The Miami Dolphins, if they didn’t already know, found out just how important quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was to their success during his time away from the team, suffering from his latest concussion.
And if that didn’t do it, maybe they realized it on Sunday.
Tagovailoa completed 29-of-40 passes and threw for 317 yards and four touchdowns on Sunday in a 34-15 win at home over the New England Patriots. Tua has never lost to the Patriots: he’s 7-0.
It was the Dolphins’ third straight win. They’re 5-6, and teetering on the edge of missing the playoffs, but still alive.
And Tua: he’s thrown for 11 touchdowns and just one pick since his return from the concussion.
The Dolphins will play at Green Bay on Thursday, Thanksgiving Night, at 7 p.m. Central on NBC.
Also for Miami, receiver Jaylen Waddle had eight catches for 144 yards, including a 23-yard TD; running back De’Von Achane had a 9-yard catch for a touchdown and had an 11-yard run for a TD, as well; tight end Jonnu Smioth had nine catches for 87 yards, including a 7-yard TD catch; and linebacker Tyrel Dodson had an interception of New England rookie Drake Maye.
Maye went 22-of-37 for 221 yards and a touchdown, a 38-yard pass to tight end Austin Hooper. DeMario Douglas had 61 yards receiving.
And the Patriots? They’re now assured of a losing season for the third straight year.
New England (3-9) hosts Indianapolis on Sunday, a noon Central kickoff on CBS.
