunday, but three turnovers and recurring breakdowns left them 0-5 after a 31-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
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Winner: Ollie Gordon II.
Gordon strengthened his claim on the lead-back role with 88 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. He consistently created manageable down-and-distance situations and gave Miami an offensive identity. His consecutive productive games are among the clearest signs of progress on the roster.
Winners
Winner: Kevin Coleman Jr. The rookie receiver caught three passes for 30 yards, including his first NFL touchdown. His 23-yard reception also helped set up Miami’s final score. Coleman showed enough late-game poise to warrant a larger role after the bye.
Winner: Malik Washington. Washington led Miami with six catches and 43 yards and added an 18-yard run. He was not dominant, but he remained the offense’s most dependable receiver while the passing game struggled.
Winner: Bradley Pinion. Miami’s punter delivered kicks of 59 and 57 yards. On a day when the rest of the special-teams operation included a massive return allowed and a missed extra point, Pinion’s consistency stood out.
Losers
Loser: Malik Willis. Willis flashed athleticism and produced two late scores, but his three turnovers shaped the game. He threw two interceptions on consecutive possessions, lost a fourth-quarter fumble and finished with only 137 passing yards. The offense cannot overcome that level of quarterback volatility.
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Loser: Miami’s kickoff coverage. Dohnte Meyers returned the opening kickoff 81 yards to the Miami 10. Cincinnati scored three plays later, forcing the Dolphins to chase the game from the opening minute.
Loser: The pass rush. Miami did not sack Joe Burrow. Cincinnati’s quarterback completed 72% of his throws and delivered four touchdown passes without having to solve sustained pressure.
Loser: Red-zone execution. Miami reached the Cincinnati 1 late in the third quarter but moved backward on a sack and settled for a 29-yard field goal. That four-point difference mattered in a seven-point loss.
The “loser” label describes one game, not a player’s talent or character. Even so, the pattern is difficult to ignore: Miami’s promising individual efforts keep being canceled by turnovers and situational mistakes.
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This story was originally published October 11, 2026 at 3:12 PM.