Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa got his first moments of action in the waning moments of last weekend's win over the New York Jets.
One week later, the former Alabama star has been named the starter.
The Dolphins announced Tuesday they were turning to Tagovailoa for the remainder of the season after veteran signal-caller Ryan Fitzpatrick guided the team to a 3-3 start.
Tua commented on replacing Fitzpatrick on Wednesday, noting he was excited for the opportunity but also disappointed for his mentor. Tagovailoa even said he shared a “father-son” kind of relationship with Fitzpatrick.
Dolphins new QB1 Tua Tagovailoa says he’s excited for chance to be a starter even though he’s a bit bummed for Ryan Fitzpatrick. Compared their relationship like father-son.
Tua says he’s thought a lot on the injury, the process to coming back and how blessed he is to be here. pic.twitter.com/xsug0tGdgx
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 21, 2020
Although Fitzpatrick had hardly been the most outstanding quarterback in the league, he kept the Dolphins in contention through the first six games of the year.
Miami sits just one game behind the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East, and should have every opportunity to compete for a playoff spot.
But now, the focus shifts to Miami's first-round pick in this past April's draft.
Tagovailoa was widely regarded as the top player in the 2020 draft class entering his junior season at Alabama. But Tua suffered a devastating hip injury in a game against Mississippi State last November, somewhat clouding his draft prospects.
However, Tagovailoa was cleared for individual workouts and throwing sessions ahead of the draft, and he impressed enough for the Dolphins to select him with the fifth overall pick.
Can Tua lead Miami to the playoffs? He will have to step up and make plays from the jump.
The Dolphins' offensive line has been much-improved from a pass-blocking perspective, but Miami has struggled to establish the run. Still, it seems the Dolphins are comfortable enough with Tua's health and progression to make him the starter,
Needless to say, all eyes will be on Tagovailoa when he makes his first start against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8.
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