The 49ers vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats on December 22, 2024, turned out to be an intense showdown. Held at Hard Rock Stadium, the game started off tight, but the Dolphins pulled away late, thanks to key plays from their defense and reliable special teams. The final score was 29–17 in favor of Miami, pushing them closer to playoff contention while ending San Francisco’s postseason hopes.
Both teams showed moments of brilliance. De’Von Achane’s 120 rushing yards, Tua Tagovailoa’s calm execution, and Jason Sanders’ five field goals proved to be the difference-makers. The 49ers had flashes of promise too—George Kittle’s 106 receiving yards and Purdy’s 300+ passing yards stood out. However, critical mistakes and missed red-zone chances hurt their comeback.
Table of Contents
Quarterback Showdown – Purdy vs Tagovailoa
The quarterback battle was at the center of the 49ers vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats. Brock Purdy completed 26 of 40 passes for 313 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He also rushed for 26 yards. Purdy made some sharp throws, especially in the second half, but pressure from Miami’s defense made him hurry several plays.
On the other hand, Tua Tagovailoa looked composed and efficient. He threw for 215 yards and 1 touchdown, connecting well with Tyreek Hill and Achane. What stood out was his ability to protect the ball—zero turnovers and smart play-calling helped control the pace. While Purdy had bigger numbers, Tua’s calm, mistake-free performance was key to Miami’s win.
QB Stats
| Quarterback | Team | Comp/Att | Passing Yards | TDs | INT | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brock Purdy | 49ers | 26/40 | 313 | 2 | 1 | 26 |
| Tua Tagovailoa | Dolphins | 22/34 | 215 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
Running Game Breakdown
Miami dominated the ground game, thanks to breakout rookie De’Von Achane, who rushed 17 times for 120 yards and a touchdown. His game-sealing 50-yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter was the highlight of the match. The 49ers’ defense struggled to contain him once he found open space.
The 49ers’ rushing stats were underwhelming. No running back crossed 60 yards. Purdy himself was their most effective rusher with 26 yards, a sign of how often he had to scramble. The lack of a ground game put more pressure on the passing attack, which ultimately made their offense predictable and easier to contain.
Top Receivers Comparing Yards & Touchdowns
In terms of receiving performance, George Kittle was the standout for the 49ers. He caught 8 passes for 106 yards, finding holes in the Dolphins’ zone defense. Deebo Samuel Sr. also made his mark, grabbing 7 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown, giving the Niners multiple big gains.
For the Dolphins, Tyreek Hill had a quieter night with just 3 catches for 29 yards, but one of those was a touchdown. Achane also showed his versatility, adding 6 receptions for 70 yards, contributing significantly in the passing game too. His dual-threat ability made life difficult for San Francisco’s linebackers.
Defensive & Special-Teams Standouts
On defense, the 49ers were led by Fred Warner, who racked up 10 tackles. Deommodore Lenoir also played a strong game in coverage, breaking up key passes, especially when matched up with Tyreek Hill. Still, the defense couldn’t generate a turnover when it mattered.
Miami’s defense was the real MVP unit. Kader Kohou’s interception of Purdy shifted momentum, while the defensive line recorded 3 sacks and forced rushed throws all night. On special teams, Jason Sanders was perfect, hitting 5 field goals from distances including 44, 48, and 54 yards. His consistency kept the scoreboard ticking when drives stalled.
Team Stats & Efficiency Metrics
Let’s take a side-by-side look at the full 49ers vs Dolphins team stats from the game:
| Category | 49ers | Dolphins |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 374 | 381 |
| Time of Possession | 26:54 | 33:06 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 4/12 | 7/13 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Penalties (Yards) | 11 (90) | 6 (45) |
| Sacks Allowed | 3 | 1 |
These numbers tell the story. Miami controlled the clock, converted third downs more efficiently, and played cleaner football. The 49ers’ penalty count and missed opportunities on third down ultimately cost them.
Fantasy Football Implications & Player Grades
If you’re into fantasy football, this game had some surprises. Achane was a fantasy goldmine, racking up over 25 points in standard leagues with his rushing and receiving totals. Kittle and Deebo Samuel both put up solid WR/TE numbers with 10+ fantasy points.
Purdy’s stats looked good on paper, but his turnover and late-game struggles lowered his fantasy ceiling. Tua, while not explosive, was steady and protected the ball. Defensively, the Dolphins’ unit gave fantasy owners a solid performance thanks to sacks, an INT, and few points allowed in the 4th quarter.
Historical Context & Rivalry Insights
This game added another layer to the 49ers vs Dolphins rivalry, which has roots going back to their Super Bowl XIX clash in 1985. That time, San Francisco dominated Dan Marino’s Dolphins. In recent years, the rivalry has been more balanced, with both teams trading wins.
The 2024 matchup was especially important as both teams were fighting for playoff survival. Miami got the edge this time, breaking their two-game losing streak to the Niners. For fans, it was another chapter in a storied cross-conference rivalry that always delivers.
What’s Next for Both Teams
With the win, the Dolphins improve their chances of making the playoffs, and their schedule suggests momentum is on their side. They’ll be looking to ride this victory into more wins, especially if Achane stays healthy and the defense keeps up the pressure.
For the 49ers, it’s a tough loss. With this defeat, their playoff hopes are officially over. They’ll likely shift focus to evaluating younger players and planning for the draft. Questions will swirl around their coaching and offensive consistency heading into the offseason.
FAQs: 49ers vs Dolphins Player Stats
1. Who was the top scorer in the 49ers vs Dolphins match?
De’Von Achane led all scorers with a rushing touchdown and multiple field-flipping plays.
2. How many passing yards did Brock Purdy and Tua Tagovailoa have?
Purdy had 313 yards; Tua had 215 yards.
3. Who had the most receiving yards?
George Kittle with 106 yards, followed by Deebo Samuel with 96 yards.
4. How many field goals did Jason Sanders score?
He scored 5 field goals, making him one of the key players for Miami.
5. What were the team stats differences?
Miami had more possession, fewer penalties, and better third-down efficiency than San Francisco.
Conclusion
The 49ers vs Miami Dolphins match player stats reveal a game full of ups and downs, with Miami’s balanced performance giving them the win. While San Francisco had big plays, their mistakes and lack of discipline held them back. From standout performances like Achane’s 120 yards to Sanders’ perfect kicking, this was a team effort win for the Dolphins. Fans of both teams will walk away remembering the game’s defining plays—and fantasy managers will be watching these players closely going forward.
Read More: san antonio spurs vs memphis grizzlies match player stats