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Henry McKenna
AFC East Reporter
The Miami Dolphins defense set up Tua Tagovailoa for an incredible opportunity.
Not in a traditional sense, but in the sense that Tua could rise to a challenge and better his case for the NFL MVP award.
Miami failed to stop quarterback Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys on a drive that left less than four minutes on the clock. And while the defense played extremely well on Dallas’ final drive, Prescott played better. Whether it was throwing completions while wearing defenders like a cape or threading the ball into the tiniest windows, Prescott put together a go-ahead drive and put Dallas ahead by one point on a beautiful touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks.
But Dak left Tua too much time.
The Dolphins quarterback and coach Mike McDaniel managed the clock on a 12-play, 64-yard and (most important) three-minute and 27-second drive that culminated with a game-winning field goal. Kicker Jason Sanders was 5-of-5 on the day, including three attempts of longer than 50 yards. With their 22-20 win, the Dolphins clinched a playoff berth.
“Obviously, our defense didn’t want to allow those guys to score, but that’s how football works,” Tagovailoa said postgame at Hard Rock Stadium. “We were able to show everyone that we’re fast, but our team is also very physical. And we can play with anyone.”
It was the type of drive this Dolphins team needed. Not just for Tua’s MVP hopes — but for their own confidence. They tried to brush aside their inability to beat a team with a winning record. But they hadn’t. They went into the season hoping to win a Super Bowl. But how could they truly have faith in their pursuit when they hadn’t beaten a playoff-caliber team?
But now they have. The monkey is off their back. And maybe — just maybe — they are beginning to find the confidence and competence they need to make a legit run. And to be taken seriously.
“It’s always about winning the big game. That’s where our…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/why-dolphins-win-was-a-breakthrough-game-for-tua-tagovailoa-mike-mcdaniel
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Publish date : 2023-12-25 01:32:16
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