Game story
In Week 3 of the 2011 NFL season on 2011-09-25, the Cleveland Browns took care of business against the Miami Dolphins, pulling away with a 17–16 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 10 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. McCoy (Cleveland Browns) paced the passing game, with +7.04 total EPA, and -9.1% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Henne (Miami Dolphins) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +11.44 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+23.2% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Miami Dolphins changed the game: 4-P.Dawson kicks 69 yards from CLE 20 to MIA 11. 10-E.Gates to MIA 38 for 27 yards (21-D.Patterson). PENALTY on CLE-21-D.Patterson, Horse Collar Tackle, 15 yards, enforced at MIA 38.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dolphins | 7 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
| Cleveland Browns | 0 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Henne · Miami Dolphins · Passing · +11.44 total EPA · 41 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
- 2 C. McCoy · Cleveland Browns · Passing · +7.04 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
- 3 B. Hartline · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +5.68 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.42 EPA/play
- 4 D. Thomas · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +3.10 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
- 5 B. Marshall · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +2.30 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 6 M. Hardesty · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +2.18 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
- 7 B. Watson · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +2.01 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.20 EPA/play
- 8 D. Thomas · Miami Dolphins · Rushing · +1.28 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Henne — MIA · Passing
C. Henne posted the highest total EPA (+11.44) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Miami Dolphins's efficiency. Across 41 counted snaps, they averaged +0.28 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.48 EPA) came from Miami Dolphins: (1:12) 22-R.Bush left tackle to CLE 19 for 3 yards (92-J.Mitchell). FUMBLES (92-J.Mitchell), RECOVERED by CLE-52-D.Jackson at CLE 19.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Miami Dolphins — D. Thomas (C. Henne pass)
- Cleveland Browns — J. Cribbs (C. McCoy pass)
- Cleveland Browns — M. Massaquoi (C. McCoy pass)
Field goals
- Miami Dolphins — D. Carpenter
- Cleveland Browns — P. Dawson
- Miami Dolphins — D. Carpenter
- Miami Dolphins — D. Carpenter
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 7–0. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the CLE 10 (Q1 53:17) — (8:17) 7-C.Henne pass short right to 33-D.Thomas for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the CLE 2 (Q1 53:09) — 5-D.Carpenter extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-B.Fields..
The second quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 7–3. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the MIA 33 (Q2 37:25) — (7:25) 12-C.McCoy pass deep right to 16-J.Cribbs for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. roll out pass; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the MIA 2 (Q2 37:16) — 4-P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-7-B.Maynard.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the CLE 5 (Q2 30:30) — (:30) 5-D.Carpenter 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-B.Fields..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the MIA 12 (Q3 25:40) — (10:40) 4-P.Dawson 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-7-B.Maynard.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the CLE 23 (Q3 17:34) — (2:34) 5-D.Carpenter 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-B.Fields..
The fourth quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 7–3. Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the CLE 20 (Q4 3:26) — (3:26) 5-D.Carpenter 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-B.Fields.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the MIA 14 (Q4 0:48); Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the MIA 2 (Q4 0:43) — 4-P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-7-B.Maynard..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Miami Dolphins (Q4 0:43) — 4-P.Dawson kicks 69 yards from CLE 20 to MIA 11. 10-E.Gates to MIA 38 for 27 yards (21-D.Patterson). PENALTY on CLE-21-D.Patterson, Horse Collar Tackle, 15 yards, enforced at MIA 38.
- Cleveland Browns (Q4 0:48) — (:48) (Shotgun) 12-C.McCoy pass short right to 11-M.Massaquoi for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CLE-82-B.Watson, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs. touchdown confirmed by rev
- Miami Dolphins (Q4 0:21) — (:21) (Shotgun) 7-C.Henne pass short middle intended for 19-B.Marshall INTERCEPTED by 20-M.Adams at CLE 36. 20-M.Adams to CLE 40 for 4 yards (33-D.Thomas).
- Cleveland Browns (Q4 1:16) — (1:16) (Shotgun) 12-C.McCoy pass short right to 31-M.Hardesty ran ob at MIA 27 for 10 yards (27-J.Wilson).
- Miami Dolphins (Q4 0:31) — (:31) (Shotgun) 7-C.Henne pass incomplete deep left to 10-E.Gates.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Miami Dolphins (Q1 46:12) — (1:12) 22-R.Bush left tackle to CLE 19 for 3 yards (92-J.Mitchell). FUMBLES (92-J.Mitchell), RECOVERED by CLE-52-D.Jackson at CLE 19.
- Cleveland Browns (Q1 55:14) — (10:14) (Shotgun) 12-C.McCoy pass short right intended for 11-M.Massaquoi INTERCEPTED by 27-J.Wilson at CLE 48. 27-J.Wilson to CLE 43 for 5 yards (16-J.Cribbs).
- Cleveland Browns (Q2 37:25) — (7:25) 12-C.McCoy pass deep right to 16-J.Cribbs for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. roll out pass
- Miami Dolphins (Q2 40:05) — (10:05) 5-D.Carpenter 51 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-B.Fields.
Quarterback report card
C.McCoy led all passers in efficiency for Cleveland Browns, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.McCoy (Cleveland Browns) · 43 dropbacks · 44.2% completion · -9.1% CPOE · +0.16 EPA/play · +7.04 total EPA
- C.Henne (Miami Dolphins) · 41 dropbacks · 46.3% completion · +5.4% CPOE · +0.28 EPA/play · +11.44 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Miami Dolphins | Cleveland Browns |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.048 | +0.038 |
| Offensive success rate | 44.3% | 43.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.279 | +0.164 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.187 | -0.168 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.038 | -0.048 |
| Defensive success rate | 56.2% | 55.7% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Miami Dolphins +0.05, Cleveland Browns +0.04) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Cleveland Browns: 11 drives, +3.07 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Miami Dolphins: 10 drives, +4.26 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Cleveland Browns leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- C. Henne (Miami Dolphins) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. McCoy (CLE) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- C. Henne (MIA) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q1 53:17 · CLE 10 · Score 6-0
(8:17) 7-C.Henne pass short right to 33-D.Thomas for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q1 53:09 · CLE 2 · Score 7-0
5-D.Carpenter extra point is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-B.Fields. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q2 37:25 · MIA 33 · Score 7-6
(7:25) 12-C.McCoy pass deep right to 16-J.Cribbs for 33 yards, TOUCHDOWN. roll out pass - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q2 37:16 · MIA 2 · Score 7-7
4-P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-7-B.Maynard. - Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q2 30:30 · CLE 5 · Score 10-7
(:30) 5-D.Carpenter 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-B.Fields. - Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q3 25:40 · MIA 12 · Score 10-10
(10:40) 4-P.Dawson 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-7-B.Maynard. - Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q3 17:34 · CLE 23 · Score 13-10
(2:34) 5-D.Carpenter 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-B.Fields. - Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q4 3:26 · CLE 20 · Score 16-10
(3:26) 5-D.Carpenter 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-92-J.Denney, Holder-2-B.Fields. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q4 0:48 · MIA 14 · Score 16-16
(:48) (Shotgun) 12-C.McCoy pass short right to 11-M.Massaquoi for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CLE-82-B.Watson, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced b - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q4 0:43 · MIA 2 · Score 16-17
4-P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-64-R.Pontbriand, Holder-7-B.Maynard.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Miami Dolphins vs Cleveland Browns?
The Cleveland Browns beat the Miami Dolphins 17-16 in Week 3, 2011 on 2011-09-25.
What was the final score of Miami Dolphins vs Cleveland Browns?
The final score was Miami Dolphins 16, Cleveland Browns 17 (MIA 16-17 CLE) in Week 3, 2011 on 2011-09-25.
What was the score by quarter in Miami Dolphins vs Cleveland Browns?
Q1: Miami Dolphins 7, Cleveland Browns 0; Q2: Miami Dolphins 3, Cleveland Browns 7; Q3: Miami Dolphins 3, Cleveland Browns 3; Q4: Miami Dolphins 3, Cleveland Browns 7; Final: Miami Dolphins 16, Cleveland Browns 17.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Miami Dolphins vs Cleveland Browns?
Miami Dolphins touchdown — D. Thomas (C. Henne pass) (Q1 53:17) Cleveland Browns touchdown — J. Cribbs (C. McCoy pass) (Q2 37:25) Cleveland Browns touchdown — M. Massaquoi (C. McCoy pass) (Q4 0:48) Miami Dolphins field goal — D. Carpenter (Q2 30:30, 3 pts) Cleveland Browns field goal — P. Dawson (Q3 25:40, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — D. Carpenter (Q3 17:34, 3 pts) Miami Dolphins field goal — D. Carpenter (Q4 3:26, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Miami Dolphins vs Cleveland Browns?
C. McCoy (Cleveland Browns), 44.2% completion, -9.1% CPOE, +0.16 EPA per dropback, +7.04 total passing EPA. C. Henne (Miami Dolphins), 46.3% completion, +5.4% CPOE, +0.28 EPA per dropback, +11.44 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Miami Dolphins vs Cleveland Browns?
C. Henne (Miami Dolphins) led the game in total EPA with +11.44 on passing plays. across 41 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.48 EPA): (1:12) 22-R.Bush left tackle to CLE 19 for 3 yards (92-J.Mitchell). FUMBLES (92-J.Mitchell), RECOVERED by CLE-52-D.Jackson at CLE 19.. The biggest win-probability swing was +23.2%.
Was Miami Dolphins vs Cleveland Browns a close game?
Yes — the margin was 1 points. Cleveland Browns won 17-16 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Miami Dolphins
Entered 0-2 Now 0-3 L
Cleveland Browns
Entered 1-1 Now 2-1 W
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