Bengals vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats

The bengals vs miami dolphins match player stats from December 21, 2025, tell the story of a game that was much more one-sided than the 45-21 final score alone might suggest. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, combining an efficient passing attack, perfect red-zone execution, a turnover advantage, and a dominant third quarter to pull away from a game that was tied 7-7 after the opening period. Joe Burrow delivered one of his most productive performances of the season, throwing for 309 yards and four touchdowns without an interception, while Ja’Marr Chase led Cincinnati with 109 receiving yards.

Miami produced 389 total yards compared with Cincinnati’s 407, so the 24-point difference was not simply the result of one team moving the ball and the other failing to do so. The deeper numbers show a more interesting picture. Miami actually gained more rushing yards, 129 to 105, while De’Von Achane produced 81 rushing yards. However, the Dolphins struggled to convert possessions into passing touchdowns and committed two fumbles, losing one. Quinn Ewers finished with 260 passing yards but threw two interceptions and no touchdowns.

Cincinnati’s efficiency inside the red zone became one of the defining statistical differences. The Bengals went 6-for-6 in red-zone opportunities, while Miami went 2-for-2. Cincinnati also converted 50% of its third downs compared with only 20% for Miami. Those small efficiency differences accumulated into a decisive result.

The official NFL game information confirms the December 21, 2025 result of Bengals 45, Dolphins 21, with Cincinnati improving to 5-10 and Miami standing at 6-9 after the game.

Table of Contents

Bengals vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The matchup was played on December 21, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Category	Cincinnati Bengals	Miami Dolphins
Final Score	45	21
Record After Game	5-10	6-9
Total Yards	407	389
Passing Yards	302 net	260
Rushing Yards	105	129
Offensive Plays	61	58
First Downs	23	19
Third Down	6/12	2/10
Fourth Down	1/1	1/2
Touchdowns	6	3
Red Zone	6/6	2/2
Turnovers Lost	0	3 total
Time of Possession	31:32	28:28

The first thing that stands out is that Cincinnati did not need a massive yardage advantage to win comfortably.

The Bengals produced only 18 more total yards than Miami, yet they scored 24 more points. That gap points directly toward execution rather than raw yardage.

Cincinnati was particularly effective on third down and in the red zone. The Bengals converted six of 12 third-down opportunities and scored touchdowns on all six red-zone possessions. Miami converted only two of 10 third downs, although the Dolphins also finished 2-for-2 in the red zone.

That combination suggests that Cincinnati consistently kept drives alive while Miami had difficulty extending possessions before reaching scoring range.

Joe Burrow’s Passing Performance

Joe Burrow was the statistical centerpiece of Cincinnati’s victory.

He completed 25 of 32 passes for 309 yards, averaging 9.7 yards per attempt. He threw four touchdown passes and did not throw an interception.

His official passer rating was 146.5.

Joe Burrow Stat	Number
Completions	25
Attempts	32
Completion Rate	78.1%
Passing Yards	309
Yards Per Attempt	9.7
Touchdowns	4
Interceptions	0
Sacks	2
Sack Yards Lost	11
Passer Rating	146.5
QBR	87.1

Burrow’s completion percentage was 78.1%, calculated from 25 completions on 32 attempts. More importantly, he paired accuracy with explosive efficiency.

A 9.7-yard average per attempt is significant because it shows Cincinnati was not simply relying on short throws to accumulate yardage. The Bengals were able to generate substantial gains through the passing game while maintaining a high completion rate.

Burrow’s four touchdowns were also critical. Miami’s quarterback produced zero passing touchdowns, creating a four-touchdown difference through the air.

The two sacks Cincinnati allowed did not materially derail the passing attack. Burrow still finished with more than 300 gross passing yards and a 146.5 passer rating.

The official NFL player log also records Burrow’s Week 16 performance as 25 completions on 32 attempts for 309 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

Cincinnati’s Passing Efficiency

The team passing numbers provide another useful perspective.

Cincinnati completed 26 of 33 team pass attempts for 302 net passing yards, with four passing touchdowns and no interceptions.

The distinction between Burrow’s 309 passing yards and Cincinnati’s 302 net passing yards is important.

Burrow’s 309 yards represent his gross passing production. Cincinnati’s official team net passing figure accounts for the 11 yards lost on two sacks.

That means the Bengals’ passing game was highly productive even after accounting for negative plays.

Why the Passing Numbers Matter

A passing attack becomes especially dangerous when it combines three things:

High completion efficiency
Strong yards per attempt
Touchdown production

Cincinnati achieved all three.

Burrow completed 78.1% of his passes, averaged 9.7 yards per attempt, and threw four touchdowns without a turnover.

That profile explains why Cincinnati scored 45 points despite gaining only 407 total yards.

Ja’Marr Chase Leads Cincinnati Receivers

Ja’Marr Chase was Cincinnati’s leading receiver.

He finished with nine receptions for 109 yards on 11 targets.

Ja’Marr Chase Stat	Number
Receptions	9
Targets	11
Receiving Yards	109
Average	12.1
Long Reception	36 yards
Touchdowns	0

Chase accounted for more than 100 receiving yards while catching nine passes, making him one of the most consistent offensive contributors in the matchup.

His 11 targets represented a substantial portion of Cincinnati’s passing opportunities. The 36-yard long reception also demonstrates that his production was not limited to short completions.

Interestingly, Chase did not score a receiving touchdown even though Cincinnati threw four touchdown passes.

That is an important reminder when evaluating player statistics. A receiver can be central to an offense’s success without scoring a touchdown personally.

Chase’s 109 yards helped Cincinnati sustain drives and create opportunities for other players to finish possessions.

Tee Higgins Adds Explosive Receiving Production

Tee Higgins also contributed significantly to Cincinnati’s passing attack.

Higgins recorded three receptions for 53 yards, including a long reception of 35 yards. His 17.7 yards per reception average was particularly notable.

That type of production complements Chase effectively.

When an offense has one receiver consistently generating first downs and another capable of producing large gains, defensive coverage becomes more difficult to manage.

The combination of Chase’s volume and Higgins’ explosive average helped Cincinnati maintain a balanced passing threat.

Cincinnati’s Rushing Attack

The Bengals were less productive on the ground than Miami, but their rushing attack still contributed two touchdowns.

Cincinnati recorded:

26 rushing attempts
105 rushing yards
4.0 yards per carry
2 rushing touchdowns
12-yard longest run

The overall rushing average of 4.0 yards per attempt was solid enough to keep Miami from focusing exclusively on Burrow.

Chase Brown Leads Cincinnati Rushers

Chase Brown was Cincinnati’s leading rusher.

He carried the ball 12 times for 66 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt.

Chase Brown Stat	Number
Carries	12
Rushing Yards	66
Average	5.5
Touchdowns	1
Long Run	12 yards

Brown’s 5.5-yard average was considerably better than Cincinnati’s overall 4.0-yard rushing average.

His 66 yards accounted for a large portion of the Bengals’ ground production and gave Cincinnati another way to move the ball.

The key point is that Cincinnati did not need to dominate rushing yardage. The Bengals combined adequate ground production with exceptional passing efficiency.

Miami Dolphins Passing Stats

Miami’s passing performance was one of the clearest areas separating the teams.

Quinn Ewers completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards.

He averaged 8.7 yards per attempt, but he threw no touchdowns and two interceptions.

Quinn Ewers Stat	Number
Completions	20
Attempts	30
Completion Rate	66.7%
Passing Yards	260
Yards Per Attempt	8.7
Touchdowns	0
Interceptions	2
QBR	28.8
Passer Rating	66.0

At first glance, 260 passing yards and 8.7 yards per attempt appear respectable.

The problem was what happened at the most important moments.

Miami did not convert those passing yards into touchdowns through the air. The Dolphins also gave Cincinnati two interceptions.

Turnovers changed the value of the yardage Miami accumulated.

This is one of the most useful lessons from the game when studying football statistics: total yardage does not always correspond directly with scoring success.

Miami’s Rushing Attack Performs Well

Miami actually had the better rushing numbers.

The Dolphins recorded 28 rushing attempts for 129 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

They also scored three rushing touchdowns.

Miami Rushing Stat	Number
Attempts	28
Yards	129
Average	4.6
Touchdowns	3
Long Run	48 yards

Miami’s 129 rushing yards were 24 more than Cincinnati’s 105.

That makes the final score even more interesting.

The Dolphins were not completely ineffective offensively. They moved the football on the ground and produced three rushing touchdowns.

The bigger issue was the lack of passing touchdowns and the turnover differential.

De’Von Achane Leads Miami’s Rushing Production

De’Von Achane was Miami’s leading rusher.

He carried the ball 15 times for 81 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. His longest run went for 48 yards, and he scored one rushing touchdown.

De’Von Achane Stat	Number
Carries	15
Rushing Yards	81
Average	5.4
Touchdowns	1
Long Run	48 yards

Achane’s 48-yard run was the longest rushing play listed in the game statistics for either team.

His 81 rushing yards also represented a major portion of Miami’s 129 rushing yards.

From an efficiency standpoint, 5.4 yards per carry was excellent production.

The challenge for Miami was turning that rushing efficiency into a complete offensive performance.

Jaylen Waddle Leads Miami Receivers

Jaylen Waddle was Miami’s leading receiver.

He caught five passes for 72 yards on nine targets.

Jaylen Waddle Stat	Number
Receptions	5
Targets	9
Receiving Yards	72
Average	14.4
Long Reception	21 yards
Touchdowns	0

Waddle averaged 14.4 yards per reception, which was higher than Chase’s 12.1-yard average.

Yet Waddle, like Chase, did not record a receiving touchdown.

This illustrates how receiving efficiency and scoring production can tell different stories.

Waddle generated meaningful yardage when targeted, but Miami did not finish its passing possessions with touchdowns.

Bengals Defense Creates the Turnover Difference

Cincinnati’s defense recorded two interceptions.

Barrett Carter intercepted one pass and returned it 16 yards.

Jalen Davis recorded the other interception.

Cincinnati Defensive Category	Number
Total Tackles	76
Solo Tackles	33
Sacks	0
Tackles for Loss	3
Passes Defended	7
QB Hits	4
Interceptions	2
INT Return Yards	16

The Bengals did not record a sack, which is notable because Miami still struggled to produce an efficient passing performance.

Cincinnati instead created pressure and disruption through other defensive actions, including four quarterback hits and two interceptions.

Jordan Battle Leads Cincinnati Tacklers

Jordan Battle finished as Cincinnati’s leading tackler with 10 total tackles, including six solo tackles.

Player	Total Tackles	Solo Tackles
Jordan Battle	10	6

Ten total tackles is a strong individual defensive workload.

However, tackles should be read in context. A high tackle total can result from many different game situations, so it is more useful when combined with turnovers, defensive stops, and overall team performance.

In this game, Cincinnati’s two interceptions were especially important because Miami did not produce any interceptions defensively.

Turnover Battle Explains a Major Part of the Result

Turnovers were one of the clearest statistical differences.

Cincinnati recorded:

0 fumbles
0 fumbles lost
2 interceptions thrown by Miami
1 fumble recovery listed in the defensive statistics

Miami recorded:

2 fumbles
1 fumble lost
0 interceptions by its defense

The official team statistics show Cincinnati committed no turnovers while Miami lost three possessions through two interceptions and one lost fumble.

This gave Cincinnati a substantial possession-security advantage.

A team can survive a modest yardage disadvantage or a weaker rushing total. It becomes much harder to overcome multiple turnovers, especially when the opposing quarterback is simultaneously throwing four touchdown passes without an interception.

Red-Zone Execution Was Nearly Perfect

One of the most important numbers in the Bengals vs Miami Dolphins match player stats is red-zone efficiency.

Cincinnati entered the red zone six times and scored touchdowns on all six opportunities.

That is a 100% red-zone touchdown rate.

Miami entered the red zone twice and scored touchdowns on both occasions.

So both teams were perfect when they reached the red zone.

The difference was how often they reached it.

Cincinnati’s offense created six red-zone opportunities compared with two for Miami.

That four-possession difference is enormous.

It means Cincinnati was not simply finishing drives better. It was creating substantially more opportunities to finish drives.

Third-Down Efficiency Shows the Drive Difference

Third down was another major statistical separator.

Cincinnati converted six of 12 third downs, producing a 50% conversion rate.

Miami converted only two of 10, producing a 20% conversion rate.

Third Down	Cincinnati	Miami
Conversions	6	2
Attempts	12	10
Conversion Rate	50%	20%

Third-down performance matters because it often determines whether an offense gets another set of downs or gives the ball back.

Cincinnati converted half of its opportunities.

Miami converted only one in five.

That difference helped explain why Cincinnati finished with 23 first downs compared with Miami’s 19 despite both teams gaining a similar amount of total yardage.

Special Teams Statistics

Cincinnati also had several useful special teams contributions.

Evan McPherson converted his only field-goal attempt, hitting from 45 yards.

He also converted all six extra-point attempts for 14 total points.

Evan McPherson	Number
Field Goals	1/1
FG Percentage	100%
Long FG	45 yards
Extra Points	6/6
Total Points	14

Miami’s Riley Patterson did not attempt a field goal and converted all three extra points.

Patterson finished with five points.

Punting Comparison

Cincinnati’s Ryan Rehkow punted four times for 208 yards, averaging 52.0 yards per punt.

Four of his punts finished inside the 20-yard line.

Miami’s Jake Bailey punted four times for 201 yards, averaging 50.3 yards per punt. He had one touchback and two punts inside the 20.

Punter	Punts	Yards	Average	Inside 20
Ryan Rehkow	4	208	52.0	4
Jake Bailey	4	201	50.3	2

The punting numbers were relatively close, but Cincinnati had the stronger inside-the-20 result.

Kick Returns and Field Position

Miami actually produced more kickoff return yardage.

The Dolphins recorded eight kickoff returns for 218 yards, averaging 27.3 yards per return.

Cincinnati had four kickoff returns for 117 yards, averaging 29.3 yards per return.

Category	Cincinnati	Miami
Kick Returns	4	8
Return Yards	117	218
Average	29.3	27.3
Long	41	35
Return TDs	0	0

Cincinnati also had one punt return for 26 yards.

Miami recorded no punt returns.

These numbers demonstrate another important point: Miami won some individual statistical categories without winning the game.

Football games are collections of interconnected situations rather than a single statistical contest.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

The scoring pattern shows when the game changed.

Quarter	Bengals	Dolphins
First	7	7
Second	10	7
Third	21	0
Fourth	7	7
Total	45	21

The third quarter was the decisive period.

Cincinnati scored 21 points while Miami was held scoreless.

At halftime, the Bengals led 17-14.

The 21-point third quarter then expanded the margin to 38-14.

Miami scored seven points in the fourth quarter, but Cincinnati added another touchdown to finish with 45 points.

The game was therefore competitive for the first half before Cincinnati created separation after halftime.

Why the Third Quarter Changed the Game

A three-touchdown quarter changes the statistical shape of a game.

Before halftime, Miami had enough offensive production to stay within striking distance.

After halftime, Cincinnati combined scoring efficiency with defensive disruption.

The Bengals’ 21-point third quarter also put additional pressure on Miami’s passing game.

Once the Dolphins fell behind by multiple scores, their offensive possessions became more important. Yet Miami’s passing game produced no touchdowns and two interceptions.

That combination made it difficult to close the gap.

Total Offense vs Scoring Efficiency

One of the most valuable lessons from this matchup is the difference between total offense and scoring efficiency.

Cincinnati had 407 total yards.

Miami had 389.

That is a difference of only 18 yards.

But Cincinnati scored 45 points compared with Miami’s 21.

Why?

The Bengals:

Scored six touchdowns through six red-zone trips
Threw four touchdown passes
Committed no turnovers
Converted 50% of third downs
Intercepted Miami twice
Won the time-of-possession battle
Produced six more first downs

Miami:

Rushed for more yards
Had a higher rushing average
Generated 260 passing yards
Produced 389 total yards
Scored three rushing touchdowns
But threw two interceptions
Lost one fumble
Converted only 20% of third downs
Produced no passing touchdowns

The comparison demonstrates why box-score analysis should go beyond total yardage.

First Downs and Possession Control

Cincinnati finished with 23 first downs.

Miami finished with 19.

That four-first-down difference may look modest, but it aligns with the third-down and possession numbers.

Cincinnati held the ball for 31:32.

Miami held it for 28:28.

The Bengals therefore controlled possession for just over three additional minutes.

The time difference alone did not determine the result, but it reflected Cincinnati’s ability to sustain drives.

More sustained drives also created more opportunities to reach the red zone.

Cincinnati’s Offensive Formula

The Bengals’ offensive performance can be summarized through four major elements.

1. Efficient quarterback play

Burrow completed 25 of 32 passes and threw four touchdowns without an interception.

2. Multiple receiving threats

Chase produced 109 yards while Higgins added 53 yards.

3. Adequate rushing production

Cincinnati gained 105 rushing yards and scored twice on the ground.

4. Elite red-zone finishing

The Bengals converted all six red-zone opportunities into touchdowns.

That fourth element may be the most important.

A team can move the ball effectively and still struggle to score. Cincinnati avoided that problem entirely in this matchup.

Miami’s Offensive Formula

Miami’s offense had some strong individual numbers.

Achane averaged 5.4 yards per carry.

Waddle averaged 14.4 yards per reception.

The Dolphins gained 129 rushing yards and 260 passing yards.

However, the overall offense lacked the same level of efficiency when possessions reached critical situations.

Miami scored three rushing touchdowns but zero passing touchdowns.

The two interceptions were particularly costly because they removed scoring opportunities and gave Cincinnati additional chances to control the game.

What the Player Stats Reveal

Looking only at the most famous names can hide the actual reasons for a result.

Burrow’s four touchdown passes obviously stand out.

Chase’s 109 receiving yards also stand out.

Achane’s 81 rushing yards and Waddle’s 72 receiving yards show that Miami had productive skill-position performances as well.

But the complete statistical picture points toward execution.

Cincinnati had:

Better third-down conversion
More first downs
More red-zone opportunities
More red-zone touchdowns
No turnovers
Two defensive interceptions
Four passing touchdowns
A 24-point victory

Miami had:

More rushing yards
A higher rushing average
Strong individual rushing production
Strong individual receiving efficiency
Three rushing touchdowns
But three turnovers and no passing touchdowns

This is why a complete statistical review is more useful than simply listing the top yardage performers.

Bengals vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats: Key Takeaways

The most important statistical takeaways from the game are straightforward.

Joe Burrow was exceptionally efficient

Burrow completed 25 of 32 passes for 309 yards and four touchdowns without an interception.

Ja’Marr Chase topped 100 receiving yards

Chase caught nine passes for 109 yards on 11 targets.

Chase Brown led Cincinnati on the ground

Brown rushed 12 times for 66 yards and a touchdown.

De’Von Achane was Miami’s leading rusher

Achane produced 81 yards on 15 carries, including a 48-yard run.

Jaylen Waddle led Miami in receiving

Waddle caught five passes for 72 yards on nine targets.

Cincinnati dominated third-down efficiency

The Bengals converted 50% of their third downs compared with Miami’s 20%.

Cincinnati was perfect in the red zone

The Bengals scored touchdowns on all six red-zone possessions.

Miami committed three turnovers

The Dolphins threw two interceptions and lost one fumble.

Cincinnati controlled the second half

The Bengals outscored Miami 28-7 after halftime, including a 21-0 third quarter.

How to Read These Stats Correctly

When researching a game like this, it is easy to focus only on passing yards, rushing yards, and receiving yards.

Those numbers matter, but they do not tell the complete story.

A better process is to examine the game in layers.

First, look at total offense.

Then compare efficiency.

Next, examine turnovers.

After that, check third-down conversion and red-zone performance.

Finally, look at when the points were scored.

Using that approach for Cincinnati and Miami reveals why the game ended 45-21 despite only an 18-yard difference in total offense.

The Bengals were better at turning possessions into touchdowns and avoiding mistakes.

That distinction is central to understanding the Bengals vs Miami Dolphins match player stats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score between the Bengals and Dolphins?

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Miami Dolphins 45-21 on December 21, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium.

How many yards did Joe Burrow throw for against Miami?

Joe Burrow passed for 309 yards on 25 completions from 32 attempts. He threw four touchdowns and no interceptions.

How many touchdowns did Joe Burrow throw?

Burrow threw four touchdown passes against the Dolphins.

Who led the Bengals in receiving?

Ja’Marr Chase led Cincinnati with nine receptions for 109 yards on 11 targets.

Who led the Dolphins in rushing?

De’Von Achane led Miami with 81 rushing yards on 15 carries. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry and had a 48-yard long run.

How many turnovers did Miami have?

Miami committed three turnovers in the game, including two interceptions and one lost fumble. Cincinnati committed no turnovers.

Conclusion

The bengals vs miami dolphins match player stats from December 21, 2025, provide a detailed example of how scoring efficiency can matter more than raw yardage.

Cincinnati gained 407 total yards compared with Miami’s 389, yet the Bengals won 45-21. Joe Burrow was the central figure, completing 25 of 32 passes for 309 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Ja’Marr Chase added 109 receiving yards, while Chase Brown contributed 66 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Miami had productive individual performances of its own. De’Von Achane rushed for 81 yards on 15 carries, and Jaylen Waddle caught five passes for 72 yards. The Dolphins also finished with 129 rushing yards, more than Cincinnati’s 105.

The major statistical differences appeared in execution. Cincinnati converted 50% of its third downs, while Miami converted only 20%. The Bengals went 6-for-6 in the red zone, producing six touchdowns. Miami reached the red zone twice and scored touchdowns on both occasions. Cincinnati also avoided turnovers while Miami lost three possessions.

The third quarter ultimately became the turning point. Cincinnati scored 21 unanswered points in the period, transforming a 17-14 halftime advantage into a 38-14 lead.

Taken as a whole, the statistics show a Cincinnati team that was highly efficient in the most valuable situations. Miami moved the ball effectively in several areas, particularly on the ground, but turnovers, third-down struggles, and the lack of passing touchdowns prevented that production from translating into a competitive finish.