The Dolphins had been makings some small steps in the right direction along the offensive line, particularly in pass protection.Įnter Cameron Jordan. He averaged 7.6 yards per attempt, a number boosted by the big throw to Hollins. In this game, Tua completed 73 percent of his passes and posted a 93.1 rating. When the Dolphins make the eventual decision they will need to make about Tagovailoa, they will ponder this important factor: Does he have the arm to drive the ball down the field as often as is required of a championship quarterback? Look, the Dolphins offensive formula has been to limit mistakes and play to the strength of the team, which is the defense.īut Tagovailoa entered the game with only nine passing plays that resulted in gains of 30 or more yards all season, and four passing plays of more than 40 yards. Tua had Jaylen Waddle open.Ĭonversely, Tua later struck on a 40-yard pass play to Hollins that set up a touchdown run (technically a 1-yard pass) by Waddle for a 17-3 lead. He stepped up nicely into the pocket but forced a deep ball to Mack Hollins that was overthrown. Tagovailoa made a poor decision and a poor throw on a ball that was intercepted in the third quarter. In this game, Tagovailoa had his moments, but was not "great." The defensive competition is much better. That's what the Dolphins hope to find out over the final three games of the season. Young added: "Can he be great? I don't know." TUA'S SIGNIFICANT STRETCHīefore the game, NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young said on ESPN that he believes Tua Tagovailoa can be a "good" and "stabilizing" quarterback. Taking the towel, drawing the flag: Why did Alvin Kamara push Christian Wilkins in the back of the head? The Dolphin stole his towel. Watch Dolphins' Nik Needham return it for a touchdown Great start for Dolphins: Ian Book's 2nd NFL pass was an interception. Game replay: A play-by-play look back at Dolphins-Saints Miami is the first team to ever have seven straight losses and seven straight wins in the same season. If the Dolphins can win at Tennessee and at home against the Patriots, they will complete one of the greatest regular-season finishes in NFL history. Miami (8-7) would be in the NFL Playoffs if the season ended Monday night. New Orleans entered the game with 22 players on the NFL's COVID-19 list. Fourth-string Saints quarterback Ian Book never stood a chance. Miami won its seventh consecutive game, thrashing the Saints, 20-3, on "Monday Night Football" at The Superdome. With two more wins, the Dolphins would complete the improbable rise.
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New Orleans Saints Monday Night Football photos