Dolphins bench Tua Tagovailoa for Ryan Fitzpatrick, who leads team to important comeback
Even after all these years, there’s still plenty of FitzMagic left in Ryan Fitzpatrick’s tank.
On Saturday night, the Miami Dolphins traveled to Las Vegas to play the Raiders, and found themselves trailing 25-23 with only seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
That’s when Fitzpatrick, who had taken over for rookie starter Tua Tagovailoa, lived up to his nickname with this insane no-look throw:
I will watch this a hundred times tonight!!!
This will go down as the best no look pass in NFL history. #RyanFitzpatrick #Fitz #Fitzpatrick #fitzmagic #MiamiDolphins #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/6TMddP3Alt
— Big E (@ian693) December 27, 2020
HOW DID RYAN FITZPATRICK MAKE THIS THROW pic.twitter.com/nOe1rBFOP4
— Nick Veronica (@NickVeronica) December 27, 2020
Tagovailoa started the game and completed 17 of his 22 pass attempts for 1 touchdown and no interceptions. So, why did he get benched? Well, those 17 completions went for only 94 yards, an abysmal average of 4.3 yards per completion.
Fitzpatrick went 9 for 13 for 184 yards, 1 touchdown and 0 interceptions in his limited work. He also got the Dolphins in field-goal position on the final drive to earn a 26-25 victory.
After the game, Tagovailoa remained a good teammate, praising his backup:
Dolphins’ QB Tua Tagovailoa on Ryan Fitzpatrick, who made the no-look pass of the season: “They call him ‘Fitzmagic’ for a reason.” pic.twitter.com/npEfDfdk5T
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2020
After the game, Miami coach Brian Flores said Tagovailoa will start again next weekend, but Fitzpatrick will be ready to take over:
Dolphins’ HC Brian Flores said Tua Tagovailoa will continue to be the starting QB in week 17 against Buffalo.
“If we’ve got to go to our relief pitcher in the ninth, that’s what we’ll do,” Flores said. “Fitz (Ryan Fitzpatrick), he’s always ready to go. “
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2020
The Dolphins improved to 10-5 with the win. They still need a victory next weekend against the Bills in order to secure a playoff spot. Or, they could be helped if the Baltimore Ravens lose on Sunday or next week in their own games.