Why are the Dolphins winning? Chalk it up to solid quarterbacking, stout defense, and great coaching.
With Sunday’s huge 34-31 win over the previously 5-2 Arizona Cardinals, Tua Tagovailoa showed the NFL why there was hype around his selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. Against the Cardinals, Tagovailoa threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns in what was just his second NFL start. He ran for another 35 yards, too.
The win extended Miami’s win streak to four games, and that’s nothing to sneeze at for a team that has been snoozing…for years.
But Tua’s work isn’t the only reason for the Dolphins’ resurgence. Even before Tua took the reins, Ryan Fitzpatrick led the Dolphins to a respectable 3-3 record. And a stout defense is becoming a Miami Dolphin signature. With just 130 points allowed so far this year, Miami has become (get this) the NFL’s top-ranked defense. Kyler Murray found that out on Sunday. Earlier in the season, the Fin’s neutralized the Rams’ Jared Goff, who completed 35 of 61 attempts and tossed two interceptions.
Then, there’s coaching. Brian Flores has transformed the franchise’s face in just his second year as head coach–his excellence on display in all three phases of the game.
That three-pronged attack–solid quarterbacking, stout defense, and great coaching–was clearly evident against the Cardinals.
But, let’s face it: it’s tough to win consistently in the NFL without a standout QB. And there’s evidence Tua is on his way to becoming just that–learning his way into the job. For example, he was 1-5 against the Cards’ blitz in the first half, and then improved to 6-8 in the second half. He was patient in the pocket, went through progressions systematically, and repeatedly maneuvered to avoid being sacked.
What’s the bottom line? These Dolphins are for real. Yes, ‘It’s Tua Time’ in Miami, but these Dolphins are that and a whole lot more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MarqmQc5Yws
