The Miami Dolphins entered the 2024-25 season with high hopes. However, they failed to meet expectations in the first half of the regular season. When Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in Week 2 at Hard Rock Stadium, the Fins failed to stay afloat. After four games without Tua (1-3 record), the Dolphins welcomed the return of their quarterback; however, the Arizona Cardinals had plans to crash his return party.
Miami Dolphins Lose To Arizona Cardinals
The Miami Dolphins have been an abomination of complementary football, and that was evident in their painful 28-27 home defeat to the Arizona Cardinals. After missing four games, Tua Tagovailoa returned with a bang, bringing an undeniable spark into the Miami offense. He completed 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown, which was the best aerial performance by the team since his injury in Week 2. The defense wasn’t able to tap into that sort of energy, and Arizona’s Kyler Murray, with standout performances by Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, was able to take advantage of the gaps left open and keep the game close.
After taking a 10-point lead into the second half, Miami’s momentum was blunted on a botched snap that bounded off Tagovailoa’s hands and out of the back of the end zone for a safety. The Cardinals then drove down and scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive, drawing within two points. This turned the game around and changed the momentum totally in their favor, setting them up for a remarkable finale.
A game-winning field goal by Cardinals Kicker Chad Ryland in closing seconds sealed a frustrating loss for Miami and relegated them to 2-5. The Miami Dolphins have continued to struggle in marrying offensive and defensive performances that would allow them to close out games, especially against the toughest opponents. On the road against the division-leading Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins will need to take care of some ball security issues, specifically after three Tagovailoa fumbles, if they hope to right their season.
Miami Dolphins Face Buffalo Bills With Season On the Line
As the Miami Dolphins look to salvage an identity and direction with their season, they turn to battle in Buffalo Week 9. The Buffalo Bills have established winning execution throughout this season and are coming off their bye. The Dolphins will be playing with little to lose as they face the 6-2 Bills, and Miami will enter the game as six-point underdogs.
Miami Dolphins ownership and General Manager Chris Grier have much to watch in this AFC East matchup, as it takes place just days before the November 5 trade deadline. If the Dolphins were to be active during the trade deadline it would likely be as sellers, due to their lackluster record. If the Fins roster looks outmatched by the Bills, the Dolphins may look to stock up on draft capital.
Final Thoughts
It’s been a season that has balanced on the brink of unrealized promise, as an inability to marry strong complementary performances on offense and defense continually tripped the Dolphins up. Tagovailoa brought new life to an offense in dire need of rejuvenation. The loss to the Cardinals created a troubling inconsistency and the defense was unable to marry that surge.
With the Miami Dolphins about to face a tough Buffalo Bills team in Week 9, it’s another chance to reassert themselves or face some hard truths at the trade deadline. A good performance in Buffalo could prove critical with their season teetering, setting a course for how to approach this season and take shape for next year’s roster.
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