Tagovailoa, Dolphins rally for 34-31 win over Cardinals
The 22-year-old Tagovailoa threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns in just his second NFL start as the Miami Dolphins rallied in the fourth quarter for a 34-31 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. “Tua did his part," Miami coach Brian Flores said. BIG FOOTSanders made a 56-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter to give the Dolphins a 24-17 halftime lead. We’re trying to do everything we can.”INJURIESDolphins: WR Preston Williams (foot) left the game in the second quarter and didn't return. Cardinals: CB Kevin Peterson left the game early in the second quarter for a concussion evaluation and didn't return.
Dolphins players say they're excited about Tua's 1st start
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) celebrates his first NFL play with Miami Dolphins running back Matt Breida (22), Miami Dolphins guard Ted Karras (67) and Miami Dolphins running back Lynn Bowden (15) against the New York Jets during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Tagovailoas winning personality helped the Miami Dolphins avoid locker room backlash when he was promoted to replace popular veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)MIAMI – Tua Tagovailoa’s winning personality helped the Miami Dolphins avoid any locker room backlash when he was promoted to replace popular veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. Even so, players who have spoken publicly regarding the change say they're excited about Tagovailoa becoming the starter. Under Tagovailoa, the Dolphins hope their offense will be even more dynamic. “Just like everybody else, I'm excited to see him in his first start.”___More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL___Follow Steven Wine on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Steve_Wine
Dolphins turn up heat on Jets and embattled Gase, 24-0
The Jets (0-6) became the NFL's only winless team and continued their worst start since 1996, increasing the heat on embattled coach Adam Gase. The Dolphins blanked the Jets for the first time since the January 1983 AFC championship game, which they won 14-0. The two teams were a combined 0 for 19 on third downs before the Jets finally converted with 11 minutes left. The Dolphins' only third-down conversion came on a completion by Tagovailoa, who went 2 for 2 for 9 yards. ANTHEMRunning back Ty Jackson was the only player kneeling for the Jets during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”The Dolphins stayed in the locker room.
Fitzpatrick handles Jaguars again, this time with Dolphins
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick laughs with coaches as he comes off the field after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Ryan Fitzpatrick handles the Jacksonville Jaguars as well as anyone in the NFL. Fitzpatrick completed his first 12 passes — a career high — as Miami scored touchdowns on its first three drives for the first time since 2011. Fitzpatrick also ran for 39 yards and a score, his 37-year-old legs looking as fresh as any in Miami’s backfield. “As a group we just didn't get it done,” said Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew, who completed 30 of 42 passes for 275 yards and two turnovers. The Jaguars have won two in a row against the Bengals, notching victories in 2017 and 2019.
Allen reaches career high in passing as Bills beat Dolphins
Allen reached a career high in yards passing for the second week in a row, and became the first Buffalo quarterback to have consecutive 300-yard games since Drew Bledsoe in 2002. Allen’s 46-yard touchdown pass to John Brown sealed the win. Allen led an offense that totaled 524 yards, including 342 in the first half, the Bills' most since 2000. After the delay, the Dolphins offense got a spark and scored 10 consecutive points to take a 20-17 lead. It was the first NFL touchdown reception for Gilliam, an undrafted free agent out of Toledo.
Abram, Simmons among 2nd-year players poised for breakouts
Instead, the rookie safety injured his shoulder in the season opener and didnt play again last season. Now Abram is one of several second-year players poised for a breakout season in 2020. While Abrams season was cut short because of an injury, Tennessee first-round defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons started late because of one. Simmons recovered in time to play nine games of the regular season and three playoff games. He showed flashes as a rookie with 59 catches for 680 yards and five TDs despite substandard quarterback play from Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges.