How did Tua Tagovailoa fare against Arizona after being on injured reserve?

It’s been a long five weeks for Miami Dolphins as Tua Tagovailoa watched from the sidelines during the game as an injured substitute. Without their franchise quarterback, the Dolphins struggled to move the ball effectively and fell to 2-4.

Tagovailoa returned to the field on Sunday when the Dolphins hosted the Arizona Cardinals in a Week 8 matchup. Miami’s offense immediately gained momentum, opening the game with a 10-play, 64-yard drive. Tagovailoa delivered passes to Alec Ingold, Tyreek Hill and Julian Hill on the drive while De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert led the way. Mostert found the net and scored to give the Dolphins an early lead.

Before halftime, the Dolphins scored two field goals while allowing one touchdown to increase their lead to 13-7. Tagovailoa and Co. they continued to do their job offensively, scoring two touchdowns in the second half. The Cardinals consistently responded, finding the end zone with 8:47 left in the fourth quarter to extend the Dolphins’ lead to 27-25.

The Dolphins were unable to make their final drive and punt the ball away with 5:08 left. Kyler Murray took over the clock with a 13-play, 73-yard run. Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland kicked a 34-yard field goal as the clock struck zero, completing an impressive 28-27 come-from-behind victory.

The Cardinals improved to 4-4, while Miami dropped to 2-5, the franchise’s worst start to 2021.

Tagovailoa finished the game with a 73.7 efficiency rating, completing 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown. The quarterback carried the ball three times for a distance of 13 yards. Fresh off a five-week break, Tagovailoa successfully picked up where he left off.

The Dolphins have an uphill battle ahead of them as they try to turn the tide of the season with ten games left.