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    • Miami Dolphins vs. Arizona Cardinals grades: Tua returns
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    Miami Dolphins vs. Arizona Cardinals grades: Tua returns

    Seren Anwen Posted on

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    MIAMI GARDENS – The Miami Dolphins lost 28-27 to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium.

    Tua Tagovailoa was impressive in his return to the lineup after missing four games following a concussion. But his excellent play has been spoiled and the result is a devastating loss.

    Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle immediately benefited from Tua’s return.

    Tua completed 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards, with one touchdown and a passer rating of 97.9.

    Raheem Mostert scored two rushing touchdowns.

    But the Cardinals overcame a 20-10 deficit and survived an injury-depleted defense.

    Arizona kicker Chad Ryland won the game with a 34-yard kick as time expired.

    For the Cardinals, Kyler Murray fought for a key third-down conversion with less than two minutes to play.

    Miami played without starting defender Zach Sieler (eye) and cornerback Kader Kohou (neck).

    The Dolphins fall to 2-5. The Cardinals improve to 4-4.

    Miami plays at Buffalo next Sunday.

    Here are our instant scores for Dolphins vs. Cardinals

    quarterback

    Tua Tagovailoa was immediately 5 of 6 on his first drive back and led a touchdown drive. Tua demonstrated some fine ball-handling skills on a flip against Jaylen Wright and other plays. Tua was lucky not to be intercepted on a short pass intended for Jaylen Waddled in the second quarter. His return to the team went as well as anyone could have hoped.

    The biggest celebration of the game came when Tua went for a third down conversion, popped up and pointed to signal the first down. A snap from Aaron Brewer went through Tua’s hands and through the back of the end zone for safety in the third quarter. It seemed like a decent snap, but there were a few trading issues in this game.

    Degree: B+

    Running backs

    Raheem Mostert scored 1-yard and 6-yard rushing touchdowns. De’Von Achane was excellent and effective. Achane had 24 rushing yards in the first quarter. Achane contributed on the ground (39 yards) and through the air (38 yards) in the first half. In the third quarter, Achane had a strong 47-yard run. He backed up, followed a block from Austin Jackson and pushed for extra yards. Achane caught a 12-yard touchdown to give the Dolphins a 20-10 lead.

    Degree: B+

    Recipient

    Tyreek Hill received a 21-yard reception from Tua in the first quarter, surpassing his yardage total from the previous game. Later, Tyreek was either defeated by Tua or had a communications malfunction on an incomplete long-distance route. In the second quarter, Tyreek hauled in a 31-yarder.

    The Dolphins temporarily gave Dee Eskridge a shot at the No. 3 receiver, ahead of Odell Beckham Jr., the injured Braxton Berrios and rookie Malik Washington. Jaylen Waddle had a key third down catch from Tua. Waddle also had a drop.

    Degree: b

    Tight ends

    Julian Hill fumbled going into the Arizona end zone, but Robert Jones recovered. Jonnu Smith dropped a pass in the second quarter. Smith converted a crucial third down late in the fourth quarter.

    Degree: C

    Offensive line

    Right tackle Austin Jackson had a holding penalty. The Dolphins allowed one sack in the first half. Miami’s line helps quite well against the pass rush. For the third straight season, the Dolphins featured a strong rushing attack, supported by players like Terron Armstead, Aaron Brewer and Austin Jackson.

    Degree: b

    Recap: Dolphins vs. Cardinals

    Defensive line

    Veteran Calais Campbell, facing his former team, had a batted pass from Kyler Murray. Defensive player Neil Farrell, who was called up from the training squad, received a holding penalty. The Dolphins were without standout defensive lineman Zach Sieler (eye) in this game. The Cardinals’ strong running game was limited.

    Degree: b

    Linebacker/Edge Rusher

    Rookie Chop Robinson and veteran Emmanuel Ogbah had tackles for a loss. Miami played without Jaelan Phillips (IR) and Bradley Chubb (PUP) in this game. David Long reported on a long finish in Arizona against Trey McBride. Jordyn Brooks made a key two-point conversion stop on a run that allowed Miami to stay ahead 20-18. Brooks also had a number of run stops.

    Degree: b

    Jevon Holland injury: Dolphins exit after injury against Arizona Cardinals

    Defensive backs

    Second-year player Cam Smith, returning from a hamstring injury, was Miami’s third cornerback alongside Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller. Jalen Ramsey had a batted pass from Kyler Murray. Ramsey played well and caused a loss with a tackle. After a blitz by Jalen Ramsey, Kyler Murray extended his play and found a receiver wide open in the back of the end zone, cutting the deficit to 10-7 in the second quarter. Ramsey allowed a spectacular touchdown from Murray to Marvin Harrison, Jr. in the third quarter. Smith was also in coverage on several Harrison plays.

    It’s possible that young cornerback Cam Smith could or should have stayed with scoring guard Michael Wilson. Cornerback Kendall Fuller had a nice third-down pass breakup. Safety Jevon Holland came into the game with a hand injury and injured his knee on Sunday. He didn’t return. That brought Marcus Maye into the game with Jordan Poyer. Poyer had a nice pass breakup in the third period.

    Degree: B-

    Special teams

    Dee Eskridge had a good kickoff return and Malik Washington had a good punt return in the first quarter. Jason Sanders hit a 53-yard field goal in the first quarter and added a 25-yarder.

    Degree: b

    Coaching

    First-year defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver appeared to have another strong game plan. Mike McDaniel’s decision not to abandon the run entirely despite Tua’s return was smart.

    Degree: b

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    Joe Schad is a journalist who covers the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @shadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse newsletter. Support our work by subscribing today.

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    Seren Anwen
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