MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa’s teammates are using words like “commanding” and “lights out” to describe his recent play.
Since returning from a concussion in Week 8, the quarterback has had the best stretch of his career, keeping the Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes alive.
Tagovailoa led Miami to a victory over Aaron Rodgers’ New York Jets on Sunday, rushing for 331 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning TD in overtime. The win puts the Dolphins (6-7) on par with Indianapolis and two games back of Denver (8-5) for the final AFC Wild Card spot.
“I don’t think we would have had a game like this two years ago,” coach Mike McDaniel said of Tagovailoa on Sunday. “He continues to get better. … It’s a tough job, but all of his work is paying off because he’s a naturally gifted quarterback and not just his skill set, but people He makes people better. That’s a very important part of the position.”
After seeing up close how Tagovailoa runs Miami’s offense by throwing with anticipation, Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich called Tagovailoa one of the fastest processors in the NFL.
Tagovailoa’s teammates similarly praised his impact.
“He played with the lights out. He was a great leader on this team and got guys going, not only on offense but on defense,” wide receiver Tyreek Hill said. “We just have to follow him. Standard is standard so just follow his standard, he’s playing at a high level and the players around him just have to match that.”
The numbers back up Hill’s words.
Sunday marked Tagovailoa’s third consecutive 300-yard passing season, joining Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks in Dolphins history to reach that number in three consecutive games.
Tagovailoa entered Sunday’s game with a league-best completion percentage of 74.5%. He posted seven consecutive games with a complete game percentage of over 70%, tying him for the third-longest streak in NFL history.
Going back to Week 10 against the Rams, Tagovailoa attempted 184 passes without throwing an interception, the second-longest streak of his career, with at least one pass attempt in 34 of his past 35 games. He’s throwing a touchdown pass.
He went 6-of-7 for 67 yards on Sunday’s winning touchdown drive for the Dolphins, capped by a 10-yard throw to tight end Jonnu Smith.
“He was in command,” receiver Jaylen Waddle said. “He really made sure we didn’t kill ourselves with penalties. He wanted everyone to stay focused and focus on the details, which was huge. He made plays, was calm in the pocket, provided great protection from his O-line, and delivered the ball.”
what is working
A big part of Tagovailoa’s growth has been his ability to not force plays that don’t exist on the field. Unlike earlier in his career, he’s much more willing to take checkdowns and throw the ball to running back Devon Ashen or tight end Smith. They have been good at gaining yards after the catch this season.
things that need help
Third down continues to cause problems for the Dolphins. Miami has converted just 1 of 9 third down attempts and 9 of 35 on third down over the last three games.
stock up
Receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Hill had his first 100-yard receiving game since the season opener, finishing with 10 catches for 115 yards. Hill, who had a 4-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, has TD catches in four of the past five games. Waddle caught nine passes for 99 yards, giving him 4,085 career yards. This is the most in a player’s first four seasons in Dolphins history.
Out of stock
In the secondary, Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams combined for 223 yards and Aaron Rodgers allowed 339 passing yards. It was the second time this season that Miami’s defense allowed over 300 passing yards. Several miscommunications occurred at the after-party as well.
injury
LT Terron Armstead was limited to just five snaps due to a knee injury for several weeks. Armstead was visibly frustrated when he finished the game and was replaced by rookie Patrick Paul. …LB Anthony Walker Jr. appears to have re-aggravated a hamstring injury that occurred last week.
key number
0 — Number of hits Tagovailoa had on 47 pass attempts Sunday.
next step
Three of Miami’s remaining four games are on the road, starting Sunday against Houston.
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