Miami Dolphins vs. Arizona Cardinals: 2020 Week 9 Recap

Game story

In Week 9 of the 2020 NFL season on 2020-11-08, the Miami Dolphins took care of business against the Arizona Cardinals, pulling away with a 34–31 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

T. Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) paced the passing game, with +16.46 total EPA, and +8.2% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, T. Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +16.46 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-29.4% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Arizona Cardinals changed the game: (1:58) 5-Z.Gonzalez 49 yard field goal is No Good, Short, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

1. 1 T. Tagovailoa · Miami Dolphins · Passing · +16.46 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
2. 2 K. Murray · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +14.59 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.39 EPA/play
3. 3 K. Murray · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +9.32 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.55 EPA/play
4. 4 C. Kirk · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +8.58 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.07 EPA/play
5. 5 P. Williams · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +5.40 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.08 EPA/play
6. 6 D. Parker · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +4.49 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
7. 7 L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.57 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
8. 8 D. Hopkins · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.44 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.15 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

• Miami Dolphins — S. Lawson (Q1 55:48)
• Arizona Cardinals — M. Williams (K. Murray pass) (Q1 51:57)
• Miami Dolphins — J. Howard (Q1 45:59)
• Arizona Cardinals — C. Kirk (K. Murray pass) (Q2 44:31)
• Miami Dolphins — P. Williams (T. Tagovailoa pass) (Q2 40:25)
• Arizona Cardinals — D. Daniels (K. Murray pass) (Q3 26:55)
• Arizona Cardinals — K. Murray (Q3 17:33)
• Miami Dolphins — M. Hollins (T. Tagovailoa pass) (Q4 11:24)

Field goals

• Arizona Cardinals — Z. Gonzalez (Q2 35:10)
• Miami Dolphins — J. Sanders (Q2 30:03)
• Miami Dolphins — J. Sanders (Q4 3:35)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 14–7. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the MIA 45 (Q1 55:48); Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q1 55:37) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-50-B.Ferguson, Holder-2-M.Haack.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the MIA 4 (Q1 51:57) — (6:57) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass short left to 87-M.Williams for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q1 51:51) — 5-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the ARI 2 (Q1 45:59) — (:59) 70-J.Davenport reported in as eligible. 34-J.Howard right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q1 45:55) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-50-B.Ferguson, Holder-2-M.Haack..

The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the MIA 56 (Q2 44:31) — (14:31) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass deep middle to 13-C.Kirk for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q2 44:23) — 5-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the ARI 9 (Q2 40:25) — (10:25) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right to 18-P.Williams for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q2 40:18) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-50-B.Ferguson, Holder-2-M.Haack.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the MIA 19 (Q2 35:10) — (5:10) 5-Z.Gonzalez 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the ARI 38 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) 7-J.Sanders 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-B.Ferguson, Holder-2-M.Haack..

The third quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 14–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the MIA 21 (Q3 26:55) — (11:55) (No Huddle) 1-K.Murray pass deep right to 81-D.Daniels for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q3 26:48) — 5-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the MIA 12 (Q3 17:33) — (2:33) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-K.Murray left end for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. MIA-28-B.McCain was injured during the play.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q3 17:28) — 5-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee..

The fourth quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 10–0. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the ARI 11 (Q4 11:24) — (11:24) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right to 86-M.Hollins for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q4 11:19) — 7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-50-B.Ferguson, Holder-2-M.Haack.; Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the ARI 32 (Q4 3:35) — (3:35) 7-J.Sanders 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-B.Ferguson, Holder-2-M.Haack..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

• Arizona Cardinals (Q4 1:58) — (1:58) 5-Z.Gonzalez 49 yard field goal is No Good, Short, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee. [WPA -29.4% · EPA -3.77]
• Arizona Cardinals (Q1 55:48) — (10:48) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray sacked at ARI 42 for -13 yards (91-E.Ogbah). FUMBLES (91-E.Ogbah) [91-E.Ogbah], RECOVERED by MIA-90-S.Lawson at ARI 36. 90-S.Lawson for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -24.5% · EPA -9.33]
• Arizona Cardinals (Q2 44:31) — (14:31) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass deep middle to 13-C.Kirk for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +18.8% · EPA +5.77]
• Arizona Cardinals (Q3 20:22) — (5:22) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray up the middle pushed ob at MIA 26 for 28 yards (40-N.Needham). [WPA +15.1% · EPA +3.86]
• Arizona Cardinals (Q4 3:30) — (3:30) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass deep right to 13-C.Kirk to MIA 40 for 35 yards (28-B.McCain). [WPA +14.6% · EPA +1.88]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

• Arizona Cardinals (Q1 55:48) — (10:48) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray sacked at ARI 42 for -13 yards (91-E.Ogbah). FUMBLES (91-E.Ogbah) [91-E.Ogbah], RECOVERED by MIA-90-S.Lawson at ARI 36. 90-S.Lawson for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -24.5% · EPA -9.33]
• Arizona Cardinals (Q2 44:31) — (14:31) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass deep middle to 13-C.Kirk for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +18.8% · EPA +5.77]
• Arizona Cardinals (Q3 20:22) — (5:22) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray up the middle pushed ob at MIA 26 for 28 yards (40-N.Needham). [WPA +15.1% · EPA +3.86]
• Arizona Cardinals (Q4 1:58) — (1:58) 5-Z.Gonzalez 49 yard field goal is No Good, Short, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee. [WPA -29.4% · EPA -3.77]

Quarterback report card

T.Tagovailoa led all passers in efficiency for Miami Dolphins, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• T.Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) · 38 dropbacks · 52.6% completion · +8.2% CPOE · +0.43 EPA/play · +16.46 total EPA
• K.Murray (Arizona Cardinals) · 37 dropbacks · 56.8% completion · +12.9% CPOE · +0.39 EPA/play · +14.59 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Miami Dolphins generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.17 vs +0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

• Arizona Cardinals: 9 drives, +7.69 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
• Miami Dolphins: 10 drives, +13.16 total EPA, 5 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

• Miami Dolphins leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
• One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
• T. Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
• T. Tagovailoa (MIA) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
• K. Murray (ARI) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

1. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q1 55:48 · MIA 45 · Score 6-0
   (10:48) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray sacked at ARI 42 for -13 yards (91-E.Ogbah). FUMBLES (91-E.Ogbah) [91-E.Ogbah], RECOVERED by MIA-90-S.Lawson at ARI 36. 90-S.Lawson
2. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q1 55:37 · ARI 15 · Score 7-0
   7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-50-B.Ferguson, Holder-2-M.Haack.
3. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 51:57 · MIA 4 · Score 7-6
   (6:57) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass short left to 87-M.Williams for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q1 51:51 · MIA 15 · Score 7-7
   5-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee.
5. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q1 45:59 · ARI 2 · Score 13-7
   (:59) 70-J.Davenport reported in as eligible. 34-J.Howard right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
6. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q1 45:55 · ARI 15 · Score 14-7
   7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-50-B.Ferguson, Holder-2-M.Haack.
7. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 44:31 · MIA 56 · Score 14-13
   (14:31) (Shotgun) 1-K.Murray pass deep middle to 13-C.Kirk for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
8. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 44:23 · MIA 15 · Score 14-14
   5-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee.
9. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q2 40:25 · ARI 9 · Score 20-14
   (10:25) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right to 18-P.Williams for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
10. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q2 40:18 · ARI 15 · Score 21-14
    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-50-B.Ferguson, Holder-2-M.Haack.
11. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 35:10 · MIA 19 · Score 21-17
    (5:10) 5-Z.Gonzalez 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee.
12. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · ARI 38 · Score 24-17
    (:03) 7-J.Sanders 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-B.Ferguson, Holder-2-M.Haack.
13. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 26:55 · MIA 21 · Score 24-23
    (11:55) (No Huddle) 1-K.Murray pass deep right to 81-D.Daniels for 21 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
14. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 26:48 · MIA 15 · Score 24-24
    5-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee.
15. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 17:33 · MIA 12 · Score 24-30
    (2:33) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 1-K.Murray left end for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. MIA-28-B.McCain was injured during the play.
16. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 17:28 · MIA 15 · Score 24-31
    5-Z.Gonzalez extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-A.Lee.
17. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q4 11:24 · ARI 11 · Score 30-31
    (11:24) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right to 86-M.Hollins for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
18. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q4 11:19 · ARI 15 · Score 31-31
    7-J.Sanders extra point is GOOD, Center-50-B.Ferguson, Holder-2-M.Haack.
19. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q4 3:35 · ARI 32 · Score 34-31
    (3:35) 7-J.Sanders 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-B.Ferguson, Holder-2-M.Haack.