Cover 4: Broncos' defense stymies Tua Tagovailoa, holds on late in 20-13 win

[Miles]

DENVER — Tua Tagovailoa made national headlines during a 3-0 start to his career.


After Sunday's game in Denver, perhaps the Broncos' defense will get some of the attention.


The Broncos held the Dolphins to 223 total yards and just three second-half points as Denver earned its second home win of the season and snapped a two-game skid.


Tagovailoa entered Sunday's game with a chance to become the first rookie quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger to win his first four starts. Instead, Head Coach Vic Fangio improved his record against rookie quarterbacks as a head coach or defensive coordinator to 18-8. Ryan Fitzpatrick nearly brought the Dolphins back after replacing Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter, but Denver held on for the win.


Drew Lock, meanwhile, recovered from a poor start to finish 18-of-30 for 270 yards. Only a late Melvin Gordon III goal-line fumble prevented the Broncos winning by multiple scores.


Justin Simmons secured a late interception in the end zone to save the win.


These were the players and plays that mattered in a 20-13 win over the previously 6-3 Miami Dolphins: