Tag Archive for: Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins: Five takeaways from Tua Tagovailoa’s press conference

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As football begins to get underway and we get a sense of the 2020 Miami Dolphins, one player in particular is on everybody’s mind. Tua Tagovailoa is ready to take over Miami.

Okay, maybe I exaggerated a little bit. Right now, he is not worried about taking over Miami. Right now, he just wants to play football.

That was evident when he met with South Florida media today. In an offseason unlike any other, the former Alabama star seems confident and ready to take the next step. That confidence and desire to play football bodes well for the franchise’s future.

How is he getting along with Ryan Fitzpatrick? Does he have confidence in the coaching staff?

Here are five takeaways from Tua Tagovailoa’s press conference .

Takeaway #1

What Tua said:

What I heard:

This may seem like a simple answer on Tua’s part, but to me, that tells me he is ready to go. He is focused on not only seeing the field in the 2020 season, but also winning the starting job. This is exactly what I would want to hear if I was a Dolphins fan. Right now, he is working hard to connect with his teammates and coaching staff. This sounds to me like he is ready to be a leader, and ready to start building that chemistry on the field already. For a player that is going to be counted on to be the franchise savior, these words should be comforting to say the least.

Takeaway #2

What Tua said:

“To be behind a professional like (Ryan Fitzpatrick) to me it’s kind of mind-boggling how down-to-earth he is. It’s one of those things where it’s, this guy gets it. I don’t know what it is, but he gets it and that saying goes true. It says ‘if you want to get somewhere fast, you go alone, but if you want to do it with purpose, then you bring people with you,’ and I think ‘Fitz’ has done a tremendous job in trying to help shape and mold me and Josh (Rosen) as well. So it’s been really cool to go through that process with him.”

What I heard:

Humbleness on the part of Tua. Although he may be the rookie sensation, he’s not acting like it. It seems like he is very appreciative of his opportunity to play for Miami, and it seems like the quarterback room is very supportive of each other. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been all over the National Football League. He’s carved out a long career, and he knows what it takes to be successful. Now, it seems like he is taking the Alabama star under his wing. He certainly is not a bad person for Tua to mentor from.

Takeaway #3

What I heard:

Tua will take any criticism in stride. This is needed to be a successful player in the National Football League, That’s exactly the type of approach you need to have. Particularly for a rookie, peaks and valleys are going to happen. That’s what happens over the course of a NFL season. If Tua can take it all in stride, than that will serve him well in facing the rigors of a National Football League season.

Takeaway #4

What Tua said:

“I think our coaches – I think they’re going to put the best 11 out there. Whether I’m in that lineup or not, I think they’ve done enough evaluation throughout the week, throughout the month and leadup to that game; so in that regard, I know they’re going to put the best out there.”

What I heard:

The quarterback trusts the coaching staff. To me, this is certainly a good sign because it indicates that all parties are on the same page. Tua trusts Brian Flores and his staff to be able to put the organization in the best positions to succeed. This level of trust could come in handy for both parties once Tua  takes over the starting job full-time.

Takeaway #5

What Tua said:

“I think the best way to handle (pressure) is really not pay attention to it, if that makes sense. Not being someone who just says, ‘oh I don’t like it, I don’t care about it.’ I understand that it’s there, but I just feel like the focus – the main focus – is just being able to get into my playbook, being able to – like I said – build relationships with the guys on the team and just focus on what we’ve got to do inside of the building. “

What I heard:

The quarterback understands that there are going to be high expectations placed on him. He is ready to handle the spotlight. He knows that he is going to be under a microscope, and he knows there is going to be a certain buzz around him. Right now, he just wants to play football. He is focused on learning the playbook and getting acclimated with his teammates. In short, he is focused on the Xs and Os and not the opinions of the masses.

Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick ‘excited’ to work with Tua Tagovailoa

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The 37-year-old Ryan Fitzpatrick said he was excited when he found out the Miami Dolphins drafted Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa.

Unlike some of the other teams that may have drafted a young signal-caller this offseason, the Dolphins currently have Ryan Fitzpatrick–a 17-year-veteran at the helm. And with an NFL offseason, unlike anything we’ve ever seen, there’s no need for Chris Grier and Brian Flores to rush Tua Tagovailoa into action. Not yet, anyway.

The truth is, Ryan Fitzpatrick played well enough in 2019 to lead Miami’s roster of misfits to five wins.

Couple that with his familiarity in Chan Gailey’s offense and the uncertain times which lie ahead, and it seems obvious Fitzpatrick is the starter for the immediate future.

But as a Harvard graduate, Fitzpatrick is smart enough to understand that the young, promising rookie will take over. And he knows that may come sooner rather than later.

Fitzpatrick had to say about his relationship with Tua and the QB competition heading into camp.

I DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH TIME IT’LL BE BEFORE TUA (TAGOVAILOA) IS IN THE LINEUP. I KNOW THAT I AM THE PLACEHOLDER AND WE’VE ALREADY HAD THAT CONVERSATION. I TOLD HIM I’M GOING TO DO THE BEST I CAN TO LEAD THIS TEAM AND TO WIN FOOTBALL GAMES WHEN I’M OUT THERE AND WHENEVER IT IS THAT TUA GETS HIS CHANCE, WHETHER IT’S EARLY OR LATE OR WHENEVER IT IS, I’M GOING TO BE HIS BIGGEST CHEERLEADER AND THAT’S WHAT I SAID EARLIER; BUT I THINK I HAVE A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE JUST FROM THE CAREER THAT I’VE HAD AND I WAS EXCITED THAT THEY DRAFTED HIM AND SINCE MEETING HIM IN PERSON FINALLY THE OTHER DAY, I’M REALLY EXCITED. I THINK WE’VE REALLY HIT IT OFF AND EVEN THOUGH I’M AN OLD GEEZER TO HIM, WE’VE MESHED PERSONALITY-WISE AND I’M EXCITED TO WORK WITH HIM.”

 

It is crystal clear that the Dolphins have spoken to Ryan Fitzpatrick about his role in 2020 and his importance in Tua’s development. I think it’s quite telling that he said the two QBs have already had the conversation about him being the placeholder. But like Fitz suggested countless times, he isn’t going just to lay down and let Tagovailoa take the starting QB job. The two players are going to do whatever they can to help the team win ball games–both on and off the field.

Fitzpatrick was then asked what it was about Tua’s personality that brought the two players together.

Here’s what the 37-year-old had to say.

“I DON’T KNOW. I MEAN HE’S A REALLY INTERESTING GUY. HE’S GOT A LOT OF ENERGY TO HIM AND YOU CAN JUST TELL THAT GUYS ARE GOING TO GRAVITATE TO HIM. THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT HIM THAT IS JUST VERY LIKABLE AND I CAN ALREADY TELL THAT HE’S GOING TO BE ONE OF THOSE GUYS THAT GETS ALONG WITH EVERYBODY, THAT GUYS ARE GOING TO WANT TO FOLLOW. HE JUST HAS THAT KIND OF AURA ABOUT HIM AND PART OF IT IS PROBABLY THE WAY THAT HE PLAYED IN COLLEGE AND JUST KIND OF THE NAME AND THE REPUTATION THAT HE’S BUILT FOR HIMSELF; BUT THERE’S NOT A WHOLE LOT OF EGO INVOLVED AND HE’S VERY LIKABLE. SO I DON’T KNOW, JUST THE GENERAL CONVERSATIONS WHETHER ABOUT FOOTBALL OR LIFE, IT’S BEEN REALLY FUN SO FAR.”

The 2020 NFL season is going to be like nothing we’ve ever experienced.

But one thing that should be interesting is watching the Dolphins QB room grow from one week to the next.

Yes, Ryan Fitzpatrick will be Miami’s starting QB week 1 vs. the Patriots. But unless he continues where he left off in 2019–the Tua Tagovailoa era in South Florida is inevitable.

Five Takeaways from Brian Flores (Including Tua Cleared)

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Earlier today, Brian Flores spoke with the media about QB Tua Tagovailoa, Covid-19, and the 2020 NFL season.

As players and coaches return to team facilities, one thing is clear. The beginning of the 2020 NFL season is officially upon us.

That’s right, folks.

Football is back.

And in an offseason without preseason, open practices, and other football activities–it’s going to be challenging to get a real grasp of this team and roster. This means we will have to rely heavily on the media and interviews with the players and coaches to dissect what is truly going on with this team.

So, today when Dolphins’ head coach Brian Flores met with South Florida media. Many were listening. What would the leader of the Miami Dolphins have to say about the many issues heading into the 2020 season? Covid-19? His rookie quarterback?

Here are five takeaways from Brian Flores press conference 

 

Takeaway #1

What coach said:

What I heard:

Tua is all systems go. Which is what we’ve heard over the last several months from Tua and his representatives. This, now being confirmed by the Dolphins, is enormous. Not only could he technically play IF he had to, but he’s ready to go out there and compete for the starting job. Which is exactly what he’ll do, according to Brian Flores. All that truly matters, however, is that Tagovailoa is ready to go.

Takeaway #2

What coach said:

What I heard: 

As we’ve become accustomed to, no job is truly safe. Flores wants the best players playing. And if a seasoned veteran gets dethroned by a hungry young rookie, the best player will play. That goes for every position, although all eyes will be on quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa will need to get acclimated to the system at a rapid pace, and Ryan Fitzpatrick will be right next to him every step of the way. Miami won’t rush Tua, but if the better talent is expected, it play. It probably won’t be very long before that’s the Hawaiian Prince.

Takeaway #3

What coach said:

 

What I heard:

Football players are just like the rest of us. This means for the 2020 NFL season to start, sacrifices will have to be made. That goes for every coach, player, staff, and employee of the Miami Dolphins. Everyone should be wearing a mask, social distancing, and taking precautions to keep the players and their families safe.

Takeaway #4

What coach said:

What I heard:

This offseason is going to be different. Like I mentioned before, there is no preseason. Hell, the roster was cut to 80 players before teams could even report. It’s a different time. And a lot of these players are going to make the roster based on their reps in practice, drills, etc… Players have to earn their roster spot. It won’t be easy. Only the best will survive.

Takeaway #5

What coach said:

What I heard:

Xavien Howard will not be rushed back and is currently slated to start the season on the PUP list. X is making progress and has been rehabbing all summer, but may not be ready to play. Could this be the reason Miami drafted Noah Igbinoghene? Is Nik Needham the next guy up to play opposite of Byron Jones? Or could the Dolphins bring in Logan Ryan, a player Brian Flores is very familiar with? If Howard isn’t ready to go by week 1, things are going to look much different in Miami’s secondary.

Brian Flores and the Miami Dolphins appear as ready as they can be for the 2020 NFL season to kickoff. And with lots of uncertainty surrounding the team, in the middle of a global pandemic, should make for one of the more memorable seasons in recent memory. Now, all we can do is sit back, relax, and get some popcorn ready. Football is here. And before we know it, the Tua Tagovailoa era will be upon us.

Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa officially signs rookie contract

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The Miami Dolphins have locked up the future. According to Field Yates of ESPN.com, the Miami Dolphins have signed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a four-year contract worth over $30 million. The contract has a fifth-year team option.

Tagovailoa is viewed as the franchise quarterback for Miami. He put together a great career at the University of Alabama. With over 70,00 passing yards, 87 touchdowns, and one 3,000-yard season, Tagovailoa put together a solid career in Tuscaloosa. Now, he will look to be that same stabilizing force for Miami.

As of the time of publishing this article, he is the second top-10 pick to have signed a contract with his team. Derrick Brown of the Carolina Panthers is the other.

There has already been so much hype surrounding his arrival in Miami. From wearing the number one, to getting praise from Dan Marino, Tagovailoa has had a busy couple of months.

Now, the Miami Dolphins need to focus on signing their other two first-round picks. Austin Jackson and Noah Igbinoghene  are the other draft picks in question.

Miami Dolphins spending big this offseason

It’s reassuring that Miami has already signed Tagvailoa. Sometimes, rookie contracts can take a while to sign, and the negotiating process can take longer than expected. Especially with the uncertainty of the season, the fact that the Miami Dolphins were able to get this deal done quickly is certainly a positive.

According to a tweet from Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, Tua is just the seventh-highest paid Dolphin. Interestingly enough, two of the players on the list were already on the team prior to this offseason. The rest on the list are new arrivals.

Now, the waiting game begins. No one knows for sure when Tagovailoa will make his debut. Some have speculated it could come in the second half of the season. Whatever the case may be, he is now officially in the fold.

Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa set to wear No. 1 as new era begins

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We finally have an idea as to what number new Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is going to wear. According to  the team, Tagovailoa is set to wear number one for Miami.

Cam Newton, Kyler Murray, and Warren Moon are some of the more recent quarterbacks to have worn the number.

Let us not forget that Randall Cunningham also wore this number towards the end of his career. He had quite an impressive career of his own.

 

The bottom line is, the number one carries a lot of weight. The exclusivity of the number itself means that  the Miami Dolphins are putting their trust in Tua.

In total, there have been 110 players who have worn number one. That certainly makes Tagovailoa’s jersey number even more special.

Tagovailoa war number 13 while at Alabama.  There was a debate in social circles whether or not the dolphins would  unretire Dan Marino’s number. However,  this announcement puts that debate to rest.

The Miami Dolphins are entering a new era

The Miami Dolphins are looking to enter a new era of football. The organization has received an overhaul this offseason. Tagovailoa is a big  part of this overhaul. He has certainly brought energy to the organization as the Miami Dolphins look to rise back to the top of the AFC East.

With this jersey number for the rookie, the Dolphins are making a statement. They believe Tua is the future of the organization. With the New England Patriots undergoing a rebuild in the post-Tom Brady era, the entire AFC East now has a chance to compete.

More so than any other team in the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills will undoubtedly be a thorn in the side of the Miami Dolphins for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, wearing number one, Tagovailoa will help bring the organization back to respectability and help them land a spot in the playoffs.

Tua’s Here! Get Your New Shirts!

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It started with one.

The classic Tua 2020 concept, with the #Tankovailoa hashtag, to honor the Miami Dolphins’ apparent backwards pursuit of the elite University of Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

(Is that how you spell it?)

That’s been the biggest seller on our site, by far.

The trendsetter.

And you can still get it HERE, same price as always. 

Even comes in a tank….

But now we know you need more.

It’s a party in South Florida, so why not play off a favorite drinking establishment, the one with the slushy drinks that make you feel a little loopy.

So we have two shirts based on that bar, which is based on the New Orleans tradition.

You get the first HERE, in ORANGE:

Need something a little more elaborate and, shall we say, risque?

To make a request of the new Dolphins quarterback….

The Show Me Your TD’s shirt can be found HERE:

And we added another, loosely based a slogan you may have heard somewhere.

We don’t want to exclude the female fans of the Dolphins, or the network.

But, for one shirt? Sure.

You can get that one HERE:

You can find a variety of Miami Heat, Florida Panthers and Five Reasons Sports Network shirts and other apparel here on our site.

Continue to look for new designs from Adam Smoot on this MERCHANDISE page.

Also ask how to become a brand ambassador.

Miami Dolphins 2020 NFL Draft: Round One Recap

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The Miami Dolphins entered the 2020 NFL Draft with three first-round selections, they left it a changed franchise.

smoke screen
/ˈsmōkˌskrēn/
noun 

a cloud of smoke created to conceal military operations.
a ruse designed to disguise someone’s real intentions or activities.

One word can summarize the Miami Dolphins main tactic leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft.

Deployed in a military scenario during engagement, a smokescreen is a simple and effective method of camouflage lasting just an instant.

In the sense of NFL subterfuge, the deception lasts for months and doesn’t stop until the clock starts.

 

The Miami Dolphins held the 5th, 18th, and 26th picks at 8PM EST.

At 8:01 Roger Goodell’s basement was the unlikely backdrop in a draft like we have never seen – and may never see again.

 

In the end, we had no idea what the hell was going to happen.

Miami gave us all the smoke, and we inhaled.

When it cleared, we stood looking through the haze where we belonged from the start.

Cincinnati and Washington were expected to stand pat with their top two selections.

The worst kept secret of the draft – Cincinnati’s intentions.

 

With the second pick the Washington Redskins selected DE Chase Young, another heavily predicted scenario.

The 2020 NFL Draft really began with the Detroit Lions and the third selection.

 

Lions GM Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia have New England roots like Brian Flores and Chris Grier.

Those connections did not lead to any last minute deals and the Lions took the top cornerback in the draft, Jeff Okudah.

So far so good for the Dolphins as all the top offensive tackles and both Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert were in play.

The New York Giants went on the clock with pick four and the anticipation heightened.

Daniel Jones is the future for now under center in New York, so they were not linked to either quarterback.

Giants’ GM Dave Gettleman had never traded down in the NFL Draft.

Jones got his protector in Andrew Thomas and the first key offensive tackle was off the board.

Is it happening?

Miami is on the clock.

Tua is there.

We didn’t tank, and didn’t have to move up.

The moment that many Miami Dolphins fans spoke into existence actually happened.

 

Roger Goodell walked up to his, um, podium and quite possibly altered the trajectory of the Dolphins.

He may have butchered Tagovailoa just a bit, forgive him as he lacks the practice we have here in our network.

 

The selection of Tua Tagovailoa shows an investment in the one position that stirs the drink.

A commitment by the Miami Dolphins to build a true winner by taking an educated risk.

It felt like a giant weight was lifted when Goodell announced the pick.

 

Something so widely hoped for, predicted, and mocked actually came to fruition.

While the Dolphins “tank” had ammunition left with two more first-round picks in the chamber.

Oh what a glorious night.

The virtual draft lacked the flash and technical nuance of the standard yearly affair.

Which under these circumstances seemed to galvanize a connection between the fans and the players.

Even Goodell.

Everyone in their living rooms (or basement) instead of green rooms and ballrooms.

A reminder we are still in unusual and scary times, but have hopes and dreams and that life will go on.

Board Takes Shape

Miami’s next selection was scheduled for 18 and the board began to reveal some surprises.

No. 6 Chargers – QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

No. 7 Panthers- DT Derrick Brown, Auburn

No. 8 Cardinals- LB Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

No. 9 Jaguars – CB C.J. Henderson, Florida

The run on defense left Cleveland with their choice of top tier tackles and they leapt at the opportunity.

No. 10 Browns – OT Jedrick Wills, Alabama

Simmons falling to the Cardinals at eight and the Jaguars taking Henderson at nine were both mild surprises.

No. 11 Jets – OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville

No. 12 Radiers – WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabam

Becton did not take a fall despite his pre-draft issues, while Ruggs being the first receiver off the board was unexpected.

The draft seemed to hum along peacefully, with no trades through the first 10 picks for the first time since 2015.

That trend would stop at pick 13 as the 49ers traded that selection to Tampa Bay.

The first bit of bad news for the Dolphins as the Bucs would grab the third tackle in four picks.

No. 13 Buccaneers – OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

With the Wirfs pick, the consensus first round tackles were all off the board. Now with a significant drop off at that position, the options began to narrow for the Dolphins as their next pick approached.

No. 14 49ers – DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

No. 15 Broncos – WR Jerry Jeudy, Auburn

No. 16 Falcons – CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson

No. 17 Cowboys – WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

The run on offensive tackles and wide receivers was complete for the moment.

With Miami back on the board at 18 players such OLB K’Lavon Chaisson and S Xavier McKinney were on the board.

Along with all the top running backs…well every running back.

Reaching into the second tier of offensive tackles at 18 seemed like poor value.

Trading down seemed like a logical play with Jordan Love still on the board.

Miami would hold tight and add another piece to the offensive line, albeit not one that was widely predicted.

No. 18 – Dolphins OT Austin Jackson, USC

Wow.

Position of need, yes.

Player of need at this spot?

Not in the eyes of most observers.

Jackson at 18 was a stretch, but his upside is something to hold out hope for.

 

He was not graded as a first rounder by most analysts and has had a unique journey to the NFL via USC.

Jackson donated bone marrow to his sister in 2019 and missed the entire offseason program, hurting his draft stock.

Obviously this speaks to his character and at age 20 Jackson has plenty of time to grow and develop into an NFL player.

 

That being said, he would have likely been there at 26 or beyond if Miami decided to trade down.

With Tua taking a redshirt next year, perhaps the Dolphins can do the same with Jackson.

Miami picked him for his potential and his ceiling, his quickness and body type are prototypical modern NFL tackle mold.

 

No. 19 Raiders – CB Damon Arnette, Ohio State

No. 20 Jaguars – EDGE K’Lavon Chiasson, LSU

No. 21 – Eagles – WR Jalen Reagor, TCU

No. 22 Vikings – WR Justin Jefferson, LSU

No. 23 Chargers – ILB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

No. 24 Saints – C Cesar Ruiz, Michigan

No. 25 49ers – WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State

No. 26 Packers (from Miami) QB Jordan Love, Utah State

The Dolphins swapped pick 26 for Green Bay’s first rounder at 30, while picking up No. 117 in the fourth round.

No. 27 Seahawks – OLB Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech

No. 28 Ravens – ILB Patrick Queen, LSU

No. 29 Titans – OT Isaiah Wilson, Georgia

No. 30 Dolphins (from Packers) CB Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn

In a pick that was forecasted by few, the Dolphins pick up a high upside cornerback in Igbinoghene who slots as a nickel corner at the next level.

Both of his parents ran track for the Nigerian Olympic team and Noah inherited a lot of that athleticism and speed.

Igbinoghene is a former wide receiver and has natural instincts in terms of positioning and body control, with the ability to close quickly in space.

Despite being listed at just 5-foot-10 and a shade under 200 pounds, Igbinoghene isn’t afraid to stick his nose in there and tackle.

With Xavien Howard and Byron Jones on the outside, Igbinoghene fits perfectly with the needs of the Miami secondary.

 

Safeties Xavier McKinney and Antoine Winfield were both still on the board, however Miami went with another sticky cover man in Igbinoghene. Look for the safety spot to be a target in Round 2, Miami has the 39th and 56th selections going into Friday night.

No. 31 Vikings – CB Jeff Gladney, TCU

No. 32 Chiefs – RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU

In a mild surprise, only one running back was taken in round one. Edwards-Helaire has the skillset of a new age NFL running back and could have been a target for Miami on Day 2. With how the board shook out in Round 1, there are still the majority of the top backs still on the board.

J.K. Dobbins, D’Andre Swift, and Jonathan Taylor could all be Round 2 targets for the Dolphins, along with Cam Akers a little further down the board.

Winfield is intriguing as well, it is unlikely that McKinney could be had without a trade up from 39. Safety Ashtyn Davis is another strong candidate for the second round.

It was a wild night for the Miami Dolphins and their fans, under unusual circumstances the escape was much needed for a lot of people.

Fans should be pleased that the Dolphins drafted Tagovailoa, finally taking a shot at a transcendent quarterback prospect for the first time in decades.

With plenty of capital remaining, the next two chapters of the 2020 NFL Draft should hold plenty more in store for the Miami Dolphins.

Make sure to check out our live draft coverage Friday night:

Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa era officially begins in earnest

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Miami Dolphins fans, it’s time to celebrate.

It finally happened, the Miami Dolphins have Tua Tagovalioa as their starting quarterback. Really, all that needed to happen was the formality of drafting him. He had been connected to Miami for quite some time. Now, the Dolphins can look towards the future.

The Dolphins have been looking for a franchise quarterback ever since Dan Marino retired. They now have it with Tagovalioa.

Tua can do it all. He can run, pass, keep plays alive and lead. The quarterback ranks third all-time in passing yards in Alabama history with 7,442. He ranks first in Alabama history in passing touchdowns with 87.

He will enter a Miami offense that certainly has weapons at receiver, provided a couple come back healthy. DeVante Parker emerged as a true No. 1, finally. Preston Williams, an undrafted find, was headed that way before his injury, but he’s reportedly recovering well.

Albert Wilson and Jakeem Grant were dynamic two seasons ago — if healthy, maybe they will be again.

And Tua has the touch and timing on slants to make them go.

Now he just needs protection, as the Dolphins continue to shape the line.

The one worry I have in regards to him as a player is his durability. The reviews from the hip specialist he went to see were extremely positive, however. Stephania Bell of ESPN spoke to Dr. Thomas Byrd, who gave him a clean bill of health. It certainly is great to hear such a positive prognosis.

But there’s no rush. The season may not start on time. Ryan Fitzpatrick is an ideal bridge quarterback, who can also win and lead, and understands his role in helping the next generation.

The Miami Dolphins have needed stability at the quarterback position. Tagovalioa should be able to provide that for years to come. They have been yearning for this type of playmaker and franchise player for what seems like forever. Quarterbacks like this don’t come along very often. Now, Miami has their man and a cornerstone player to boot. Here’s to hoping for success sooner rather than later.

Make sure to check out our continuing coverage on our YouTube channel throughout the evening.

Alabama Athletics

Tua Tagovailoa Aces Three-Month Doctor Visit

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Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa’s hip looked ‘as positive as possible’ according to reports. Will the Dolphins draft the talented passer?

The NFL offseason is a long and grueling process.

No one truly knows what the team’s end game is, but if early reports are accurate, Tua Tagovailoa is at the top of their wish list. Acquiring the talented quarterback is an entirely different beast. And one that the Dolphins will soon have to make a franchise-altering decision on.

Is Tagovailoa worthy of the #5 overall pick? Absolutely.

Is he worthy of trading multiple draft picks to move up and secure the quarterback of the future? I believe so, but do the Dolphins?

That answer we may not know until April 23rd. But one thing we do know is that Tagovailoa is progressing quite nicely.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tagovailoa’s three-month CT scan came back great.

There’s still a ways to go in Tagovailoa’s development, and the potential for AVN is still prominent. However, this is a massive win for Tua and his agent, who hope the QB can throw before April’s draft. One would assume that if he can showcase his skills to NFL teams and general managers, the likelihood that he would be a top-5 draft pick dramatically improves. As does the possibility that Miami–or any other team–would have to trade up to land The Left Arm of God.

In the end, there is no player in the history of the NFL draft that I wanted my favorite football team to draft more than Tagovailoa. And for years, Miami passed on elite quarterbacks, to settle for the safe prospect. Perhaps this is the end? Maybe, after twenty years of failing to address the most critical position in football with anyone other than Ryan Tannehill, a bunch of second-round draft picks, or aging veterans–maybe they finally land a once-in-a-generation QB.

The time is now. Tua Tagovailoa, No Matter What.

This article was written by Josh Houtz (@houtz) a lifelong Tua Tagovailoa stan.

Alabama Athletics

Tua’s father wants son drafted by Dolphins

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As the coverage for Super Bowl week continues, we are hearing from many of the game’s top players. Tua Tagovailoa is someone that has been on the mind of Miami Dolphins fans. With the fifth pick, the Dolphins believe that the Alabama prospect could be the quarterback they’ve been searching for. And according to Andy Slater, Tua’s dad feels the same.

The organization has been looking for a quarterback since Dan Marino. Although there have been several signal-callers that have filled in, none of them have been a franchise quarterback. There is a belief that the Dolphins will do whatever it takes to get the college football star.

In the meantime, it seems like Tua Tagovailoa is taking it all in stride. In speaking to the media on Thursday, the quarterback notes the comparisons to Marino honored him. Nevertheless, he recognizes that he has things to accomplish. If anything, that speaks to his humility and desire to be great. He even shouted out to Marino, saying that “It means the world” that Marino thinks he could be a star.

He also opened up to Mackenzie Salmon of USA Today about his hip injury. The quarterback’s hip is getting better, but he doesn’t have a timeline on when he will be back. A CAT scan and MRI will take place a week from Monday. At that point, it will have been 12 weeks since he suffered a devastating injury.  The injury itself is something that may affect his draft stock

Medicals are something to watch for Miami Dolphins

The Tua-Miami Dolphins connection seems to be stronger than ever. As he prepares for the NFL Draft, one has to wonder if any further developments will come out. The medical piece, in regards to how healed he is from his injury, is something to watch for. This is crucial for him as he looks to solidify his stock as a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft. It’s something that the Dolphins and the rest of the league will be paying attention to. For now, it seems like he is just enjoying the process of being a coveted NFL prospect.