{
  "id": 4084098,
  "title": "Tua Tagovailoa leads TD drive and loses fumble in Falcons’ 17-12 preseason win over Dolphins",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/tua-tagovailoa-leads-td-drive-and-loses-fumble-in-falcons-17-12",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T02:25:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/nfl/2026/08/28/tua-tagovailoa-leads-td-drive-and-loses-fumble-in-falcons-17-12-preseason-win-over-dolphins"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nTua 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.\n\nRush 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.\n\nAtlanta’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.\n\nLater 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.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Tua Tagovailoa led a 7-0 Dolphins touchdown drive early in the game.",
    "Cooper Rush stepped in for Tagovailoa and completed 13 of 18 passes.",
    "The Dolphins lost the game 17-12 to the Falcons."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Cooper Rush's strong performance in relief of Malik Willis suggests he may have a role to play in the Dolphins' season, while Tua Tagovailoa's brief appearance hints at a changing dynamic.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}