October 27, 2024. Miami Gardens, Florida, USA. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks for passing options during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Required Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The biggest talking point surrounding the game between the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins in Week 8 was the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. It was his first game since suffering what appeared to be a severe concussion in Week 2. He missed four games on injured reserve.
Tagovailoa was good and Miami’s offense was back on track, but it was the emergence of the passing game that spoiled the afternoon for the Cardinals.
As time expired, Chad Ryland made the game-winning 34-yard field goal, defeating the Dolphins 28-27.
Kyler Murray completed 26 of 36 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns against the league’s No. 1 pass defense. He finished with a passer rating of 116.3. It was his first 300-yard passing game in almost two years. His last game was in Week 8 of 2022 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Not only did Murray look sharp, but the big man the Cardinals had hoped would be a pass catcher also did a great job.
Tight end Trey McBride had his best game of the season with nine catches for 124 yards. He made two catches on the game-winning drive.
Rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had six catches for 111 yards and one touchdown. His six catches were the most in a game, and his 111 yards were his most since 130 in the first quarter against the Rams in Week 2. Four of those catches and 78 yards came in the second half.
Marie was not fired and was only hit once.
Tagovailoa played well for the Dolphins. He completed 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards and one touchdown. His only problem was three fumbles. Two were recovered by Miami, the last of which was a bad snap that sent it out of the end zone and resulted in a safety.
Not only was this Murray’s first 300-yard passing game since 2022, it was also the Cardinals’ first 300-yard passing game in a single game under head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. It was the first time.
The question we have to wonder now is whether the performance is the start of a trend or just a one-off. If they can find the passing game, the second half of the season will be fun.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals spoil Tua Tagovailoa’s return as passing game erupts
