QB Tagovailoa Melts Down in Second Half, Green Bay Packers Top Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers opened yesterday's Christmas Day slate of games with an exciting 26-20 duel, but it certainly wasn't the result the Miami Dolphins were hoping for. After an exciting first half, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led his team to a scoreless final two quarters, throwing three interceptions and handing the Packers a much-needed win.

The @packers PICK IT OFF

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— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2022

It was a tale of two halves for Miami. The Dolphins came out scorching in the first two quarters, scoring all 20 of their points while completing receptions of 84 yards to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and 52 yards to wide receiver Tyreek Hill. But a winter chill descended upon the team in the third and fourth quarters: Tagovailoa passed for a mere 79 yards while recklessly giving away the ball three times, and the Packers happily accepted a gift of a win.

It wasn't a great day for the Packers offense, either. They totalled a modest 301 yards while converting an ugly 2/14 on third down. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers netted 222 passing yards on 40 dropbacks, throwing one interception and one touchdown, and the rushing attack totalled only 79 yards on 25 carries. But the Packers made the most of their many, many short fields, and the defense came through with huge plays, snatching four total takeaways and logging two sacks.

Looking ahead to Week 17, the Packers will try to keep their postseason dreams alive when they host the Minnesota Vikings, and the Dolphins will visit the New England Patriots for a crucial AFC East showdown.