Subscribe
Follow Us
The Miami Dolphins have shown progress since Tua Tagovailoa returned from injury, but following a loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving, they now sit at 5-7, leaving their playoff hopes slim. As they gear up for their next matchup, Tagovailoa reflected on facing Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Sunday, recognizing the importance of competing against a future Hall of Famer.
“I would say first off, a lot of respect to Aaron (Rodgers) and what he’s done throughout the course of his years playing at Green Bay,” remarked the Dolphins quarterback via David Furones of the Sun Sentinel.
“Obviously, we got to play against him two years ago, and he’s a Hall of Famer. Whether he looks like the same way he did in years past or not, you’re just going up against greatness regardless. The mindset that he has and to be able to still play at his age is really remarkable, and I’ve got a lot of respect for his game,” Tagovailoa continued.
Rodgers' Achilles injury in his debut as a Jet back in September 2023, combined with the Dolphins-Jets season series being scheduled late in 2024, turned what was once a highly anticipated matchup into a long-awaited showdown.
It's been a long time coming for Tua Tagovailoa and Aaron Rodgers
“It’s been a long time coming, but it’s super cool,” said Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is working to keep his Dolphins (5-7) in the hunt, while Rodgers' Jets (3-9) have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Without Tagovailoa, the team is 1-3, underscoring the significant impact of his absence due to a concussion earlier in the season.
“I’m excited to see him go out there and have fun with his guys and play. Hopefully they don’t do too good against our guys, but we’re going to come out there and we’re going to compete, as well, and just admire good football, if he goes out there and does his thing,” Tagovailoa added.
The Jets quarterback boasts an impressive resume that includes four league MVP awards, a Super Bowl MVP, and 10 Pro Bowl selections.
Rodgers achieved all of his accolades during his tenure with the Packers before being traded to the Jets in April 2023. Prior to his move, Tagovailoa and the Dolphins fell to Rodgers and the Packers in a Christmas Day matchup at Hard Rock Stadium in 2022.
The Dolphins hoping to turn their season around
Despite the setbacks, Tagovailoa remains a key player for the Dolphins, with the team's performance clearly improving when he is on the field. Now, the Dolphins are hoping to turn their season around with Tagovailoa at the helm.
Tagovailoa also responded to criticism regarding the Dolphins’ mental and physical toughness, highlighting the critical role of unity and cohesion within the team.
“I would say that comes more from an individual in the way that I look at it. It comes from individuals and collectively you’ve got to all have that same mindset, that’s why we have team football, that’s why you’re in team sports. I think you’ve got to look at it as are you mentally tough and are you physically tough; they have to go hand in hand,” said Tugavailoa.
The Dolphins’ playoff hopes hinge on securing wins in their remaining games, with Tagovailoa’s health playing a pivotal role as they face crucial divisional matchups.
Although the Dolphins added dual-threat quarterback Tyler Huntley to their roster, Skyler Thompson remains the preferred backup for Tagovailoa. Given Tagovailoa’s injury history and the significant threat another concussion could pose to his career, the team’s strategy reflects a careful and calculated approach.
This quarterback shuffle showcases Miami's drive to salvage their season, focusing attention on coaching strategies and player execution. If Huntley proves reliable as the backup, Thompson’s future with the team could be at risk.
