Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa earns our player of the game honors with an outstandingly clutch performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Tagovailoa completed 23 of his 37 passes for 338 yards (14.7 yards per completion), including an 80-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill. He significantly outplayed Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence who only threw for 162 yards on 12 completions.
This was a game where Tagovailoa had to overcome a 17-7 first half deficit against a quality AFC team. Things seemed bleak for the Dolphins after their first two offensive possessions of the second half, which both ended with the Jaguars sacking Tagovailoa on 3rd-down.
The Dolphins began their comeback late in the third quarter after safety Jevon Holland stripped Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, causing a turnover that gave the Dolphins possession at their own 20-yard line. On the very next play Tagovailoa connected with Hill gliding across the field for a touchdown that cut Jacksonville’s lead to 17-14.
Sports Highlights (NFL): Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill with a 80-Yard touchdown reception from Tua Tagovailoa to get the Dolphins back into the game vs. Jacksonville. #NFL
— Justin David Kish • Sports Journalist (@JustinDavidKish) September 8, 2024
The Dolphins still found themselves down late in the game in need of some big drives. Tagovailoa took command of the offense leading Miami on two late field goal drives. The final one resulted in a 52-yard game-winner from Jason Sanders as time expired.
Miami’s defense deserves a tip of the cap for its second half shutout of the Jaguars.
A 338-yard, one touchdown, and no interception performance is a great start for Tagovailoa to kick off his 2024 campaign. With a heavily injured group of wide receivers, Tagovailoa was forced to lean on Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, getting them both over the 100-yard mark. He also got second-year running back De’Von Achane involved in the pass game, connecting with him on all seven of his targets for 76 yards.
The quick start to the year for Tagovailoa puts him in in the early MVP conversation once again. This performance should give the Dolphins franchise quarterback some much-needed confidence heading into a Thursday night matchup against the division rival Buffalo Bills.
