NFL: The Dolphins outlast the Ravens to open Week 10 with a shocker!

Miami, Florida - The Miami Dolphins put up a big fight on Thursday night to open Week 10 of the 2021 NFL season with an upset win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Albert Wilson caught four passes for 87 yards on Thursday night.
Albert Wilson caught four passes for 87 yards on Thursday night.  © IMAGO/Pro Sports Images

The Dolphins defeated the Ravens 22-10 for a second-straight win, pulling off an unexpected win against a superior team, at least on paper.

Miami’s defense played very well, holding one of the league’s top offensive players, Lamar Jackson, in check through most of the game, while also scoring a touchdown off of a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter.

In fact, the Ravens were held without a touchdown until the final minutes of regulation, during a comeback attempt that would ultimately fall apart at the end.

Both teams clashed in a war of field goals in the first half as the Dolphins led 6-3 going into the midway point.

With no scoring in the third quarter, the fourth was where the game would end up being decided.

After Baltimore cut the deficit down to 15-10, Miami scored a game-sealing touchdown to hold off the Ravens for the win.

The player spotlight

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa rushed for a touchdown in Thursday night's win over the Ravens.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa rushed for a touchdown in Thursday night's win over the Ravens.  © imago/Icon SMI

Second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (23) came into the game during the third quarter after Jacoby Brissett had to leave with a banged-up right knee.

His entry into the action sparked a lagging offense that was given several chances to succeed thanks to Miami’s tough defensive performance.

Tagovailoa was able to lead a late-game drive down the field during the closing minutes of the game, capped-off with a quarterback sneak for his team’s only offensive touchdown.

He threw 8-for-13, 158 yards, and a rushing touchdown.

The big picture

The Baltimore Ravens, under head coach John Harbaugh, lead the AFC North at 6-3.
The Baltimore Ravens, under head coach John Harbaugh, lead the AFC North at 6-3.  © IMAGO/NurPhoto

The Ravens have suffered an unexpected loss but they’re not in terrible shape as they look ahead to the rest of the season.

They’re still in the top spot of the AFC North, but their storied rivals, the Steelers are just a game behind them, ready for their annual battle for the division crown.

The hunt for prime playoff spots is really heating up, so this tough loss can't be the beginning of a decline for the Ravens.

Next Sunday, the Dolphins (3-7) are on the road to take on the Jets (2-6) while the Ravens (6-3) are also traveling to face the Bears (3-6).

Cover photo: imago/Icon SMI

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