Game recap: Tua leads the Dolphins to impeccable comeback over the Ravens
The Dolphins may have performed one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history. Lamar Jackson had an amazing first half, where he was virtually on video game mode and the Dolphins had no answer for the former MVP. It seemed as if the Ravens were on the verge of becoming 2-0 with this game becoming the focal point for Lamar Jackson’s MVP campaign. Unfortunately for the Ravens, Tua Tagovailoa and his elite receiving corp had different plans.
The game began with a 103-yard kickoff return by Ravens receiver Devin Duvernay, giving the Ravens an early lead, talk about starting the game on the right foot.
To add insult to injury, in the Dolphins first possession Tua throws an interception giving the Ravens the ball right back. Fortunately for Tua, the Dolphins defense was able to force a fumble. Which ultimately resulted in a Jaylen Waddle touchdown in the ensuing possession, evening the score 7-7.
Then the onslaught began, Lamar Jackson took the initiative to show why he is a top 5 quarterback in the NFL and he would not be denied. In the first play after the Dolphins touchdown, Jackson hit Rashod Bateman for a 75-yard score to give the Ravens a 14-7 lead. Following a stop from the Ravens defense, Jackson and the Ravens offense stormed down the field to score another quick touchdown by Mark Andrews, giving them a two-score lead.
Tua and the Miami offense were put in a grim situation but they still had plenty of time to score a quick touchdown before the half. Considering they received the ball after halftime, a score here would put them in a great situation. After a couple of short gains, Tua threw an interception, giving the Ravens the ball back with time to score. The Ravens did just that, scoring in 50 seconds, bringing their lead to 28-7.
The Dolphins came out of the half ready to go, driving down the field with purpose. Tua then hit his favorite tight end target Mike Gesicki for a 14-yard touchdown reception. Gesicki also had a notable touchdown celebration that will go down as one of the best celebrations of the season.
After Gesicki’s score, both teams exchanged several punts until Lamar Jackson attempted to put the nail in the coffin. Jackson broke free for a 79-yard touchdown run that took the life out of Dolphins fans. In what seemed like a game that was over, Dolphins fans were in for a treat.
Here comes Miami…
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle may have proved that they are indeed the best WR tandem in the NFL. After the Jackson touchdown, the Dolphins continued to battle back regardless of what the score was. Tua came down and hit River Cracraft for a two-yard touchdown pass which brought the Ravens lead to 35-21. Fortunately for the Dolphins the defense got the memo and began to fight as well, stopping the Ravens offense in the ensuing possession.
Tyreek hill showed off his speed by getting behind the Ravens secondary and catching a 48-yard bomb from Tua to bring it to a one-score game. The craziest thing about that play is the fact that Hill was deemed questionable to return to the game prior due to cramps. Clearly, cramps couldn’t hold him back from having a monstrous game. The Dolphins defense came up big again and gave the offense a chance to tie the game.
On 3rd down with about 5 minutes to play, you saw Tyreek Hill one on one on the outside with no safety over the top. Everyone in the stadium knew what was about to happen next. Tua threw a dart and hit the speedster in stride for a 60-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 35 a piece.
The Ravens came down and hit a field goal to give themselves a three-point lead. Fortunately for the Dolphins, it was more than enough time for Tua to lead his team to victory. In what has become a theme in the second half, Tua drove his team down the field again and hit Jaylen Waddle for the game-winning touchdown pass. Which ultimately completed the historic comeback for the Miami Dolphins.
Dolphins a dark horse in the AFC
When your quarterback finishes with 6 touchdowns and your two-star receivers catch 11 passes, two touchdowns, and almost 200 yards a piece. There is no denying that something amazing is brewing up in Miami.
After being heckled by critics all summer long, Tua showed why he should be the QB1 for the Dolphins. Tyreek Hill’s performance also indicated that his signing was worth every single penny.
With the Bills coming to Miami next week, many analysts may have to reconsider their picks heading into that game after the show the Dolphins just put on. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Dolphins came out on top because it looks like the Dolphins are here to stay, Phins Up!