While Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa didn’t turn any heads with his performance on Monday, he was able to walk away with a win in his first NFL game thanks to a team win against the Los Angeles Rams.
After throwing a nice goal-line slant to DeVante Parker for his first NFL touchdown, the Dolphins defense and special teams stepped in to do the rest and secure an easy 28-17 over the favored Rams.
The Dolphins defense looked as if it had completely figured out the Rams offense, wreaking havoc on Rams quarterback Jared Goff, who had four turnovers in the first half. Goff threw two interceptions and had two fumbles, one that was scooped up and run in for a defensive touchdown.
The Dolphins defense brought pressure on 21 of Goff’s 63 dropbacks and kept him off balance all night. Miami’s special teams also joined the party, with punt returner Jakeem Grant scoring an 88-yard touchdown.
Sunday marked the first time that the Dolphins team had a passing, rushing, special-teams, and defensive touchdown in a single game since 1993.
Tagovailoa did a good job of not forcing the ball and playing mistake-free football in order to preserve the lead and cruise to a fairly easy first career win.
