Lions, Dolphins make NFL history not seen in 45 years

· Yahoo Sports

The NFL witnessed a rare piece of history during Week 9 as the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins combined to accomplish something that had not happened in 45 years. 

Despite a relatively quiet offensive performance from both teams, the two punters made headlines by completing passes in the same game for the first time since 1981.

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The Lions came away with a 19-9 victory over Miami on Sunday, but the unusual special teams performances provided one of the most memorable moments of the matchup. It marked just the second time since 1950 that both teams’ punters completed a pass in the same NFL game.

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Both punters deliver historic passes

Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) punts against New Orleans Saints during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.

Detroit punter Jack Fox got things started in the second quarter when the Lions faked a punt. Fox took advantage of the opportunity, completing an 11-yard pass to keep the unusual sequence alive.

However, Miami punter Bradley Pinion made sure the Dolphins would also have a place in the history books. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins attempted a fake punt of their own, with Pinion completing an impressive 46-yard pass to Keytron Allen.

The two successful trick plays created a rare NFL moment that had not been seen since a 1981 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions. That game was the last time both punters recorded a completed pass in the same contest.

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Offenses struggle in Lions victory

Aug 14, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Miami Dolphins punter Bradley Pinion (48) kicks the ball during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

While the punters provided the biggest statistical surprise, neither offense managed to produce much throughout the afternoon.

Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis completed 13 of 25 passes for 128 yards without a touchdown. He also threw one interception and was sacked three times.

Detroit quarterback Jared Goff had a similarly challenging afternoon. He finished with 170 passing yards, no touchdowns, one interception and three sacks.

Despite the offensive struggles, the Lions did enough to secure the 19-9 victory and improve their record to 6-2.

Detroit will now turn its attention to Week 10, when it faces the New England Patriots (5-4) in Munich, Germany. Meanwhile, the struggling Dolphins, who fell to 1-7, will look to bounce back when they visit the Indianapolis Colts (2-7).

Although the game lacked offensive fireworks, both teams will be remembered for creating a rare piece of NFL history.

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