The Sports Xchange

LANDOVER, Md. — Miami managed just 17 yards during the first 28 minutes and was down 10 points, but quarterback Ryan Tannehill led an 80-yard touchdown drive just before halftime and the Dolphins added 10 points in the second half to beat the Washington Redskins 17-10 in Sunday’s opener for both teams.

“They certainly controlled the tempo in the first half,” Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said. “The big thing was that drive right before the half. We really hadn’t done hardly anything offensively. … I thought our guys made enough plays in the second half to win.”

The biggest plays were Jarvis Landry’s 69-yard punt return touchdown with 10:22 left and an interception at the Miami 2-yard line by reserve cornerback Brice McCain that ended Washington’s next series 2:47 later.

“Our guys did a good job (of creating room) and (Jarvis is) a tough guy to get on the ground,” Philbin said.

McCain outjumped Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon for quarterback Kirk Cousins’ lofted throw.

The Redskins’ final series ended at the Miami 20 with 2:17 left when Cousins couldn’t connect with tight end Jordan Reed.

Miami opened the second half with Tannehill (22-for-34, 226 yards, one touchdown) losing a fumble while being sacked by Washington linebacker Preston Smith.

The Dolphins got the ball back again at their own 20 with 1:47 left in the third quarter. After four straight gains of at least 11 yards, they began the fourth quarter on Washington’s 20. Miami had first-and-goal at the 3 but settled for rookie Andrew Franks’ tying 22-yard field goal with 11:34 remaining.

Miami’s defense then forced Tress Way’s punt, which Landry caught and raced through a huge gap in the middle of the field for his first career punt return.

What we learned about the Dolphins:

1. They’re resilient. Miami trailed 10-0 after 28 minutes but outscored Washington 17-0 the rest of the way. The 17-10 victory was the Dolphins’ third straight opening win and their fifth in their past nine road games.

2. They can win without much of a running game. Washington ran 37 times for 161 yards to Miami’s 74 yards on 18 carries (including a 14-yard end-around by receiver Jarvis Landry). The Redskins kept the ball for 37:54 to the Dolphins’ 22:06, but the visitors still prevailed.

3. Special teams might be a difference-maker. Jarvis Landry’s winning 69-yard punt return is the headliner, but rookie punter Matt Darr averaged 54.3 gross and 43.5 net on four punts and rookie kicker Andrew Franks nailed his lone field goal try and both extra points while delivering three touchbacks on his four kickoffs.

Etc.

–DT Ndamukong Suh, who signed a six-year, $114 million contract in March, was credited with just one solo tackle and one assist in his Dolphins debut while going against rookie RG Brandon Scherff.

–WR Jarvis Landry, who tied his career high with eight catches, has at least five receptions in a franchise-record 10 straight games.

–CB Brent Grimes’ interception was his 10th since he joined the Dolphins in 2013.