Tua Tagovailoa and 2 more Dolphins to blame for Week 16 loss to Packers

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Mike McDaniel speaks with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Mike McDaniel speaks with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /
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Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa, Mike McDaniel
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Mike McDaniel speaks with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa plateaued his team’s chances against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, but he wasn’t alone.

Tua Tagovailoa threw three interceptions in a row to eliminate any and all chance Miami had at a critical victory for their postseason chances. Despite both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle recording over 100 yards receiving, Tagovailoa still found a way to let this game slip through his fingers.

Tua will have no excuses, and despite a funny new nickname — Tua Turntheballova — don’t expect Tagovailoa to take the error of his ways lightly.

Tagovailoa will come back in Week 17 a better quarterback, but he may have cost his team an opportunity to cement their status as dark horse AFC contenders this season.

3. Miami Dolphins to blame: Tua Tagovailoa

Tua threw three straight interceptions in the third and fourth quarters. His first turnover came thanks to an interception to Jaire Alexander on a ball that sailed over Tyreek Hill’s head. Miami had a 20-16 lead at the time and had just turned over Aaron Rodgers itself.

Green Bay cashed that turnover into points, as the Packers took a 23-20 lead. Just a drive later, Tagovailoa thew another interception, this time to De’Vondre Campbell while looking for Raheem Mostert across the middle.

After a Packers field goal, Miami had one more chance to save itself. However, that opportunity ended shortly thereafter thanks to Tagovailoa, who threw his third straight interception to Rasul Douglas.

And that was game.

2. Miami Dolphins to blame: Special teams

The Dolphins special teams wasn’t a disaster by any means, but will definitely have a rough film session on Monday. Not only did Miami give up a 90-plus yard return to the Green Bay Packers, but they also missed a field goal. It can be argued that’s a 10-point swing right there.

In a game that inevitably came down to just one possession, special teams can make all the difference.