Raiders beat Dolphins 15-13 in Tagovailoa's preseason debut
Miami Dolphins starting quarterback #5 Tua Tagovailoa throwing a pass to an receiver downfield. Photo by Kevin Magee/TGSportstv1.
MIAMI, FL- Four hours before Saturday's game against the Raiders, Tua Tagovailoa visualized the Dolphins' offense.
Miami's starting quarterback, Tagovailoa, made his preseason debut in the first two series of their 15-13 defeat against Las Vegas. Tagovailoa completed 6 of 8 throws for 58 yards with most of his starters, save for Tyreek Hill.
Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham was sacked once and completed 7 of 10 passes for 80 yards. He scored the Raiders' first touchdown.
Las Vegas Raiders #3 Jarrett Stidham (QB) handed the football off to #35 Zamir White (RB) who later scored on a two-yard touchdown run. Photo by Kevin Magee/TGSportstv1.
Zamir White, who might back up Josh Jacobs, scored on a 2-yard run after a 12-play, 75-yard drive that featured throws of 14, 15, and 18 yards. Jacobs sat out.
Tagovailoa did not lead a scoring drive, but he hit the tight end, Durham Smythe, for a 10-yard gain on his first pass and running back Chase Edmonds for a 17-yard gain on his second. The Dolphins punted after their offense looked shaky.
Miami Dolphins #5 Teddy Bridgewater (QB) being tackled by several Las Vegas Raiders’ defenders. Photo by Kevin Magee/TGSportstv1.
Edmonds, acquired in the summer, demonstrated his offensive potential for the Dolphins. In his most remarkable play, he grabbed a short ball from Tagovailoa and evaded a Raiders defender to convert on third down.
Miami's starters struggled in the run game, but Tagovailoa looked comfortable and had time to pass. Backup Salvon Ahmed led the Dolphins with 20 yards on five carries.
Miami Dolphins #47 ZaQuandre White (RB) scored the only touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense. Photo by Kevin Magee/TGSportstv1.
Bridgewater succeeded Tagovailoa. He committed a safety by intentionally grounding in the end zone on his first drive.
Bridgewater also completed a 26-yard pass to rookie Erik Ezukanma.
Skylar Thompson, who shined in his NFL debut last week, threw for over 100 yards and scored Miami's sole touchdown, a 19-yard pass to rookie running back ZaQuandre White in the fourth quarter.
Nick Mullens replaced Stidham and went 6-9 for 39 yards. The Raiders improved to 3-0 preseason.