Miami Dolphins: 3 things to love from victory over New York Jets

Tua Tagovailoa’s response to adversity

Sunday’s game against the Jets may have been Tua Tagovailoa’s worst performance of the year. His 196 passing yards was the lowest of any complete game that he played in this season, and he made some glaring mistakes that had the Deshaun Watson truthers out in full force on Dolphins’ Twitter.

But it was his response to those mistakes that changed the game and was ultimately the deciding factor in Miami’s victory. The ugly start to the game included a fumble and an interception for Tagovailoa coming within the first four plays, helping the Dolphins dig themselves in to an early hole. But the quarterback responded with a beautiful drive that included a 37-yard dime to DeVante Parker down the left sideline, ending with the touchdown that narrowed the Jets’ lead to three.

Tagovailoa’s most egregious mistake came in the 4th quarter, when Miami had a chance to put the game away. Up by seven, Tua threw a bone-headed interception that was returned for game-tying touchdown by New York, and what looked like an easy victory was now anything but. Instead of cowering and letting his mishaps affect his play, Tagovailoa immediately followed the pick-six by leading a nine play, 75 yard drive that resulted in the game-winning score, an 11 yard pass over the middle to Parker.

There have been plenty of knocks on Miami’s second-year QB, but his response to adversity may be one of his most important traits.