As we dive into the Miami Dolphins’ Week 8 clash against the Arizona Cardinals, the first half served up quite the array of talking points. The Dolphins were missing several key players due to injuries, with defensive linemen Zach Sieler, cornerbacks Kader Kohou and Storm Duck notably sitting out. On the offensive side, linebacker Mohamed Kamara, tight end Tanner Conner, running back Jeff Wilson, Jr., and offensive lineman Andrew Meyers were also inactive.
With Tua Tagovailoa and Skylar Thompson holding down the quarterback duties, the Dolphins opted out of designating an emergency third quarterback, a strategic call that signaled confidence in their top two options. Making a noteworthy appearance was cornerback Cam Smith, Miami’s top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, as he suited up for the first time this season following a stint on injured reserve.
Kicking off the first quarter, the Dolphins grabbed the ball on offense after the Cardinals deferred their choice as winners of the coin toss. This decision granted spectators an immediate look at Tua in action.
Despite some minor hiccups, the opening drive set a robust tone, featuring two successful third-down conversions. Tua kept it safe with short passes, but the offense hinted at a liveliness and efficiency that was a step ahead of previous weeks under alternate quarterbacks Skylar Thompson, Tim Boyle, and Tyler Huntley.
The Dolphins did hit a couple of snags: Robert Jones let Dante Stills get through to swipe the ball from Tua, and Julian Hill fumbled—though Jones was quick to recover the loose ball. Defensively, Miami’s opening series was marked by Jalen Ramsey and Calais Campbell swatting down passes, with Ramsey’s knockdown on a blitz showcasing his season-long mastery of disrupting plays.
A strategic highlight on the second drive unfolded when Tua was called upon to throw on a third-and-1, breaking the Dolphins’ previous trend of running in such situations. His short connection to Jonnu Smith demonstrated a willingness to adapt and keep defenses guessing. A botched snap from Aaron Brewer, later recovered by Tua, and the absence of targets to Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle added complexity to the series, which concluded with a 53-yard field goal from Jason Sanders.
Kyler Murray and the Cardinals responded with a textbook drive, largely orchestrated by Murray’s precision passing and agility in the pocket. Notably, Murray sliced through the Dolphins’ defense, threading a pass through zone coverage for a 25-yard gain to Marvin Harrison, Jr. In the second quarter, Murray’s escapability punctuated Arizona’s offense, evading a Ramsey blitz for a couple of key completions, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to Michael Wilson on third-and-goal.
The Dolphins’ defense stood stout against the run, highlighted by Benito Jones and company stuffing James Conner for no gain on a crucial goal-line stand. Offensively, Miami saw some missed opportunities, such as Jonnu Smith’s drop on a crossing route, compounded by Tua’s underthrown deep attempt to Hill. However, cornerback Kendall Fuller came through with a vital pass breakup on Arizona’s following drive, helping to preserve the Dolphins’ lead into the half.
With time running out in the half, Tua executed a pivotal third-down conversion from their own 5-yard line, followed by a beautifully placed sideline pass to Hill for 30 yards—showcasing a connection that only Tagovailoa seems able to tap into consistently. This set up another successful Sanders field goal, stretching the Dolphins’ lead to 13-7 as the half concluded.
The team’s decision-making found itself questioned with a low-percentage fade attempt to Hill right before that half-ending field goal, yet the Dolphins still managed to end the half on a high note. Defensively, they were dealt a concern as safety Jevon Holland went down with a knee injury, casting uncertainty on his return.
Tua wrapped up the first half with an efficient 19-for-25 completion rate, amassing 162 yards and posting a respectable 92.4 passer rating, underscoring his role in orchestrating Miami’s offensive efforts. As the teams hit the locker rooms, the Dolphins had to feel confident in building on a mostly strong first-half performance.