The Miami Dolphins made the decision this week that the Tua Tagovailoa era will begin, with veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick moving to the bench.
The first-round quarterback out of Alabama earned some playing time and made his debut last week against the New York Jets. He completed both of his passes for nine yards in a blowout win. Now, the fifth overall pick is ready to take over as the start as the club heads into a bye week.
Kyle Crabbs, the host of the daily Locked On Dolphins Podcast, believes the move makes sense largely because he knows that Tagovailoa is already more accurate than Fitzpatrick without needing to see him throw more than two passes in the NFL. It's a simple calculus:
Crabbs: But look at the things that take place after the snap. He’s a great physical talent with his feet, his foot quickness, and his footwork. With that footwork and his base, it yields more consistent throwing power and velocity on his throws and subsequently better accuracy. He’s a more accurate passer than Ryan Fitzpatrick. I don’t need to see him throw at the NFL level to know that. He’s a rapid decision-maker in the RPO game. Again, a general manager told Daniel Jeremiah in the spring that Tua Tagovailoa is the greatest RPO prospect he’s ever seen. Ryan Fitzpatrick was not very proficient in running RPOs in 2020. The Dolphins did not run a lot of them. I think that’s where the ceiling for Tua passes the floor for Fitz. What Tua is capable of making happen after the snap will yield more receivers being hit in stride and that will lead to more yards being made after the catch.
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