Dolphins Play of the Week: Tua Tagovailoa’s quick toss deceives Cardinals defense

Miami’s franchise quarterback had little rust when throwing the football against the Arizona Cardinals.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hit the ground running Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. After missing four games because of a concussion, Miami’s franchise quarterback completed 28 of 38 pass attempts for 234 yards and a touchdown.

Although Tagovailoa had a solid showing, some areas need improvement — notably, his three fumbles — and the Dolphins’ playoff hopes have dwindled after losing four of the last five games. That said, Sunday’s showing was a bounce-back performance for an offense that averaged just 10 points across the previous four outings

Outside of a 30-yard pass to Tyreek Hill, Tagovailoa was forced to meticulously march down the field as ten or more plays were needed in each of three first-half scoring drives. Miami reached the end zone in three of four quarters against the Cardinals, beginning with a score on the opening drive.

The Dolphins faced second down from Arizona’s eight-yard line after an incomplete pass to Tyreek Hill. Jonnu Smith lined up in the backfield and set up what appeared to be a screen pass out wide — at least that’s what coach Mike McDaniel wanted the Cardinals’ defense to think.

Tagovailoa, a left-handed quarterback, flipped the ball to Julian Hill with his right hand. With a calvary of offensive linemen up front, Julian Hill worked his way down to the one-yard line, setting up a touchdown run by Raheem Mostert.

It’s noteworthy that Julian Hill fumbled at the goal line, but Robert Jones saved the day by recovering the ball.

Honorable mention(s)

Tua goes behind the back to Jaylen Wright

Jaylen Wright had only two carries on Sunday, but both McDaniel and Tagovailoa know how to get him the ball in space. While Tagovailoa’s accuracy and anticipation are often praised, his skill at deceiving defenses in the backfield adds another layer to the challenge of keeping up with Miami’s speed.

Tua slides for a first down

The loudest cheer on Sunday came when Tagovailoa escaped the pocket and found open space down the left side early in the third quarter. He ran for a first down and slid to avoid a Cardinals defender.

While the 2024 season may be on life support, Miami signed Tagovailoa to a long-term contract extension this summer. Building good habits will hopefully have a lasting impact moving forward.