Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats
The tampa bay buccaneers vs miami dolphins match player stats from December 28, 2025, tell the story of a close Week 17 contest that Miami won 20-17 at Hard Rock Stadium. The final score was narrow, but the underlying numbers reveal several important differences between the two teams. Tampa Bay produced 346 passing yards through Baker Mayfield, while Miami generated 145 rushing yards and received two touchdown passes from Quinn Ewers. The Buccaneers also moved the ball effectively through the air, but two interceptions and a lost fumble created costly opportunities for Miami.
For anyone studying the tampa bay buccaneers vs miami dolphins match player stats, the most useful approach is not simply to identify the player with the biggest yardage total. A box score becomes much more informative when passing efficiency, rushing balance, receiving production, turnovers, defensive pressure, and kicking are considered together.
Miami entered the game with a 7-8 record according to the game-week context, while the final season records listed for the matchup were 7-9 for both teams. The Dolphins protected home field and finished with 20 points, while Tampa Bay managed 17.
The official NFL game information confirms that the matchup was played on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. official NFL game information
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats at a Glance
The tampa bay buccaneers vs miami dolphins match player stats can be summarized through several key categories.
| Category | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Miami Dolphins |
| Final Score | 17 | 20 |
| Passing Yards | 346 | 172 |
| Rushing Yards | 53 | 145 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 2 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 2 | 0 |
| Team Sacks Allowed | 3 | 2 |
| Team Fumbles Lost | 1 | 0 |
| Defensive Tackles | 58 | 70 |
| Defensive Sacks | 2 | 3 |
| Defensive Pass Defenses | 3 | 6 |
| Defensive Interceptions | 0 | 2 |
| Field Goals | 1/2 | 2/2 |
| Extra Points | 2/2 | 2/2 |
The central statistical contrast is obvious. Tampa Bay dominated the passing yardage category, while Miami had a much stronger rushing output.
That difference matters because football games are not decided by one statistical category. Tampa Bay’s 346 passing yards were substantial, but Miami’s 145 rushing yards helped keep the offense productive without requiring a large passing workload.
How the Game Developed
The scoring pattern also provides useful context.
Tampa Bay scored 7 points in the first quarter, failed to score in the second, added 3 points in the third, and scored another 7 in the fourth.
Miami also scored 7 points in the opening quarter but followed that with 10 points in the second quarter. The Dolphins were held scoreless in the third quarter before adding 3 points in the fourth.
The quarter-by-quarter scoring was:
| Quarter | Tampa Bay | Miami |
| Q1 | 7 | 7 |
| Q2 | 0 | 10 |
| Q3 | 3 | 0 |
| Q4 | 7 | 3 |
| Total | 17 | 20 |
This pattern helps explain why the final margin was only three points.
Miami established a 17-7 halftime lead after scoring 10 points in the second quarter. Tampa Bay responded with 3 points in the third and 7 in the fourth, but Miami’s late field goal proved important because it created enough separation to withstand Tampa Bay’s fourth-quarter touchdown.
The game therefore had three distinct phases. The first quarter was even, Miami controlled the second, Tampa Bay recovered some ground after halftime, and the Dolphins ultimately maintained the three-point advantage.
Baker Mayfield’s Passing Performance
Baker Mayfield produced one of the most statistically significant individual performances in the game.
He completed 33 of 44 passes for 346 yards, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt. He threw two touchdowns but also two interceptions. His recorded QBR was 65.1, while his passer rating was 93.6.
Those numbers require some context.
Completing 33 passes means Mayfield was heavily involved in Tampa Bay’s offensive production. His completion percentage was approximately 75%, which indicates that the Buccaneers consistently completed passes rather than relying only on a few explosive plays.
His 346 passing yards were also far above Miami’s 172 passing yards.
However, the two interceptions changed the interpretation of the performance.
A quarterback can produce high passing volume and still leave points on the field through turnovers. That is particularly important in a three-point game. Tampa Bay did not throw a single interception on the Miami side of the stat sheet, while Miami avoided turnovers through the passing game.
Mayfield’s performance can therefore be described as productive but costly.
Mayfield’s Passing Line
- Completions: 33
- Attempts: 44
- Completion percentage: approximately 75%
- Passing yards: 346
- Average per attempt: 7.9 yards
- Passing touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 2
- Sacks: 3
- Sack yardage lost: 19 yards
- QBR: 65.1
- Passer rating: 93.6
The 346-yard total shows how frequently Tampa Bay relied on its passing attack.
The two interceptions show why yardage alone cannot explain the result.
The three sacks also mattered. Tampa Bay lost 19 yards on those sacks, which reduced the net value of some of the team’s passing production.
Quinn Ewers Played a Different Kind of Quarterback Game
Quinn Ewers finished with a much smaller passing workload than Mayfield.
He completed 14 of 22 attempts for 172 yards, averaging 7.8 yards per attempt. He threw two touchdowns and no interceptions. His recorded QBR was 34.7, while his passer rating was 118.0.
The most important part of that statistical line is the combination of efficiency and ball security.
Ewers did not need to throw 40-plus passes because Miami generated 145 rushing yards. His 22 attempts were enough to produce 172 yards and two touchdowns.
His completion percentage was approximately 63.6%.
The 118.0 passer rating also stands out. While passer rating should never be treated as a complete measure of quarterback performance, the number reflects the value of completing a relatively efficient set of passes while avoiding interceptions and producing two touchdowns.
Ewers’ Passing Line
- Completions: 14
- Attempts: 22
- Completion percentage: approximately 63.6%
- Passing yards: 172
- Average per attempt: 7.8 yards
- Passing touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 0
- Sacks: 2
- Sack yardage lost: 19 yards
- QBR: 34.7
- Passer rating: 118.0
The contrast between the two quarterbacks is one of the clearest lessons from this matchup.
Mayfield produced more than twice as many passing yards, yet Miami won the game. Ewers produced fewer yards but avoided interceptions and delivered two touchdown passes.
That is why quarterback statistics need to be read alongside the entire offensive profile.
Tampa Bay’s Rushing Production Was Limited
The Buccaneers rushed for only 53 yards on 16 attempts, an average of 3.3 yards per carry.
That is a major statistical difference compared with Miami’s 145 rushing yards on 30 attempts.
Bucky Irving led Tampa Bay with 9 carries for 19 yards, averaging 2.1 yards per attempt. His longest rush was 12 yards.
Baker Mayfield added 16 rushing yards on three attempts, while Rachaad White recorded 10 yards on two carries. Sean Tucker contributed 8 yards on two attempts.
The distribution was:
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD |
| Bucky Irving | 9 | 19 | 2.1 | 0 |
| Baker Mayfield | 3 | 16 | 5.3 | 0 |
| Rachaad White | 2 | 10 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Sean Tucker | 2 | 8 | 4.0 | 0 |
| Team | 16 | 53 | 3.3 | 0 |
The biggest issue was not simply the total number of carries. It was the lack of efficiency.
At 3.3 yards per carry, Tampa Bay was unable to create the same consistent rushing foundation that Miami generated.
That likely increased the pressure on Mayfield to produce through the air.
Miami’s Rushing Attack Created Balance
Miami’s rushing statistics were considerably stronger.
The Dolphins ran 30 times for 145 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
De’Von Achane was the team’s leading rusher with 18 carries for 83 yards. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry.
Jaylen Wright was particularly efficient. He carried the ball five times for 56 yards, averaging 11.2 yards per carry.
The remaining rushing production came from Jaylen Waddle, Quinn Ewers, Malik Washington, and Greg Dulcich.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average |
| De’Von Achane | 18 | 83 | 4.6 |
| Jaylen Wright | 5 | 56 | 11.2 |
| Jaylen Waddle | 1 | 7 | 7.0 |
| Quinn Ewers | 4 | 5 | 1.3 |
| Malik Washington | 1 | 1 | 1.0 |
| Greg Dulcich | 1 | -7 | -7.0 |
| Team | 30 | 145 | 4.8 |
Achane supplied the volume, while Wright provided explosive efficiency.
That combination is important because it prevented Miami’s offense from becoming overly dependent on the quarterback.
A team that can gain nearly five yards per rushing attempt while also producing two passing touchdowns has multiple ways to move the ball.
Tampa Bay Receiving Leaders
Tampa Bay’s receiving group produced strong overall numbers.
The team recorded 33 receptions for 346 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 10.5 yards per reception.
Jalen McMillan led the Buccaneers in receiving yardage with 114 yards on seven receptions.
Chris Godwin Jr. also had seven receptions, finishing with 108 yards and one touchdown.
Mike Evans added another touchdown on three receptions for 31 yards.
The receiving breakdown was:
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Jalen McMillan | 7 | 114 | 16.3 | 0 |
| Chris Godwin Jr. | 7 | 108 | 15.4 | 1 |
| Cade Otton | 4 | 33 | 8.3 | 0 |
| Mike Evans | 3 | 31 | 10.3 | 1 |
| Emeka Egbuka | 3 | 20 | 6.7 | 0 |
| Tez Johnson | 2 | 19 | 9.5 | 0 |
| Bucky Irving | 5 | 14 | 2.8 | 0 |
| Rachaad White | 2 | 7 | 3.5 | 0 |
| Team | 33 | 346 | 10.5 | 2 |
The most striking feature is the concentration of yardage at the top.
McMillan and Godwin combined for 222 receiving yards, accounting for a substantial portion of Tampa Bay’s aerial production.
Godwin’s 108 yards and touchdown were particularly valuable, while McMillan’s 114 yards came without a touchdown.
This is an excellent example of why receiving yards and receiving touchdowns should be examined separately.
A player can lead the team in yardage without scoring, while another player can have a smaller yardage total but directly contribute to the scoring output.
Miami’s Receiving Numbers Were More Concentrated
Miami recorded 14 receptions for 172 yards and two touchdowns.
Theo Wease Jr. made only one reception, but that reception covered 63 yards and resulted in a touchdown.
Greg Dulcich led Miami in receptions with five and finished with 58 yards and a touchdown.
De’Von Achane added three receptions for 29 yards.
The receiving totals were:
| Player | Receptions | Yards | TD |
| Theo Wease Jr. | 1 | 63 | 1 |
| Greg Dulcich | 5 | 58 | 1 |
| De’Von Achane | 3 | 29 | 0 |
| Julian Hill | 1 | 16 | 0 |
| Cedrick Wilson Jr. | 1 | 8 | 0 |
| Malik Washington | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Darren Waller | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Jaylen Waddle | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Quinn Ewers | 1 | -6 | 0 |
| Team | 14 | 172 | 2 |
Miami’s receiving production demonstrates how explosive plays can influence a game even when a team has fewer total receptions.
Wease’s 63-yard touchdown on one reception accounted for a large portion of Miami’s passing yardage.
Dulcich provided the complementary volume with five receptions and a touchdown.
Turnovers Were a Major Part of the Story
Turnovers deserve special attention when reviewing the tampa bay buccaneers vs miami dolphins match player stats.
Tampa Bay recorded two interceptions thrown by Mayfield. Mayfield also had two fumbles, with one lost.
Miami had no interceptions thrown. Ewers recorded one fumble, but it was not lost.
The defensive interception totals were:
- Miami: 2 interceptions
- Tampa Bay: 0 interceptions
Jason Marshall Jr. recorded one interception for Miami and returned it 24 yards.
Ashtyn Davis recorded the other interception and returned it 21 yards.
Miami therefore gained 45 interception-return yards.
This was a meaningful advantage in a game decided by three points.
The Buccaneers produced 346 passing yards, but some of that statistical production was offset by turnovers. Miami’s passing attack produced only 172 yards, yet the Dolphins protected the football more effectively.
This is one of the most important lessons from the box score: volume does not automatically equal efficiency or winning value.
Miami’s Defense Generated More Pressure
The defensive numbers also favor Miami in several categories.
Tampa Bay recorded 58 total tackles, including 31 solo tackles. The Buccaneers had two sacks, six tackles for loss, three pass defenses, and three quarterback hits.
Miami recorded 70 total tackles, including 41 solo tackles. The Dolphins had three sacks, six tackles for loss, six pass defenses, and four quarterback hits.
| Defensive Category | Tampa Bay | Miami |
| Total Tackles | 58 | 70 |
| Solo Tackles | 31 | 41 |
| Sacks | 2 | 3 |
| Tackles for Loss | 6 | 6 |
| Pass Defenses | 3 | 6 |
| QB Hits | 3 | 4 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 2 |
The most important difference is the turnover column.
Miami’s defense not only generated more sacks and quarterback hits, but it also produced both interceptions.
The Dolphins’ six pass defenses compared with Tampa Bay’s three also indicate greater disruption in the passing game.
The Defensive Numbers Need Context
It would be a mistake to conclude that Miami completely shut down Tampa Bay’s offense.
The Buccaneers still generated 346 passing yards.
That is a substantial amount of offensive production.
The better interpretation is that Miami’s defense allowed Tampa Bay to move the ball but made enough high-impact plays to prevent those yards from consistently becoming points.
That distinction is crucial.
A defense can allow significant yardage while still affecting the game through turnovers, sacks, third-down stops, red-zone defense, or pressure.
In this matchup, Miami’s two interceptions were especially significant because Tampa Bay’s offense was otherwise capable of moving the football.
Special Teams Also Influenced the Final Margin
The kicking numbers provide another useful layer of analysis.
Tampa Bay’s Chase McLaughlin converted one of two field-goal attempts, with a long of 33 yards. He made both extra-point attempts and finished with five points.
Miami’s Riley Patterson converted both field-goal attempts, including a 31-yard kick. He also made both extra points and scored eight points.
| Kicker | FG | XP | Points |
| Chase McLaughlin | 1/2 | 2/2 | 5 |
| Riley Patterson | 2/2 | 2/2 | 8 |
The difference was three points.
That happens to be exactly the final margin.
It would be too simplistic to say the kicking alone decided the game, because offensive and defensive plays created the situations that made those scoring opportunities possible.
Still, in a 20-17 game, converting both field-goal attempts while the opponent converts only one is statistically important.
Kick Return and Punt Return Production
Tampa Bay received solid return production from Kameron Johnson.
Johnson recorded three kick returns for 75 yards, averaging 25.0 yards per return. His longest return was 27 yards.
He also returned two punts for 27 yards, averaging 13.5 yards per return, with a long of 15 yards.
Miami’s Malik Washington had one kick return for 47 yards.
The return statistics were:
| Player | Type | Returns | Yards | Average | Long |
| Kameron Johnson | Kick | 3 | 75 | 25.0 | 27 |
| Kameron Johnson | Punt | 2 | 27 | 13.5 | 15 |
| Malik Washington | Kick | 1 | 47 | 47.0 | 47 |
Miami did not record a punt return in the supplied game data.
Punting Comparison
Riley Dixon punted three times for Tampa Bay for 126 total yards, averaging 42.0 yards per punt. Two of his punts landed inside the 20-yard line.
Jake Bailey punted five times for Miami for 236 yards, averaging 47.2 yards per punt. One punt landed inside the 20.
Both punters had a long of 58 yards.
The difference in average punt distance was notable:
- Riley Dixon: 42.0 yards
- Jake Bailey: 47.2 yards
However, the number of punts also reflects offensive circumstances. Miami punted five times compared with Tampa Bay’s three, so raw punting averages should not be interpreted without considering how often each offense sustained drives.
What the Passing Versus Rushing Split Reveals
Perhaps the most useful way to understand the game is to compare how each team generated its offense.
Tampa Bay:
- 346 passing yards
- 53 rushing yards
- 399 total yards from the supplied offensive figures
Miami:
- 172 passing yards
- 145 rushing yards
- 317 total yards from the supplied offensive figures
Tampa Bay therefore produced considerably more total yardage based on the supplied passing and rushing totals.
Yet Miami won.
That is not an anomaly. Yardage is a descriptive statistic, not a direct measure of points.
The Buccaneers moved the football effectively but suffered from turnovers and limited rushing efficiency. Miami generated less total yardage but protected the football, ran the ball more effectively, and produced key defensive turnovers.
This is exactly why a detailed player-stat analysis is more useful than looking only at total yards.
Why Miami’s Rushing Efficiency Mattered
Miami’s 4.8 yards per carry created a different offensive structure.
Achane carried the ball 18 times, giving the offense a reliable source of rushing volume. Wright then added 56 yards on just five carries.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, averaged only 3.3 yards per carry.
That difference affected offensive flexibility.
If a team repeatedly gains positive yardage on the ground, it can use the run to maintain manageable down-and-distance situations. That can reduce the need for aggressive passing on every possession.
Miami’s offense did not need Ewers to throw 40-plus passes.
The Dolphins could lean on the running game and use the passing attack for high-value opportunities.
Why Tampa Bay’s Passing Production Was Not Enough
The Buccaneers’ passing numbers were impressive.
Mayfield completed 33 passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns. McMillan and Godwin both exceeded 100 receiving yards.
But three numbers complicate that production:
- Two interceptions.
- One lost fumble.
- Only 53 rushing yards.
The result was an offense that could move the ball but was less consistent across different phases.
The two interceptions were especially important because Miami’s defense converted those opportunities into possession changes.
When a game is decided by three points, turnover efficiency becomes a central part of the analysis.
The Importance of Explosive Plays
Both teams had explosive receiving plays.
For Tampa Bay, McMillan averaged 16.3 yards per reception, while Godwin averaged 15.4.
For Miami, Wease averaged 63 yards per reception because his lone catch went for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Wright also produced an explosive rushing performance, averaging 11.2 yards per carry.
These numbers show that Miami did not need a large volume of completed passes to generate meaningful offensive production.
The Dolphins combined rushing explosiveness with selective passing efficiency.
Tampa Bay created more passing volume but could not match Miami’s overall balance.
Player-Level Lessons From the Box Score
The tampa bay buccaneers vs miami dolphins match player stats offer several useful lessons for anyone learning how to analyze NFL box scores.
1. Look Beyond Passing Yardage
Mayfield had 346 yards compared with Ewers’ 172.
That difference looks enormous at first.
But Miami had the better turnover profile and the stronger rushing attack.
2. Separate Receiving Volume From Receiving Impact
McMillan had the most receiving yards for Tampa Bay, while Godwin scored a touchdown.
Miami had only 14 total receptions, but two of them came with touchdowns.
A smaller receiving workload can still produce high-value results.
3. Examine Turnovers Independently
Miami threw no interceptions.
Tampa Bay threw two.
That difference should be considered before drawing conclusions from passing yardage alone.
4. Include Special Teams
Miami’s perfect 2-for-2 field-goal performance produced eight points from Patterson.
Tampa Bay went 1-for-2.
Those three points correspond directly with the final margin.
5. Compare Offensive Balance
Miami had 30 rushing attempts compared with 22 passing attempts.
Tampa Bay had 16 rushing attempts compared with 44 passing attempts.
The difference in offensive approach was significant.
A Practical Way to Read This Box Score
When reviewing a game like this, I recommend working through the numbers in the following order.
First, check the final score and quarter-by-quarter scoring.
Second, compare passing and rushing production.
Third, identify the leading skill-position players.
Fourth, check interceptions and fumbles.
Fifth, examine sacks, quarterback hits, and defensive takeaways.
Sixth, review field goals and extra points.
Finally, compare explosive plays and efficiency.
This method prevents one impressive statistic from dominating the entire interpretation.
For this matchup, starting with Mayfield’s 346 passing yards could lead someone to believe Tampa Bay clearly controlled the game.
Starting with the complete box score tells a different story.
Key Statistical Takeaways
Several numbers stand out from the matchup.
Tampa Bay’s Passing Advantage
The Buccaneers produced 346 passing yards, 174 more than Miami.
That was their clearest offensive statistical advantage.
Miami’s Rushing Advantage
The Dolphins generated 145 rushing yards, 92 more than Tampa Bay.
That helped create offensive balance.
Miami’s Turnover Advantage
Miami recorded two interceptions and lost no fumbles in the supplied statistics.
Tampa Bay threw two interceptions and lost one fumble.
Miami’s Defensive Advantage
The Dolphins recorded three sacks, six pass defenses, four quarterback hits, and two interceptions.
Tampa Bay’s Receiving Production
McMillan and Godwin combined for 222 receiving yards.
Miami’s Efficiency
Ewers threw two touchdowns without an interception and finished with a 118.0 passer rating.
Special Teams Margin
Miami made both field-goal attempts, while Tampa Bay made one of two.
What the Final 20-17 Score Really Tells Us
The final score does not suggest a dominant performance by either side.
Instead, it describes a competitive game in which different statistical strengths produced a narrow outcome.
Tampa Bay’s passing attack was the most productive offensive unit in raw yardage.
Miami’s rushing attack was more productive on the ground.
Tampa Bay’s receivers generated significant yardage.
Miami’s defense generated the game’s interceptions.
Tampa Bay had more total passing production.
Miami had the more balanced offensive approach.
The Dolphins ultimately combined enough rushing efficiency, passing touchdowns, defensive takeaways, and reliable kicking to finish three points ahead.
That is the central lesson from the box score.
FAQs
Who won the Buccaneers vs Dolphins game on December 28, 2025?
The Miami Dolphins defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-17 at Hard Rock Stadium.
How many passing yards did Baker Mayfield have?
Baker Mayfield completed 33 of 44 passes for 346 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
How many rushing yards did Miami have?
The Dolphins recorded 145 rushing yards on 30 attempts, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
Who led Tampa Bay in receiving?
Jalen McMillan led Tampa Bay with seven receptions for 114 yards. Chris Godwin Jr. also had seven receptions and finished with 108 yards and one touchdown.
Who led Miami in rushing?
De’Von Achane led Miami with 18 carries for 83 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
How many interceptions did Miami record?
Miami recorded two interceptions. Jason Marshall Jr. returned one interception 24 yards, while Ashtyn Davis returned another 21 yards.
Conclusion
The tampa bay buccaneers vs miami dolphins match player stats show a game where raw yardage and winning efficiency told different stories.
Tampa Bay’s passing attack was highly productive. Baker Mayfield threw for 346 yards, while Jalen McMillan and Chris Godwin Jr. each surpassed 100 receiving yards. The Buccaneers also produced 399 combined passing and rushing yards based on the supplied offensive totals.
Miami answered with a more balanced approach. The Dolphins rushed for 145 yards, received two touchdown passes from Quinn Ewers, and avoided an interception. Their defense also generated two interceptions, three sacks, six pass defenses, and four quarterback hits.
The special teams numbers were equally important. Riley Patterson converted both field-goal attempts, while Chase McLaughlin converted one of two. The three-point difference in field-goal production matched the final three-point margin.
Ultimately, the box score illustrates why NFL player statistics should be evaluated as a connected set of numbers. Passing yards, rushing efficiency, receiving production, turnovers, defensive pressure, and kicking all contributed to the final result.
The 20-17 score reflects a competitive contest in which Miami made enough high-impact plays to overcome Tampa Bay’s substantial passing production.
