The Arizona Cardinals achieved a thrilling victory over the Miami Dolphins, winning 28-27 with a 34-yard field goal by Chad Ryland as time expired at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.
This marks the Cardinals’ second consecutive win, having narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 17-15 the previous Monday night. This victory is significant as it marks the first time Arizona has secured back-to-back wins since the 2021 season, ending a 47-game streak without such a feat.
Ryland, who has stepped in for the injured Matt Prater, recorded his third game-winning field goal, having previously sealed victories against the 49ers and the Chargers.
In the final moments of the game, the Cardinals faced a daunting situation when left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. was penalized for holding during their game-winning drive. However, they managed to convert a crucial third down when Kyler Murray completed a 17-yard pass to Trey McBride.
On a critical second and 15, Murray found Marvin Harrison Jr. for an important 18-yard gain, followed by running back James Conner’s powerful 17-yard run that moved Arizona into Dolphins territory.
In a pivotal moment on third and 4 at the Dolphins’ 27, with the clock winding down, Murray opted for a scramble. Despite being contained, he managed a 7-yard gain, allowing the Cardinals to set up Ryland’s game-winning kick.
With this win, the Cardinals improved to 4-4, keeping their playoff hopes alive in the NFC West, ahead of their upcoming game against the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, the Dolphins fell to 2-5 and prepare to face the Buffalo Bills next Sunday.
Murray completed 26 of 36 passes for 307 yards and two touchdowns, while Conner rushed for 53 yards and a TD on 20 carries. McBride had nine receptions for 124 yards, and Harrison caught six passes for 111 yards and a touchdown.
The Cardinals scored a touchdown to reduce Miami’s lead in the fourth quarter, with Conner recording a 2-yard rushing touchdown after a series of key plays, including a challenge overturning an incomplete pass to Harrison that kept the drive alive.
Miami had initially extended their lead to 27-18 following a 6-yard touchdown run by Raheem Mostert, set up by significant completions from Tua Tagovailoa to Jaylen Waddle.
Despite falling behind, the Cardinals responded with Murray’s 22-yard touchdown pass to Harrison, continuing to fight back after a safety and another touchdown by the Dolphins earlier in the game.
The Dolphins had managed to build an early lead with a mix of passing and rushing before the Cardinals found their rhythm, leading to a competitive match that ended in a dramatic finish.