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Falcons Beat Dolphins 17-12 Despite Tagovailoa Return

8/30/2026

45 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Tagovailoa Returns

Tua Tagovailoa led a touchdown drive in his first game back at Miami.
He completed 7 of 8 passes for 95 yards but lost a fumble that Miami recovered.
The Falcons edged the Dolphins 17-12.
Miami fans booed Tagovailoa as he took his first snap.
Tagovailoa signed a one-year, $1.215 million deal with Atlanta, far less than his 2024 $212.4 million Miami extension.

Summary

Dolphins Rebuild

Dolphins announced a full rebuild, hiring Jeff Hafley as head coach and Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager.
Miami released Tua Tagovailoa in March, taking the NFL’s largest dead-cap hit while clearing $55 million for 2026.
The Dolphins have not scored a preseason touchdown, entering the regular season 0-3.
Rookie receiver Chris Bell debuted with two catches for 22 yards.

History

Historical Context

After Dan Marino’s final season in 1999, the Dolphins promoted Dave Wannstedt to head coach, leading the team to a 9-7 record and a 42-31 overall tally before his 2004 resignation. Since Marino’s retirement the club has earned only six playoff spots, the last win in 2000, and in 2024 owner Stephen M. Ross sold a 13% stake to private-equity investors, highlighting continued restructuring.

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Tagovailoa Returns

Tua Tagovailoa led a touchdown drive in his first game back at Miami.
He completed 7 of 8 passes for 95 yards but lost a fumble that Miami recovered.
The Falcons edged the Dolphins 17-12.
Miami fans booed Tagovailoa as he took his first snap.
Tagovailoa signed a one-year, $1.215 million deal with Atlanta, far less than his 2024 $212.4 million Miami extension.

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