Ryland's Kick Lifts Cardinals Past Dolphins 28-27 in a Thrilling Finish
Glendale, AZ - The Arizona Cardinals pulled off a last-minute victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, escaping with a 28-27 win in a game that went down to the wire. The hero of the day was kicker Matt Ryland, who nailed a 32-yard field goal as time expired, securing the win for the Cardinals.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows throughout the contest. The Dolphins jumped out to an early lead, scoring on their opening drive thanks to a touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill. However, the Cardinals quickly answered with a touchdown of their own, a 15-yard pass from Kyler Murray to DeAndre Hopkins.
The first half saw the Dolphins maintain a slight lead, but the Cardinals came out firing in the second half. Murray found Hopkins for a second touchdown in the third quarter, giving the Cardinals a 21-17 lead. The Dolphins, however, refused to go down easy. They tied the game late in the fourth quarter on a touchdown run by Raheem Mostert, setting the stage for Ryland's dramatic game-winning kick.
A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
Both Murray and Tagovailoa had impressive performances. Murray threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns, while Tagovailoa passed for 295 yards and three touchdowns. The difference in the game ultimately came down to the Cardinals' ability to capitalize on a key Dolphins turnover in the final minutes.
Ryland's Redemption
The game-winning kick was particularly sweet for Ryland, who missed a field goal earlier in the game. "It's always great to make the big kick, especially after missing one earlier," Ryland said after the game. "But I knew I had to come through for my team in that moment."
The Cardinals' victory was a much-needed boost after a tough loss in Week 1. It also showcased the potential of the team, particularly on offense. With a dynamic quarterback like Murray and a talented receiving corps, the Cardinals look to be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC West.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals now turn their attention to a Week 3 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are a formidable opponent, but the Cardinals will be looking to build on their momentum from this thrilling victory. The Dolphins, meanwhile, will be hoping to bounce back from this heartbreaking loss in their next game against the Buffalo Bills.