Miami Dolphins (2-5) – Arizona Cardinals (4-4): 27-28
For his return to competition, after yet another concussion, Tua Tagovailoa (28/38, 234 yards, 1 touchdown) was robbed of a victory that he would have deserved. The Dolphins with their number 1 quarterback look like a real team that can hang with any opponent that comes their way.
The Cardinals, for their part, achieve the coup of the century. The second in a row after last week and a field goal on the siren. Once again Chad Ryland (K), replacing the holder Matt Prater, offers victory to his team.
The Magic trio of Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Trey McBride had to work alone to turn the game around. The attack is starting to rise, just like its rookie receiver (6 receptions, 111 yards, 1 touchdown) in the Arizona desert, as is the price of pacemakers.
Recovery room
The first period is a rehabilitation for Tua Tagovailoa and the attack. Mike McDaniel's game plan is aimed at protecting his quarterback. Runs and short passes are legion but allow the Dolphins to advance calmly in the opposing field. Three fumbles, all covered by Miami, are a first warning sign. They did not prevent the Floridians from leading 10-0 after a touchdown from Raheem Mostert (9 races, 19 yards, 2 touchdowns) and an additional field goal.
Arizona fought back in the second quarter. Kyler Murray (26/36, 307 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Marvin Harrison Jr. are found. Murray eliminates pressure, beats the blitz and distributes to his tight ends and finally to Michael Wilson to pick up the score (10-7). If the defense struggles, it cannot prevent Tyreek Hill (6 receptions, 72 yards) from piling up the yards. Miami and its undermining work added three points before the break (13-7).
Operation successful?
The second half is the personification of the coaching of both teams. On both sides of the ball, Miami presses its game plan. The defense is aggressive and forces Arizona's errors. The attack is surgical and finds the fault on explosive plays by Devon Achane (10 races, 97 yards, 6 receptions, 50 yards, 1 touchdown) and Tua Tagovailoa who allows himself to convert a third attempt with his legs, for fun of his fans. He then throws Devon Achane into the end zone on a screen pass. (20-10)
Then everything stops. A snap too high above Tua Tagovailoa's head ends up in safety behind the in-goal. The Cardinals find the leather and make the best use of it. Trey McBride turns into a superstar for National Tight Ends Day (9 receptions, 124 yards) and Marvin Harrison Jr. reminds everyone why he was selected in 4e position of the last draft. He acrobatically receives a pass from his quarterback to restart the match at the end of the third quarter (20-18).
MARVIN. HARRISON. JR. pic.twitter.com/3s8MkueA2C
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 27, 2024
Heist in Vice City
If the Miami attack continues to insist with a valiant quarterback (touchdown by Raheem Mostert 27-18, 12 minutes remaining). Arizona's is now on fire. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride continue the sparkling receptions. The hitherto anemic running game begins its march forward. James Conner (20 races, 53 yards, 1 touchdown) raises a tiny hope by scoring (27-25).
Arizona has five minutes to achieve the feat, a new one, after the same one last week. Kyler Murray leads a perfect drive with always the same important players. The quarterback positions his kicker in the best position to finish off the stunned Dolphins.
Miami emerges with its head held high from an intense and diligent match. Tua Tagovailoa put in an honorable performance for his recovery. But the Cardinals have become the kings of hold-ups.
