MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — After 32 days away, Lamar Jackson reminded the NFL why he’s a two-time MVP. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback threw four touchdown passes in a dominant 28–6 win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, sparking hope that Baltimore can climb back into playoff contention.
The victory marked the Ravens’ second straight win, improving their record to 3–5 after a disappointing 1–5 start. For Miami, the defeat dropped the Dolphins to 2–7 — their worst start since head coach Mike McDaniel took over in 2022 — as frustration boiled over among home fans at Hard Rock Stadium.
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a play against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 30, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Lamar Jackson Shines in His Return
Jackson, who had missed three games with a right hamstring injury, wasted no time making an impact. Completing 18 of 23 passes for 204 yards and four touchdowns, the star quarterback looked sharp despite limited practice reps during the short week.
He admitted he felt “a little rusty” on the opening drive, but quickly found his rhythm. By halftime, Jackson had already connected twice with tight end Mark Andrews for touchdowns of 2 and 20 yards. He later added scoring throws to tight end Charlie Kolar and wide receiver Rashod Bateman in the second half, cementing one of his best statistical performances of the year.
“He’s a two-time MVP for a reason,” said Andrews. “With [No.] 8 leading the charge, we’re a dangerous team.”
Jackson’s performance was particularly special given the location. The Miami native grew up just miles away and has now thrown four or more touchdowns in three separate games against the Dolphins — more than against any other team.
“It was awesome,” Jackson said postgame. “I just wanted to get out there with my guys. It was great to be back and get a W.”
A Homecoming to Remember
Playing in front of family and friends, Jackson looked comfortable and confident. While he didn’t rely heavily on his legs, rushing for only 14 yards on five carries, he showcased exceptional pocket mobility. According to ESPN Research, Jackson went 5-for-7 for 71 yards and three touchdowns when under pressure — the most such touchdown passes by any quarterback this season.
Running back Derrick Henry, who added 119 rushing yards on 19 carries, said Jackson’s energy lifted the entire team.
“Whenever you’re away from the game, you miss it,” Henry said. “It was even better that he came back in his hometown. That probably gave him a little more juice.”
With Jackson back under center, the Ravens offense roared to life. In his absence, Baltimore averaged just 14.3 points per game. With him, that number has more than doubled to 31.8.
Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens scores a 20-yard touchdown against Elijah Campbell of the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 30, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Miami’s Missteps and Fan Frustration
For the Dolphins, the night was a nightmare. Despite outgaining Baltimore 226–109 in the first half and holding the ball for nearly twice as long, Miami trailed 14–6 at the break and never recovered.
Right tackle Larry Borom’s false start on a crucial fourth-and-one early in the game led to a missed field goal, setting the tone for a series of self-inflicted mistakes. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 25 of 40 passes for 261 yards but threw one interception and no touchdowns, while Miami went 0-for-3 in the red zone and committed three turnovers.
“With the Ravens fans, it maybe got a little muffled with my cadence and the crowd noise,” Tagovailoa admitted, referencing the surprisingly large Baltimore contingent that packed Hard Rock Stadium.
The frustration was visible both on the field and in the stands. Cameras captured head coach Mike McDaniel slamming his headset after the penalty, later clarifying that his anger was directed at “self-inflicted wounds.”
“In critical moments, those controllables are what keep you from winning,” McDaniel said. “I was irate at nothing but ourselves.”
By the third quarter, with the Ravens extending their lead to 28–6, many fans had already started heading for the exits. Some remaining Dolphins supporters even covered their faces with paper bags and popcorn buckets as boos echoed through the stadium.
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass during warm-up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 30, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
Third-Quarter Takeover
Baltimore dominated the third quarter in every phase. The Ravens outgained Miami 166–39, held the ball for over 11 minutes, and scored two touchdowns. The defense suffocated Tagovailoa, forcing turnovers and limiting Miami to just seven offensive plays in the quarter.
Jackson methodically led an 11-play drive capped by Kolar’s touchdown before finding Bateman in the end zone later in the period. Rookie safety Malachi Starks sealed the victory with a fourth-quarter interception, while the Dolphins’ final red-zone trip ended with a costly fumble by Malik Washington.
The win continued a positive trend for Baltimore’s defense, which has now allowed just 16 points combined in its last two games.
Harbaugh and Teammates Praise Jackson’s Impact
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh praised his quarterback after the game:
“It’s been a long journey. I’m proud of the way he came out and played.”
Tight end Charlie Kolar added that Jackson’s presence brings “a whole new level of confidence” to the team. That confidence will be crucial as the Ravens face a favorable upcoming schedule — road games against the Vikings and Browns, followed by home matchups with the Jets and Bengals. Those four teams have a combined record of just 9–22 (.290).
Baltimore now sits only 1½ games behind the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers, putting a once-lost playoff chase back within reach.
Dolphins Left Searching for Answers
Meanwhile, Miami has serious concerns. The loss highlighted ongoing red-zone struggles and ball security issues. The Dolphins have scored only 12 touchdowns in nine games and now face growing questions about McDaniel’s long-term direction as head coach.
“Until we learn how not to beat ourselves, we won’t win football games,” linebacker Jordyn Brooks said bluntly after the game.
The Dolphins will have a 10-day break before hosting the Buffalo Bills in Week 10 — a much-needed window to regroup.
Ravens' defense stifles Dolphins; Lamar Jackson returns with four-TD performance
A Statement Win for Baltimore
Thursday’s matchup may have been one-sided, but it was also symbolic. It represented Lamar Jackson’s resilience, Baltimore’s rebirth, and Miami’s unraveling.
With their franchise star healthy again, the Ravens look ready to chase another postseason run — and perhaps remind the league that with No. 8 leading the way, they are never out of the fight.