Tua Tagovailoa returns as Dolphins snap three-game skid with Steelers win

Miami, Florida - Tua Tagovailoa returned as the Miami Dolphins snapped their three-game skid with a 16-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday night.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws the football during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throws the football during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Hard Rock Stadium.  © REUTERS

Tagovailoa had not played since suffering a concussion in Week 4, but threw a first-quarter touchdown for Raheem Mostert as the Dolphins raced to a 13-0 lead.

The Steelers rallied with 10 second-quarter points with rookie George Pickers pulling down a spectacular catch from a Kenny Pickett touchdown pass to make it 16-10 at half-time.

Miami's defense held firm to thwart two fourth-quarter Steelers' drives with interceptions, firstly by Jevon Holland and then Noah Igbinoghene, the latter settling a game where no points were scored in the second half. The win improved Miami's record to 4-3, sitting third in the NFL's AFC East, while the Steelers are 2-5 and last in the AFC North.

In the Steelers' last drive, Pickett had connected with tight end Pat Freiermuth and wide receiver Diontae Johnson for major gains in the final minute, before Igbinoghene's pick.

Miami's defense had only one interception all season but notched three in this game alone from Pickett's throwing, with the Steelers quarterback completing 32 of 44 passes for 257 yards.

Tagovailoa made it four wins from four starts, with 21-of-35 passing for 261 yards with no interceptions, running four times for 15 yards.

Jaylen Waddle had four catches for 88 yards including a brilliant flying catch, while Tyreek Hill was a regular target with seven receptions for 72 yards. Touchdown scorer Mostert had four receptions for 30 yards along with 16 carries for 79 yards.

Cover photo: REUTERS

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