Tua Tagovailoa leads TD drive and loses fumble in Falcons’ 17-12 preseason win over Dolphins

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis missed two consecutive weeks before Friday night’s preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. The former Miami Dolphins star found himself sitting out in the second half as Cooper Rush stepped in to deliver a strong performance.

Tua Tagovailoa, who led a touchdown drive early on, was replaced in the game for Atlanta. The 28-year-old, who spent six seasons with Miami before his release in March, led the first five plays of the drive, which culminated in a 7-0 Dolphins lead. However, Tagovailoa fumbled the snap on Atlanta’s second drive, and Miami's Jackson Woodard recovered the ball.

Rush went on to complete 13 of 18 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons’ starter for the past nine games, participated in warmups but did not see any playing time. Riley Patterson, on the other hand, kicked four field goals for the Dolphins, who failed to score any touchdowns during the preseason opener.

Atlanta’s starters were mixed in throughout the game, while the Dolphins relied on their reserves. Kyle Pitts, the team’s starting tight end, played the first quarter and caught three passes for 59 yards. After Patterson’s 46-yard field goal in the second quarter, Rush connected with Jack Velling for a 3-yard touchdown pass, making the score 14-3 in favor of the Falcons.

Later in the first half, Patterson and Nick Folk exchanged field goals, giving the teams a 14-6 halftime score. With the Dolphins struggling to find scoring opportunities, Theo Wease Jr. dropped a pass from Gronkowski in the third quarter, stalling their momentum. The Dolphins capitalized on their chances, with Patterson kicking a 26-yard field goal, bringing the final score to 17-12 in favor of the Falcons.