Tua throws TD in 1st career start, Dolphins roll past Rams

Tua Tagovailoa threw his first career touchdown in his debut as a starter Sunday as the Miami Dolphins breezed to a 28-17 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8.

The former Alabama star went 12-for-22 through the air for 93 yards and the touchdown, which came on a 3-yard strike to DeVante Parker on the final play of the opening quarter. He fumbled once, but it hardly mattered as the Dolphins prevailed for the fourth time in five games to bump their record to 4-3.

"I don't think I played to the standard of what this offense was capable of," the rookie said postgame, according to Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Tagovailoa was making his inaugural start after serving as Ryan Fitzpatrick's backup for six games. He took his first career snaps in Week 6, throwing two passes in garbage time of a shutout against the New York Jets.

Drafted fifth overall in April following an illustrious college career, Tagovailoa came to Miami with a heap of fanfare. He was the 22nd quarterback to start a game for the Dolphins since Dan Marino's retirement in 2000.

"We won the game," Dolphins head coach Brian Flores said when asked to assess Tagovailoa's performance. "It's a team football game. It's not a one-man show. He made enough plays for us to win the ball game."

The Rams aided their own demise, as Jared Goff committed two interceptions and two fumbles in the first half while battling protection issues up front and drops from his receivers. Los Angeles fell to 5-3 with a bye week on tap.

"Thank God we have a good defense," Tagovailoa said.

The Dolphins will take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9.