The Miami Dolphins missed the playoffs by one game during the 2020 season amid an ongoing quarterback controversy. After selecting Alabama gunslinger Tua Tagovailoa in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, head coach Brian Flores alternated between Tua and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Now with Fitzmagic off to Washington, it's clear that it is Tua's job.
When speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Tua opened up about his rookie year as he looks to improve and lead the Dolphins to the playoffs.
Tua on last year and how and where it wasn't up to his standard. "I'd say in every aspect." Mentions getting to LOS, cadence, pre and post snap reads. "I wasn't comfortable with my rookie year." #Dolphins
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) May 26, 2021
Tua, in fact, wasn't comfortable in his first season in the pros. After an injury at Alabama caused concern for NFL teams, the Dolphins chose the Hawaii native 5th overall in the draft, pegging him as a franchise cornerstone in an effort to right the ship of mediocrity that had been the Dolphins organization.
Tua played in 10 games and threw for 1814 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. On the other hand, Fitzpatrick played nine games and finished with 2091 yards and 13 touchdowns with eight interceptions, so it's a little concerning that he topped Tua in nearly every category.
Tua also touched on the hip injury that had teams a bit worried about his long-term potential.
Tua says strength training and conditioning "looks a lot different this year" than the year before because of his hip. Didn't focus on one particular part, just worked on his whole body. Early reviews are that Tua looks bigger. "My hip feels 10x better than last year." #Dolphins
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) May 26, 2021
The good news is that his hip feels “10x better” than last year, a welcome sign for Flores and company as they try to make the playoffs and compete in the AFC East. The Dolphins added Tua's former college teammate in Jaylen Waddle in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and signed free agent wide receiver Will Fuller, so his weapons will look immensely better than his rookie year.
Perhaps this offseason will serve as the take-off year Tua needs to become one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL. They are surely hoping he turns out to be worthy of that high choice in the draft for Miami.