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Dolphins’ Latest Blunder Shows Just How Bad Things Have Gotten
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- Dolphins’ Latest Blunder Shows Just How Bad Things Have Gotten
The Miami Dolphins were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this season.
Not only has that come to fruition, but they've also become an object of ridicule.
Case in point: Trailing 28-6 midway through the third quarter of their loss to the San Francisco 49ers , Dolphins punter Bradley Pinion fumbled the ball after long snapper Tucker Addington snapped it to him on a fourth-and-15 play. After the ball slipped out of Pinion's hands, he tried to pick it up, but 49ers tight end Brayden Willis tackled him.
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It resulted in a turnover on downs for the Dolphins, and the 49ers took over at Miami's 28-yard line. Three plays later, San Francisco scored its final touchdown of the game when Christian McCaffrey punched it in from one yard out. The 49ers eventually won the game 35-13.
After the game, reporters asked Pinion about the play, and he took full accountability for the blunder.
"It was straight up me — just [the ball] slipping out of my hand," Pinion said. "I'll take full accountability that I got to hold onto the ball and get it off.
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"Pick it up and try to get it off, honestly. Try to make something good out of something terrible. It's just got to be better. I can't let the ball slip out of my hand."
Dolphins roster is not good enough to overcome special teams mistakes
The special teams disaster came after the Dolphins had an encouraging first half against the 49ers. They trailed 14-6 at halftime and outgained San Francisco 165-125 during the first half.
Any momentum Miami had in the first 30 minutes quickly faded after halftime. The 49ers scored on their first possession of the second half and didn't look back.
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Special teams have been an issue for the Dolphins early this season. Their offense and defense were expected to go through growing pains considering they have the youngest roster in the league. But if mistakes like this continue on special teams, it will be difficult for the Dolphins to win games this season.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
