The Miami Dolphins were on the loss for the first time this season.
The more critical issue is the health of the Dolphins’ starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
The Cincinnati Bengals even their record at 2-2 after taking down the Dolphins 27-15.
The Dolphins are now 3-1.
Tagovailoa was taken off the field on a stretcher and then rushed to hospital after the horrific sight of a sack.
Tagovailoa was expected to be released and fly home with the team. Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel confirmed the QB sustained a concussion.
Joe Burrow tossed a 2-yard touchdown pass to Hayden Hurst late to seal the win after Cincinnati safety Vonn Bell picked off Miami backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with three minutes left in the game.
Tagovailoa was 8 for 14 for 110 yards and an interception before his injury. Bridgewater finished 14 for 23 for 193 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in relief.
Tyreek Hill contributed for the Dolphins with ten catches for 160 yards. Jason Sanders kicked three field goals and had one blocked.
Tagovailoa was chased down and thrown to the turf by Cincinnati’s Josh Tupou with about six minutes left in the first half. He remained down for more than seven minutes before being taken to a hospital with reported head and neck injuries. His teammates gathered around as they worked on him.
Tua should not have played in the Thursday night game.
The 24-year-old Tagovailoa suffered from a sore back and was listed as questionable for most of the week ahead of the game.
Everyone should take responsibility, including Tagovailoa. There is evidence that he suffered a form of brain injury against the Buffalo Bills in week three. Fingers can be pointed; however, the NFL and NFLPA are changing the protocol for evaluating players. It was initially called a back injury. The truth is Tagovailoa should not have returned in the game.
Concussions happen in the game of football concussions have ended the careers of players.
The Dolphins’ defense is excellent; McDaniel is an intelligent coach. With Bridgewater as the backup, they can still make the playoffs.
In week five, I expect the New York Jets to be favored against the Dolphins. The Jets have a beat-up offensive line, and the Dolphins’ defensive front should be able to pressure and force Zack Wilson into mistakes.
