Dolphins Fall to Giants 26-3 in Preseason at Hard Rock Stadium
Football returned to Miami Gardens on Saturday, with the Giants topping the Dolphins 26-3 in a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium. With most starters resting, the afternoon was about evaluating young talent.
Football is back at Hard Rock Stadium, even if Saturday's result wasn't what home fans hoped for. The New York Giants beat the Miami Dolphins 26 to 3 in a preseason game in Miami Gardens on August 22. As is typical in the preseason, Miami rested most of its starters and used the afternoon to evaluate younger players competing for roster spots. Here's a quick recap of what happened at the home of the Dolphins.
How the game unfolded
The Giants set the tone early and never let up, outgaining Miami by a wide margin over the course of the afternoon. Veteran quarterback Jameis Winston led the way for New York, throwing for 150 yards and adding a rushing touchdown while playing the first half, including an early 83-yard scoring drive that put the Giants ahead for good. Running back Devin Singletary added a rushing touchdown, and New York tacked on a series of field goals to build the comfortable margin.
Miami, playing without several key contributors, managed just a field goal. Second-year quarterback Cam Miller started under center for the Dolphins with backup Quinn Ewers sidelined by a groin injury sustained in the preseason opener. Miller played into the second half as the coaching staff got an extended look at the depth of the roster.
A few bright spots
Even in a lopsided loss, there were moments worth noting for the Dolphins' young core. Rookie receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. flashed with a 30-yard reception, the kind of play that helps a young player make his case as roster decisions loom. In the preseason, individual performances like these often matter more than the final score, since coaches are weighing which players earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Keeping it in perspective
It's worth remembering what the preseason is and isn't. These games don't count in the standings, starters play sparingly, and the priority is getting a look at depth players while keeping key contributors healthy. A preseason score, in either direction, tells you very little about how a team will perform when the games start counting. For the Dolphins, the real test begins when the regular season kicks off.
For Miami Gardens, the bigger picture is simply this: football season is back, and with it the energy, crowds, and economic buzz that game days bring to the city. Hard Rock Stadium remains one of the most active major venues in the country, and the Dolphins' home schedule means more big days ahead for the city that hosts them.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the Dolphins vs Giants preseason game?
The New York Giants defeated the Miami Dolphins 26 to 3 in a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on August 22, 2026. It was a Preseason Week 2 matchup, and the result does not count toward the regular-season standings.
Why did the Dolphins lose by so much in the preseason?
As is common in the preseason, the Dolphins rested most of their starters and used the game to evaluate younger, depth players competing for roster spots. Backup quarterback Quinn Ewers was also sidelined with a groin injury. Preseason scores are not indicative of regular-season performance.
Where do the Miami Dolphins play?
The Miami Dolphins play at Hard Rock Stadium, located at 347 Don Shula Drive in Miami Gardens, Florida. The stadium is also home to the University of Miami Hurricanes and hosts major events including the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, the Miami Open, and the Orange Blossom Classic.
Game details via the Miami Dolphins, ESPN, and Associated Press reporting. This was a preseason game and does not affect regular-season standings. Published: August 23, 2026.
