The Miami Dolphins pulled out a barn burner of a win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, 26-25, thanks to some FitzMagic. Dolphins head coach Brian Flores went to backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the fourth quarter of the tight contest on Saturday, replacing rookie Tua Tagovailoa. Fitz rewarded his coach's faith by delivering in the clutch, leading the Dolphins to the game-winning drive that kept Miami's hopes of making the postseason alive.
Nonetheless, despite Fitzpatrick delivering the goods on Saturday, Tagovailoa is still the designated starter for their final game of the season against the Buffalo Bills in Week 17. However, Flores won't hesitate to go to the reliable veteran again should they need him like they did against Las Vegas:
Dolphins’ HC Brian Flores said Tua Tagovailoa will continue to be the starting QB in week 17 against Buffalo.
“If we’ve got to go to our relief pitcher in the ninth, that’s what we’ll do,” Flores said. “Fitz (Ryan Fitzpatrick), he’s always ready to go. “
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2020
Even with a defender right in his grill, Fitzpatrick still managed to throw a desperation pass that eventually made its way to Mack Hollins. This, in turn, led to Jason Sanders' 44-yard field goal that improbably gave Miami the win with one second remaining.
Tua Tagovailoa didn't seem to mind sitting on the bench during the crucial moments of the match. If anything, he was pumped with the heave that helped set up the game-winning field goal:
Dolphins’ QB Tua Tagovailoa on Ryan Fitzpatrick, who made the no-look pass of the season: “They call him ‘Fitzmagic’ for a reason.” pic.twitter.com/npEfDfdk5T
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2020
Aside from the frenetic game-winning sequence to close the game, Fitzpatrick also delivered a go-ahead touchdown pass to Myles Gaskin. The veteran quarterback went 9-of-13 for 182 yards, including one touchdown. Meanwhile, Tagovailoa completed 17-of-22 passes for 94 yards in the win.
Miami will look to carry the momentum of this crazy win into its final game of the regular season against Buffalo. The Dolphins are 10-5 and currently hold the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC. The Baltimore Ravens are 9-5 and should beat the New York Giants on Sunday, so this Week 17 against the Bills is going to be a crucial contest.
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