49ers Hand Dolphins First Loss Since Week 6

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Miami Dolphins on Sunday 33-17, handing Miami their first loss since Week 6. The loss ended the Dolphins’ five game win streak.

Early Injury

San Francisco starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo went down early in the first quarter. He only threw four passes, connecting on two of them for 56 yards total. After the game, Garoppolo was diagnosed with a broken foot and is out for the season. The 49ers locker room was disappointed by the season ending injury.

"It kind of breaks my heart."

The 49ers locker room reacts to Jimmy Garoppolo's season-ending injury: pic.twitter.com/6htyt6KdvR

— Sam Hustis (@SamHustis) December 5, 2022

San Francisco

Brock Purdy replaced Garoppolo and had an outstanding performance in his absence. He completed 25 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns. Purdy was the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Brock Purdy was the last pick of this year's NFL Draft. #FTTB pic.twitter.com/cYQfWiSSQG

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 4, 2022

Running back Christian McCaffrey led the San Francisco offense, totaling 146 scrimmage yards on the day. He recorded 66 yards on the ground while also leading the 49ers in receiving yards with eight catches for 80 yards and a touchdown.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins had won five straight entering the game Sunday.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa struggled against the San Francisco defense. He threw two interceptions and lost a fumble while being sacked three times.

Despite the turnover troubles, he was able to throw for two touchdowns on top of 295 yards passing. In the third quarter, Tagovailoa threw a deep ball to Tyreek Hill early in the fourth quarter to cut the Niners lead to six points.

https://twitter.com/MiamiDolphins/status/1599548108081274880?s=20&t=_5Kl2NE6OWsUGRfQugUJcg

However, the Dolphins ground game was no where to be found, as they only had 33 yards rushing.

Tagovailoa suffered an injury late in the fourth quarter and did not return to the game. He had an opportunity to come back into the game but the deficit was too much to risk further injury.

#Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered an ankle injury late in today’s loss to the #49ers, could've returned to the game, per sources. The injury isn't believed to be significant, and Tua is expected to start next Sunday night vs. the #Chargers.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 5, 2022

A look Ahead

With the win over Miami, the 49ers increased their win-streak to five games. In Week  14, they’ll welcome Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Bay Area.

The Dolphins will go back to California on Sunday, facing off against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football.

Standings

After the loss, the Dolphins dropped to second place in the AFC East standings behind the Buffalo Bills.

For San Francisco, they remain atop the NFC West and lead the Seattle Seahawks by one game.