Tua Tagovailoa throws four TDs, Dolphins win third straight game

The Dolphins didn’t feel dead when they fell to 2-6 in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s second game back from injured reserve, and the last three games showed why they still had confidence in their ability to do something this season.

Tagovailoa threw four touchdown passes as the Dolphins jumped out to a 31-0 lead over the Patriots at home, and the Dolphins were able to hang on for the rest of the 34-15 victory. That’s three straight wins for the Dolphins, who are currently 5-6 heading into the Thanksgiving game at Lambeau Field.

It looked like Tagovailoa would be sitting out most of the fourth quarter to rest for this game, but backup Skylar Thompson botched a pass and Patriots linebacker Christian Gonzalez returned the ball for a touchdown. A two-point conversion cut the gap to 16 points, but Tagovailoa came back and drove a field goal that knocked things off balance.

Jaylen Waddle had one of the touchdown catches and returned eight catches for 144 yards on his most productive day of the season. Tight end Jonnu Smith continued his strong campaign, recording nine catches for 87 yards and a score, and running back De’Von Achane also caught two touchdowns.

Tagovailoa has 317 yards rushing and now has 11 touchdowns and one interception since returning to action, and the Dolphins’ chances of continuing that rush will largely rest on his shoulders.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye started the first half slowly, then lost a fumble on a sack in the third quarter and then threw an interception in the fourth quarter. He was sacked four times, and Dolphins first-round pick Chop Robinson had a particularly strong game the rest of the way in Miami.

New England is currently 3-9 and will face the Colts next Sunday before going on a bye week.