49ers at Dolphins: Highlights, score and recap

The Miami Dolphins beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-24 at Hard Rock Stadium in Week 12. Here are the highlights and key players from Sunday’s game.

Ryan Tannehill and Colin Kaepernick each threw three touchdown passes on a big day for both quarterbacks. Tannehill led the Dolphins offense to 380 total yards against an overwhelmed San Fran defense.

Not to be outdone, Kaepernick accounted for 409 total yards as both a runner and passer. But Kaepernick also threw a pick, one of two turnovers by the Niners.

Kaepernick got the 49ers on the board first, when he connected with running back Carlos Hyde from 11 yards out. Hyde’s opposite number, Jay Ajayi, went over from two yards to bring the Dolphins back in it.

Then Tannehill threw touchdown passes to tight end Dion Sims and wide receiver Kenny Stills. Those scores came either side of Kaepernick finding his own tight end, Garrett Celek, on a four-yard score.

Tannehill fired back with a 15-yard pass to rookie wideout Leonte Caroo in the fourth quarter. But Kaepernick wasn’t done. He soon hit Torrey Smith from a yard out.

Time ran out on the 49ers when Kaepernick was sandwiched by Ndamukong Suh and Kiko Alonso at the goal-line.

Highlights

Three Stars

1. Ryan Tannehill

Rarely has Tannehill looked so effective, both from the pocket and on the move. He made smart and quick decisions and spread the ball between a host of targets.

The one-time wide receiver also showcased the talent in his wheels by scampering for 34 yards on six carries. Tannehill’s running allowed head coach Adam Gase to mix a few read option wrinkles into his play-calling to keep the 49ers off balance.

This was the kind of mature performance the Dolphins were hoping to seem more often from Tannehill when they hired noted quarterback whisperer Gase.

2. Colin Kaepernick

With his focus on football, Kaepernick reminded everyone he’s still an effective dual-threat weapon on the gridiron. He showed some nice touch on his passes, particularly in the short game.

Accuracy and timing haven’t always been Kaepernick’s strengths as a passer. But there’s never been any doubt about his dynamism as a runner. 10 attempts for 113 yards, including a swift, long-striding 30-yard burst, vividly illustrated the threat.

This is how Kaepernick is supposed to look in head coach Chip Kelly’s up-tempo, option-based attack.

3. Dion Sims

Easily the most underrated player on the Dolphins’ roster, Sims proved his mettle as a matchup nightmare this week. The 6’4″, 271-pounder hauled in four of Tannehill’s passes for 53 yards and a score.

There’s something reminiscent of the great Ben Coates about Sims. He’s a tight end who can dominate from an in-line position or when he’s split out.

The Dolphins must make more use of Sims’ height, power and good hands.

Next: NFL Week 12: Picks and predictions

Next Week

The Dolphins will be on the road against the Baltimore Ravens next week, while the 49ers will meet the Chicago Bears in the Windy City.