Career Contextualization
Nobody really knows whether the Miami Dolphins actually view Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA) as their franchise quarterback. The team’s sentiment seems to change by the week.
It’s hard to evaluate Tagovailoa’s first two seasons as a pro properly. Tagovailoa’s rookie year was more like a redshirt year as he re-acclimated to the game after suffering a serious hip injury in his final season at Alabama. In 2021, Tagovailoa was better, completing 67.8% of his passes and throwing for 2,563 yards and 16 touchdowns. But Miami’s coaching staff never fully trusted him. Tagovailoa averaged just 6.5 air yards per attempt, which ranked 23rd among quarterbacks.
Year three truly could be a make-or-break season for Tagovailoa, as his situation has dramatically improved this offseason.
Current Situation
Everything around Tagovailoa has improved. The Dolphins are bringing in a new coach off the Kyle Shanahan tree in Mike McDaniel. New offensive coordinator Frank Smith served on the Chargers staff alongside Tua’s draft classmate, Justin Herbert (QB – LAC). If McDaniel implements Shanahan’s offense, you can expect to see plenty of horizontal throwing, which might best suit Tagavailoa’s skill set.
Career Contextualization
Nobody really knows whether the Miami Dolphins actually view Tua Tagovailoa (QB – MIA) as their franchise quarterback. The team’s sentiment seems to change by the week.
It’s hard to evaluate Tagovailoa’s first two seasons as a pro properly. Tagovailoa’s rookie year was more like a redshirt year as he re-acclimated to the game after suffering a serious hip injury in his final season at Alabama. In 2021, Tagovailoa was better, completing 67.8% of his passes and throwing for 2,563 yards and 16 touchdowns. But Miami’s coaching staff never fully trusted him. Tagovailoa averaged just 6.5 air yards per attempt, which ranked 23rd among quarterbacks.
Year three truly could be a make-or-break season for Tagovailoa, as his situation has dramatically improved this offseason.
Current Situation
Everything around Tagovailoa has improved. The Dolphins are bringing in a new coach off the Kyle Shanahan tree in Mike McDaniel. New offensive coordinator Frank Smith served on the Chargers staff alongside Tua’s draft classmate, Justin Herbert (QB – LAC). If McDaniel implements Shanahan’s offense, you can expect to see plenty of horizontal throwing, which might best suit Tagavailoa’s skill set.
Tagovailoa will also have the fastest wide receiver duo in the NFL, as the Dolphins acquired Tyreek Hill (WR – MIA) in a trade to work alongside Jaylen Waddle (WR – MIA). Miami also made a sizable upgrade to the offensive line, bringing in former Saints tackle Terron Armstead (OL – MIA) and adding former Cowboys guard Conor Williams.
The situation probably can’t get much better for Tagovailoa. Now it’s on him to show he was worth the fifth pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
General Prediction for 2022 and Rest of Career
I’ve always liked Tagovailoa. He may not have the arm strength of Joe Burrow (QB – CIN) and Herbert. But he’s an accurate thrower and could be a perfect fit for McDaniel’s new scheme. I always felt his struggles through his first two seasons were due more to a terrible offensive line and a lousy coaching staff. Let’s not forget this team hired Chan Gailey as their offensive coordinator in Tua’s rookie season.
But those excuses are out the window now. His protection is the best it’s ever been. He’s got an excellent receiving duo, plus tight end Mike Gesicki (TE – MIA) returns. 2022 has to be the year for Tagovailoa, and I’m confident it will be. I’d be looking to buy Tagovailoa low in dynasty formats, as I think he has a higher career upside than any of the quarterbacks in this year’s rookie class.
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