Houtz Special: Dolphins eye playoffs, division title after Tagovailoa promotion

Prior to the 2020 season, I was telling anyone that would listen this season was the amuse-bouche (appetizer) before the inevitable Wagyu steak in 2021.

Translation: 2020 is year two of Miami’s rebuild. Playoffs will come in due time, young grasshopper.

But for a team that has only had five playoff appearances over the last 20 years–each one of those resulting in a loss—it seemed like Miami had to feel good about their chances of landing one of now seven playoff spots heading into their newly-rescheduled Bye.

Let’s check the facts:

• The Dolphins are 3-3 and .500 for the first time in the Flores Era.
• Ryan Fitzpatrick has the 7^th highest-QBR rating of any QB in the NFL (79.6)
• Miami currently sits one-game back of first in the AFC East, with the tenth-easiest schedule remaining.

(Is it too soon for a Brian Flores must be a passer-rating guy joke?)

The Dolphins appear to be in a good position.

After all, the offensive line is much improved. (Despite what ESPN thinks)

And with the 17-year Fitzpatrick at the helm, Miami’s offense was averaging 26.7 points per game (14^th).

So while it seemed likely, the team was headed towards being In the Hunt with ten games remaining. It was clear this wasn’t about landing a Wildcard birth and slowly getting bounced. This wasn’t about participation trophies. The move to Tagovailoa was about making the playoffs, winning divisions, and, most importantly, playing complementary football on both sides of the football–and that starts now.

I’ve been critical of Fitzpatrick’s play throughout the season.

Early on, I pointed out that his arm looked like a noodle. And we all saw the plays left on the field, most particularly vs. Seattle.

I think Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post said it best when he referred to it as ‘leaving too much meat on the bone.’ Because let’s face it, that’s exactly what this offense did under Fitzpatrick.

You can look at the Dolphins first six games and make a pretty damn good argument that you win two of those games if Fitzpatrick plays better.

There’s also a very good chance you lose two of those games without him. But even in the blowout wins vs. Jacksonville, San Francisco, and the New York Jets, Fitzpatrick didn’t execute in the second half. Especially last week vs. New York.

And then it happened.

With a little over two minutes to go, Tua entered the game.

Was it the standing ovation that swayed Flores’ decision? Probably not. Was it the poise in the huddle? Or maybe it was the way he rolled to the left before throwing a dart to Patrick Laird for a two-yard completion. Maybe it was the way he manipulated the safety with his eyes before finding Jakeem Grant in the soft spot of the defense–converting the only third down of the day.

all-22: @tua vs new york jets pic.twitter.com/qow5CWpbid

— josh houtz (@houtz) October 20, 2020

Wait, I know what it was

“It was just time.”

We’ve heard that said over the last several days, but what exactly does that mean?

No one thought it was time.

NO ONE.

Many of us couldn’t wait to see Tua in action, but during the BYE after a 3-3 start and a legit chance at the playoffs? #nah

I respect the decision Flores, Grier, and whether you want to believe it or not, Ross ultimately made. And while it sucks for the feel-good veteran Fitzpatrick, it’s time.

What I like most about this move isn’t that the team is upgrading the most important position on the roster. Or that Gailey will begin implementing new formations like the pistol–which we saw vs. New York–or even utilizing more zone reads and RPO concepts to make things a bit easier and maximize Tua’s skills.

What I like most is that for the first time in years, the Dolphins believe they have an opportunity. I believe they have an opportunity, and they’re going for it.

The truth is, Miami’s offense was already putting up points, and when healthy, the defense is firing on all cylinders. The only thing this team could truly do at the BYE to ignite this team and squeeze every last drop out of Gailey’s offense. Every last drop out of the 2020 Miami Dolphins was to make a move to Tagovailoa.

Tua does a lot of things that remind you of Drew Brees or Russell Wilson. He has an exceptional feel for the pocket. And his best traits are his accuracy and decision-making. He’s also the ability to make things happen when everything around him falls apart. Most of all, his skills should fit perfectly in Gailey’s system, and I’m excited to watch it evolve with Tagovailoa under center.

It’s Tua Time

I’m not going to sit here and tell you the Miami Dolphins will make the playoffs. That would be foolish for anyone, especially a Dolphins fan.

But Brian Flores and his staff have to believe.

The players have to believe.

And I sure AF believe.

I think I speak for all Dolphins fans when I say how thankful we are for what Ryan Fitzpatrick accomplished throughout his NFL career. But most importantly, what he did during his first 18 months in Miami. And I think I speak for everyone when I say; I’m excited to watch you transition from starting QB to mentor. Tua’s mentor.

Brian Flores and his team won’t play a game of football for another nine days. But when they do, things will look much different than they’ve ever been before because the clock struck Midnight on FitzMagic. And my clocks telling me it’s time. Tua time.

#InTuaWeTrust

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