Introduction
The clash between the Miami Dolphins vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats on Thanksgiving‐week in 2024 was a compelling display of contrasting styles and key individual performances. Green Bay seized the early advantage and never let go, building a commanding lead while Miami’s comeback efforts fell short. This report dives deep into player stats, team dynamics, and key moments that defined the game.
Team Overview & Context
Packers
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Green Bay improved to 9-3 with the victory.
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They entered the game with momentum, looking to maintain dominance in the NFC North. Takeaway: efficient passing, solid defense, and capitalization of Dolphins’ mistakes.
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Key stat: They averaged 9.8 yards per pass attempt (21-of-28 for 274 yds) according to box score.
Dolphins
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Miami dropped to 5-7 with the loss.
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Although quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had an impressive yardage total, the team struggled with the cold environment, turnovers and failed key conversions.
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Miami’s ground game was minimal — only 14 rushing attempts for 39 yards.
Quarter‐by‐Quarter Recap with Statistical Highlights
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1st Quarter: Packers jumped ahead 14-0 thanks to a 3-play, 9-yard TD drive (Love→Reed) and a 1-yard rush by Josh Jacobs.
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2nd Quarter: Miami got on the board with a 33-yard field goal by Jason Sanders, but Green Bay responded with a Reed TD (12 yd pass) and a McManus 46 yd FG to lead 24-3 at halftime.
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3rd Quarter: Packers added a FG to make it 27-3; Dolphins answered with Tagovailoa → De’Von Achane 14-yd TD pass (plus two‐point conversion) to cut it to 27-11.
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4th Quarter: McManus hit a 33-yard FG (30-11) and later Miami’s late TD (Tagovailoa → Tyreek Hill, 12 yd) made it 30-17, but the gap was too large.
Key Player Performance – Green Bay Packers
Quarterback: Jordan Love
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21/28, 274 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 9.8 yds/attempt, passer rating ~129.2.
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Balanced, efficient, and protected by zero sacks.
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His two touchdown passes both went to Jayden Reed, helping establish the early lead.
Running Back: Josh Jacobs
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While exact rushing yardage from this specific game is not fully detailed in the sources cited here, it is noted he contributed 117 all‐purpose yards including a TD.
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Jacobs’ ability to contribute as both a rusher and receiver was impactful for the Packers’ offense.
Wide Receiver: Jayden Reed
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Caught both TD passes from Love, including a short 3-yard and a 12-yard.
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His early connection with Love helped Green Bay take control of momentum.
Kicker: Brandon McManus
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Knocked down three FGs (46 yd, 24 yd, 33 yd) that added up and extended the lead.
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Special teams were a decisive factor in margin expansion.
Defense & Key Plays
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Pack build up 24-3 by halftime thanks to Miami miscues and Green Bay defensive stands.
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Highlight: A goal‐line stand in the 4th quarter thwarted a Miami threat near the Packers’ end zone.
Key Player Performance – Miami Dolphins
Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa
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Impressive yardage: 37/46 for 365 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, passer rating ~114.2.
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Despite the yardage, the game was lost due to situational issues and deficit too large to overcome. Note: Miami has struggled in cold weather games; Tua is 0-8 in games he starts in lower temperatures.
Running Game & Rushing Leaders
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Miami rushing stats: 14 attempts for 39 yards (2.8 yards/carry) in this game.
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Limited ground attack allowed Green Bay’s defense to focus more on the pass.
Receivers: Tyreek Hill & Jonnu Smith
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Tyreek Hill: 6 catches for 83 yards (inferred from reporting) in the game.
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Jonnu Smith: Noted as having 10 receptions for 113 yards in this game.
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While both had solid individual stats, they couldn’t spark a full-scale comeback.
Miscues & Situational Factors
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Early in the game, a muffed punt by Miami’s returner gave Green Bay short field after the opening defensive stop.
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Weather: Miami, a team more accustomed to warm conditions, had to contend with cold weather at Lambeau. That may have influenced comfort and execution.
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Red‐zone and early deficit: Being down big early made Miami play from behind; while they scored twice, they left too much ground to cover.
Comparative Team Statistics
| Category | Miami Dolphins | Green Bay Packers |
|---|---|---|
| First downs | 21 | 19 |
| Total yards | 375 | 388 |
| Passing yards | 336 | 274 |
| Rushing attempts / Yards | 14 / 39 | 25 / 114 |
| Yards per play | 5.8 | 7.3 |
| 3rd-down efficiency | 4-14 | 5-11 |
| Sacks on QB | 5 sacks, 29 yards lost | 0 sacks |
Insights
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Miami actually had slightly more first downs and total yards, but Green Bay was far more efficient in key moments.
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Green Bay’s rushing attack (114 yards) helped diversify their offense and relieve pressure on the QB.
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Miami’s rushing was ineffective (2.8 yds per carry) allowing Green Bay to focus on the pass.
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Packers protected their quarterback completely (0 sacks), while Miami’s QB was sacked 5 times (losing 29 yards) – big difference.
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Green Bay’s higher yards per play (7.3 vs 5.8) indicates they captured more explosive plays and avoided stagnation.
Key Moments & Turning Points
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Opening sequence – After forcing a punt, Miami’s returner muffed the ball. The Packers recovered at the Dolphins’ 9-yard line and scored shortly after to go up 7-0.
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Halftime cushion – Green Bay entered the break leading 24-3, limiting Miami’s chances for a comeback.
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Goal‐line stand – Early 4th quarter, Miami reached near the Packers’ end zone but were stopped. That prevented a closer score and swing in momentum.
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Missed opportunities – Miami’s inability to establish the run, combined with being down early, forced them into high‐risk plays. Meanwhile, Green Bay capitalized on shorter fields and maintained control.
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Weather factor and experience – The cold, Wisconsin night may have favored a home team used to such conditions. Miami’s struggles in cold weather (as noted for Tagovailoa) may have contributed.
Statistical Standouts & Noteworthy Performers
For Green Bay
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Jordan Love: 274 passing yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, zero sacks.
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Jayden Reed: 2 TDs (both receiving) and made big early plays to swing momentum.
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Josh Jacobs: All‐purpose yardage and scoring involvement.
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Brandon McManus: 3 field goals – reliable contribution.
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Defense & special teams: Short‐field recovery early, goal-line stop, containment of Miami’s run game.
For Miami
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Tua Tagovailoa: 365 passing yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs – strong stat line, but not sufficient.
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Jonnu Smith: 10 receptions, 113 receiving yards – big game for a tight end.
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Tyreek Hill: 6 catches for 83 yards – solid, but not game‐changing in context.
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The negatives: 5 sacks allowed, weak rushing attack, deficits in explosive plays.
Tactical & Strategic Observations
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Green Bay’s balanced offense: With both an effective run (114 yards) and efficient pass, the Packers kept Miami off‐balance.
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Miami’s heavy pass reliance: With minimal rushing success, the Dolphins became one‐dimensional, making them predictable.
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Field position & special teams: Early fumble, muffed return, gave Packers short field and bookended scoring opportunities.
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Weather & comfort: The cold and likely slick conditions may have affected Miami’s game plan and comfort level, especially with less experience in such conditions.
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Pressure differential: Packers didn’t allow a sack; Dolphins allowed five. That’s a major differential impacting rhythm and playcalling.
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Momentum control: Green Bay grabbed control early, built a lead, and then leaned on their defense to protect it. Miami’s comeback window was narrow.
What the Stats Tell Us for the Season Outlook
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For Green Bay: The performance suggests a team capable of dominating when executing efficiently. The ability to protect the quarterback, produce in both run and pass, and execute situational defense gives them a strong template going forward.
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For Miami: While the passing numbers from Tagovailoa and his receivers are encouraging, the lack of a consistent rushing attack and vulnerability in adverse conditions threatens their ability to compete outside of favorable matchups. The cold performance issue seems real and worth monitoring.
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Head‐to‐head history: Miami leads the all‐time series 10-7 against Green Bay. But recent meetings have favored the Packers, especially when home.
Player Stats Snapshot (Game Highlight Focus)
| Player | Team | Key Stats | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Love | Packers | 21/28, 274 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT, 0 sacks | Efficient and controlled game |
| Jayden Reed | Packers | 2 TD catches | Big playmaker, connected early with QB |
| Josh Jacobs | Packers | 117 all-purpose yards (incl. TD) | Balanced role, impact both run and pass |
| Brandon McManus | Packers | 3 FGs (46 yd, 24 yd, 33 yd) | Consistent scorer that extended lead |
| Tua Tagovailoa | Dolphins | 37/46, 365 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT | Strong stats but team context undermines value |
| Jonnu Smith | Dolphins | 10 receptions, 113 yds | Excellent individual outing |
| Tyreek Hill | Dolphins | 6 receptions, 83 yds | Good but not enough to carry team |
What Could Have Turned the Game for Miami
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Establishing the run early: If Miami could have converted even moderately on the ground, the Packers’ defense might have been less aggressive against the pass.
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Better field position: Avoiding the early muffed return would have prevented Green Bay’s short‐field score and preserved momentum.
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Defensive stops: If Miami’s defense could have prevented the Packers’ early touchdowns, the game might have stayed closer into the 4th quarter.
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Adapting to conditions: Adjusting play‐calling and pace given cold weather might have improved Miami’s rhythm and reduced sacks.
Final Thoughts
The matchup between the Dolphins and Packers on November 28 2024 served as a reminder that sheer yardage doesn’t guarantee victory. While Miami’s quarterback and receiving corps delivered impressive numbers, football is won by controlling all three phases — offense, defense and special teams — and by capitalizing on situational advantages. Green Bay excelled there: efficient offense, timely defense, and exploited Miami’s mistakes.
The Dolphins will take heart that their passing attack functioned, but must shore up their rushing identity and situational execution to contend at a higher level. The Packers, on the other hand, will look to maintain this balanced and composed performance as they push deeper into the season.
