Quick thoughts from South Florida Sun Sentinel staffers on the Dolphins’ victory over the New Orleans Saints at Hard Rock Stadium as Miami improved to 5-7 and won its third game in a row:
Dave Hyde, Columnist
They turned an easy win into a difficult win, but credit Minkah Fitzpatrick and a fourth-down stop for stopping the meltdown. It’s hard to get excited by beating a 2-10 New Orleans. But that finish made it exciting.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist
It wasn’t pretty but the Dolphins got the victory. Running back De’Von Achane was the story offensively but the Dolphins were leaking oil (Tua Tagovailoa didn’t have a great game, the offense stalled and pass protection allowed four sacks). Still, they won.
David Furones, Dolphins Writer
Not a pretty win by any means, but the Dolphins defense stood tall for much of the afternoon and when it was needed on the final 2-point try and fourth down. And the run game behind De’Von Achane was there. It doesn’t matter how Miami wins but that it wins to continue keeping slim hopes alive.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor
Well, start with the positive. The Dolphins are 5-7, and the defense played well. However, Tua Tagovailoa again struggled in a rain game and the offense leaned heavily on the run game. But now, the bane of many Dolphins seasons’ existence awaits: December.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor
The Dolphins slopped past an awful Saints team led by an extremely raw rookie quarterback. But, De’Von Achane and solid defense was enough to win and if Miami can win in the chill in New Jersey, they will be back in the hunt at 6-7.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) lines up a play pre-snap against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) celebrates a sack against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) leaves the field after the win over the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and GM Champ Kelly celebrate the win over the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (9) and Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) celebrate Fitzpatrick’s interception at the end of the game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel congratulates Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) after his interception of a two-point conversion attempt by the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel runs off the field after the win over the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, left, and CEO Tom Garfinkel celebrate a interception in the closing minute against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) runs back an interception on a New Orleans Saints two-point conversion attempt at the end of the game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel takes the field for the game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) runs in a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller indicates a first down against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas (26) intercepts a pass against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zeek Biggers (93) celebrates a sack of New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller catches a pass for a first down against New Orleans Saints safety Jonas Sanker on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins defense celebrates a fumble recovery by defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) runs in a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas (26) celebrates a second quarter interception against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) is seen before the game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel meets with officials before the game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II (31) signs for fans before the game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins fans in rain gear ask for autographs before the game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller stretches in the rain before the game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) works out in the rain before the game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) lines up a play pre-snap against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)