BREAKING NEWS: The Top 100 Plays of the First Quarter of the Century: 31-35.see more details
Here’s a deep dive into plays 35–31 from The Top 100 Miami Dolphins Plays of the First Quarter of the Century, ranking selections 31 through 35. These explosive moments span from 2004 through 2024, showcasing momentum-altering special teams, defensive heroics, and big-play offense. Gear up for an exhilarating ride through some of the franchise’s most iconic snaps.
🔥 35. Jimmy Wilson’s Punt Block vs. New York Jets (2012)
The situation:
In 2012, under head coach Joe Philbin, Miami was seeking consistency and had strung together just a modest three-game win streak. Trailing the Jets 3–0 late in the first quarter, the Dolphins needed momentum.
The play:
Defensive back Jimmy Wilson created a defining moment. After sacking Mark Sanchez to stall the Jets, he raced downfield on the ensuing punt, blew past Tim Tebow (yes, that Tim Tebow) and blocked Robert Malone’s punt. The ball was scooped up in the end zone by Olivier Vernon, resulting in a touchdown that turned a slim 3–0 deficit into a commanding 10–0 lead. Miami coasted to a 30–9 victory. The block didn’t just change a game—it sparked a swinging point in the season’s trajectory. (
34. Koa Misi’s Defensive TD vs. Minnesota Vikings (2010)
The situation:
Coming off a subpar 2009, Miami opened 2010 on a high, taking an early season road win at Buffalo. Their Week 2 matchup at Minnesota, however, tested them against Brett Favre and a strong Vikings squad.
The play:
Leading 7–0, Miami opted to punt from midfield. Special teams pinned the Vikings back at the five. On third-and-10, Cameron Wake stripped Favre in the end zone; linebacker Koa Misi scooped up the loose ball and ran it in for a 14–0 lead. Heading into halftime, that score stood, and was the decisive sequence in a tight 14–10 win. Polishing off Favre in his twilight was no small feat—this score gave momentum to a season ovehadowed only by bigger names. (
33. Jevon Holland’s Game‑Saving Forced Fumble vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (2024)
The situation:
In Miami’s 2024 season opener, Jacksonville looked in control—up 24–7, entrenched in Dolphins territory.
The play:
On a first-and-goal run by Travis Etienne, Jevon Holland exploded through from safety, landing a punch to pop the ball free just shy of the goal line. Cornerback Kader Kohou recovered in the end zone for a touchback—an instant momentum switch. On the very next snap, Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill connected for an 80-yard touchdown, igniting a rally that ended with a dramatic 20–17 win. Holland’s moment became the catalyst. (
32. Marty Booker’s “Bomb” to Chris Chambers vs. St. Louis Rams (2004)
The situation:
Following the sudden retirement of Ricky Williams, Miami stumbled to a 0‑6 start in 2004.
The play:
In Week 7 against the Rams, Miami broke through dramatically. On a first-and-10 from their own 44, Marty Booker took a double-reverse and launched a 55-yard bomb downfield—a deep throw he’d only have confidence in thanks to his high school quarterback days. Chris Chambers caught it at the Rams’ eight, setting up Miami’s first touchdown of the day and kickstarting a 31–14 upset win. A playbook gem and a franchise lifeline. (si.com)
31. Xavien Howard’s Interception vs. New England Patriots (2017)
The situation:
Entering a Monday Night Football clash with a 5–7 record, Miami was facing the dominant 10–2 Patriots.
The play:
Down 10–13 early in the second half, New England faced a daunting third-and-16. Tom Brady targeted Brandin Cooks deep—but Xavien Howard read it perfectly, closed rapidly, and snatched the ball off the Pats star. His 29-yard return set up a go-ahead touchdown, turning the tide in a stunning 27–20 upset. This wasn’t just an interception—it was the moment Howard emerged as a defensive star. (si.com)
✅ Why These Plays Matter
- Game-changing special teams (plays 35, 33): Both Wilson’s punt block and Holland’s forced fumble came at pivotal moments, swinging momentum when Miami needed it most.
- Defensive dominance (plays 34, 31): Miami’s defense wasn’t just bending—they were delivering blow-by-blow, scoring touchdowns and shifting playoff dynamics.
- Offensive audacity (play 32): A 55-yard bomb mid-season? Bold, game-altering, season-defining—and emblematic of playmaking courage.
These five plays capture what the first quarter-century of the new millennium meant for the Miami Dolphins: opportunistic defense, explosive moments on special teams, and a capacity for daring offense when the chips were down.
🏈 What’s Next?
The numbering continues with 30–26, spotlighting more unforgettable moments. But even as the countdown climbs into the top 30, these moments from 31–35 remain the turning points that shaped wins, seasons, and careers.
Let me know if you’d like me to continue with the next five plays—or if you want deep dives into any singl