Miami Dolphins (8-7) – Green Bay Packers (7-8): 20-26
In control of the game during the first half, the Dolphins disappeared in the second half, not scoring a single point and losing the victory against brave Packers.
Tua Tagovailoa (16/25, 310 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT) is the symbol of this collapse. The former Alabama quarterback threw three interceptions in the second act, ruining his teammates’ efforts and securing the victory for Green Bay. Yet helped by his playmakers in the first half, including Jaylen Waddle (143 yards, 1 TD), he failed to maintain his level of play.
Aaron Rodgers (24/38, 238 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) for his part did the job without being flamboyant, letting the defense make the difference by causing loss of balls. In difficulty during the match, Aaron Jones (34 yards) and AJ Dillon (48 yards, 1 TD) woke up late in the game to bring the ground help that the future Hall of Famer needed.
With this victory Green Bay can still dream of the playoffs, while Miami will have to recover more than ever to maintain a qualified position in a very competitive AFC.
An attacking first half
After a field goal from Miami to start the match, it is the special teams of Green Bay that are highlighted. Keisean Nixon managed a return from 93 yards, failing 9 yards from the touchdown. Aaron Rodgers does not convert the offering, and the Packers settle for a field goal (3-3).
As often in Miami, it is through the air that the game is unlocked. Tua Tagovailoa has time to throw, and targets that stand out. It is in this context that Jaylen Waddle marks the first touchdown of the match on a reception of 84 yards against a very cautious Green Bay defense (10-3).
Then begins a real duel between two teams who have talent in attack and ill-awakened defenses. Aaron Rodgers leads a drive from 54 yards before concluding on a touchdown from Marcedes Lewis (10-10).
But the Dolphins have the most firepower, and make the difference with the usual playmakers, including the electrifying Tyreek Hill (103 yards). Author of a reception of 52 yards, he leaves Jeff Wilson gained the last centimeters necessary for the touchdown (17-10).
The end of the half is calmer, each team taking advantage of the opposing errors to score a field goal: a fake punt missed for Green Bay, a fumble lost for Miami. At halftime, it is the Dolphins who are logically in front (20-13).
The awakening of the Packers
If the first half was rather dominated by Miami, it is Green Bay who is in control of the third quarter. After a drive of 11 games and more than 7 minutes, AJ Dillon finds the opening and offers the equalizer to his team (20-20).
In difficulty, Miami multiplies the errors. After a missed field goal, the Dolphins can start again following an interception by Aaron Rodgers in the end zone. It was this moment that Tua Tagovailoa chose to throw a very bad pass which ended in the arms of Jaire Alexander, giving the Packers the opportunity to pass (20-23).
Back to the wall, the Dolphins lose control at the same time as Tua Tagovailoa loses his precision. Unable to read the game, he launches a new offering for the opposing defense, this time for De’Vondre Campbell. Green Bay took the opportunity to save time (4 minutes) and score three new points (20-26).
Miami can still win this game, but for the third time in three drives Tua Tagovailoa will throw an interception, this time on a far too weak pass. Checkmate, the Packers win the match having been able to wait for the self-destruction of the Dolphins.
