Only three points after one quarter.
There were three punts to begin the game. The San Francisco 49ers, after finding out they were eliminated from playoff contention, punted the ball on 4th & 1. Miami gained 12 yards on the next drive, and the Niners could only muster four yards on the ensuing drive.
Dre Greenlaw didn’t make it to the second defensive series. According to the broadcast, Greenlaw was questionable to return with a calf injury. He was seen on the sideline trying to get loose and return but didn’t have his helmet. The good news is that this was not the same leg Greenlaw suffered an Achilles injury on in last year’s Super Bowl.
The Dolphins took an early 3-0 lead after Deoomodore Lenoir got a fingertip on a pass in the end zone intended for Tyreek Hill. The defense was playing with plenty of energy despite their playoff dreams being no longer realistic.
Defensive end Leonard Floyd was also questionable to return with a shoulder injury.
After finding Ricky Pearsall for a gain of 21 yards, the offense was in Dolphins territory for the first time. Purdy’s pass one-hopped Jauan Jennings for another first-down attempt. After finding Pearsall for five yards on 3rd & 6, Patrick Taylor picked up a first down to keep the offense on the field.
Unfortunately, a pass to Taylor that was on the money was dropped and intercepted by a Dolphins defensive lineman. But the review confirmed the ball hit the ground, giving the 49ers new life.
Taylor slipped on his next but picked up a blitzing linebacker, allowing Purdy to find Deebo Samuel. Deebo made a defender miss and picked up the first down. The offense would have its first red zone opportunity of the day.