Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for a touchdown and 272 yards in a 23-10 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Dolphins vs. Browns 2013 results: Miami shuts down Cleveland, 23-10
The Dolphins earned a Week 1 win on the back of their defense, as the unit forced several turnovers against the Browns in Cleveland.
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Both teams started off shaky, with Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden throwing three interceptions in the first half while the Dolphins failed to move the ball. At the end of the half, the Browns were in the lead, 7-6, despite the several turnovers by Weeden. The Dolphins turned on the juice in the second half with 17 points coming in the final two quarters.
Tannehill threw for a score and also had an interception of his own. His top target was wide receiver Brian Hartline, who had nine catches for 114 yards and a touchdown. The Miami running game struggled all game as Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller combined for 17 yards on 18 carries. However, Thomas was able to get into the end zone for the Dolphins' second and final touchdown to give Miami the lead for the rest of the contest.
The Miami defense was the hero of Sunday's matchup, coming up with six sacks and three interceptions. The standout defenders were pass rusher Cameron Wake with 2.5 sacks and cornerback Dimitri Patterson with two interceptions. Defensive end Derrick Shelby added a strip sack and cornerback Nolan Carroll had the game's first interception.
Weeden completed 26 of 53 passes for 289 yards, one touchdown and the aforementioned three picks. He also fumbled on the sack by Shelby. His top target was tight end Jordan Cameron, who caught nine passes for 108 yards and a touchdown.
The Browns now fall to 0-1, while the Dolphins go to 1-0.
Fantasy studs and duds
Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline's nine catches for 114 yards and a touchdown made his fantasy owners smile. Cleveland's Jordan Cameron had been a pleasant surprise in the preseason, but he made those who drafted him as a sleeper look smart.
Browns wide receiver Greg Little continues to prove that he is a fantasy disappointment. He had just four catches for 26 yards, even with Josh Gordon out of the lineup. Miami's running back corps was even more unimpressive with the combination of Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller collecting just 17 yards on 18 carries.
Did they cover?
Cleveland was a 2.5-point favorite, so the Browns did not cover..
What’s next?
9/15: Miami at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. ET
9/15: Cleveland at Baltimore, 1 p.m. ET
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