Tua Tagovailoa put together another excellent performance in the Miami Dolphins’ 32-26 overtime victory against the New York Jets.
Tagovailoa completed 33 of his 47 passes (70.2 percent) for 331 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winner to Jonnu Smith in overtime. Tagovailoa put his stamp on the game in the fourth quarter and overtime by efficiently leading the Dolphins offense on three clutch drives.
With Miami down 23-15 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Tagovailoa converted a key third down by connecting with Tyreek Hill for an 18-yard gain to set them up in New York territory. Six plays later, Tagovailoa and Hill connected again for a touchdown from four yards out on a fourth down.
1️⃣ ➕ 🔟 🟰 6️⃣ pic.twitter.com/7OXv8d8TWX
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 8, 2024
Tagovailoa followed that up by finding Jaylen Waddle on a two-point conversion to tie the game, 23-23.
.@D1__JW ties it up! 🐧🙌
📺: #NYJvsMIA on @NFLonCBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/U12rXpep39
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 8, 2024
When the Jets recaptured the lead late in regulation on a 42-yard Anders Carlson field goal with under a minute to go, the spotlight was on Tagovailoa to come through on a closing drive.
After a 45-yard kick return by Malik Washington, the Dolphins offense had 44 seconds to get themselves into field goal range. Tagovailoa completed two passes to Hill and Waddle to set up Sanders for a 52-yard game-tying field goal that he drilled to send the game into overtime.
In overtime, the Dolphins got the ball first and marched down the field for the game-winning touchdown. Jonnu Smith made his first impact on the game on two consecutive screen plays resulting for 20 and 14 yards to set the Dolphins up in New York territory. Just a few plays later, Tagovailoa connected with Smith once again for the game-winner.
CLUTCH GENE 🧬 pic.twitter.com/xnxN3VpRFc
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 8, 2024
The Dolphins were faced with adversity during this contest by a Jets offense that had its best showing. Aaron Rodgers recorded his first 300-yard game of the season, and wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams both topped 100 yards.
But Tagovailoa saved the day with his third straight 300-yard, multiple touchdown, interception-free game. He’s been in complete command of the offense and looks determined to keep the Dolphins alive in their playoff push. If Tagovailoa continues to play at this level, the Dolphins have an excellent chance to run the table and make things interesting.
