Not even the Miami Dolphins were sure what they would get from inexperienced middle linebacker Mike Hull on Sunday. The second-year player made his first career start with Miami in place of the injured Kiko Alonso and faced a tall task of leading the defense and slowing Arizona Cardinals star running back David Johnson.

But Hull aced his first test as a starter. He tied for the team lead with eight tackles and had an important interception of Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer on the opening drive that set up Miami's first touchdown in a 26-23 victory. Hull was constantly around the football and showed good instincts for a young player.

Hull's performance provided confidence that he can replace Alonso for a longer stretch while Miami's leading tackler recovers from thumb and hamstring injuries.

"I don’t think I was nervous at all," Hull said after the game. "Obviously, there were some things with communication that needed to be cleaned up, especially down the stretch. But we’ll get that cleaned up and just very fortunate that we were able to pull out the game with the win.”

It remains to be seen if Hull will start again next week in a big game against the New York Jets, but he will be ready. Alonso's biggest issue is his hamstring because speed and explosion are a vital part of his game.

The Dolphins (8-5) trail the Denver Broncos (8-5) in tiebreakers for the final wild-card spot in the AFC and need all hands on deck. Backups such as Hull, linebacker Spencer Paysinger (eight tackles) and quarterback Matt Moore all played important roles Sunday due to injuries.

"We had more than just Kiko out," Dolphins coach Adam Gase said. "Guys stepped up again and found a way to do the job they needed to do today to get us a chance at the end. We talk about it all the time. All of these games, especially this part of the season, it’s going to come down to. ... whoever has the ball last, usually that’s what it’s going to come down to."