Houtz Special: Is Tua Tagovailoa ‘Tanking’ for Miami?

Miami’s interest in Tua Tagovialoa is no secret. But now, it seems just as evident that Tua has an interest in Miami. 

The narrative surrounding the 2019 Miami Dolphins was straightforward; collect as much draft ammunition as possible to land Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa and do whatever it takes to make that dream a reality. Unfortunately, this plan left many fans feeling unsettled.

On the one hand, fans wanted to see new HC Brian Flores and his group of misfits succeed and be competitive throughout the season. On the other hand, however, they wanted to lose as many games as possible to assure themselves an opportunity to get the QB they had their sights set on.

As the college season progressed, Joe Burrow slowly started to creep up from out of nowhere. And after a season, unlike anything we’ve ever witness, he is now cemented into the #1 spot in April’s draft. We all know what happened to Tagovailoa. A 300-pound defensive lineman came crashing down unexpectedly onto his right hip, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.

Hindsight, this may have been a blessing in disguise.

Before the injury, Tagovailoa was in the running for the Heisman trophy, and the Alabama Crimson Tide were likely on their way to another College Playoff. But that all changed when Tagovailoa went down. And for a player that many believed to be a lock at the top of the draft order, everything changed.

So, Miami continued to battle throughout the regular season. Winning five games unexpectedly and losing any chance of landing the once-in-a-generation QB. Or did they? The injury that Tagovailoa suffered not only put his football career on hold, it meant that the Dolphins were now very much in play for the talented passer.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve all seen the progress from Tua. And for those of you lucky enough to be a part of Super Bowl LIV in Miami, you were given a front-row seat to The Left Arm of God and were able to learn a lot about what his future might entail.

Let’s take a look at TuaMania and what we learned from his wild week in Miami.

First, the greatest QB of All-Time had nothing but praise for the young passer. Marino, went on record to say that Tua Tagovailoa was a ‘much better college QB than I ever was.” Which not only got Dolphins’ fans excited but left a lasting impression on Tagovailoa.

What's the latest with Tua Tagovailoa's hip? We ask the man himself as well as the prospects of playing in Miami full time. #SBLIV #USATRR https://t.co/QvTinyMMpk

— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) January 30, 2020

When shown Marino’s comments, Tagovailoa had nothing but praise for the Hall of Fame QB.

tua was shown the video of marino, saying he was a better college player and he was stoked.

“It means the world. I mean when someone of dan marino’s stature to say something like thst about me, it’s flattering…I haven’t done anything yet. but if you’re listening, thank you. “

— josh houtz (@houtz) January 30, 2020

Plenty of NFL teams are going to be concerned about Tua’s hip and injury history. But he had the perfect answer when asked by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio what he would tell teams that may be concerned.

when asked what he would tell teams concerned with his medical history, tua replied-

“I wasn’t bionic then, but I’m bionic now.” pic.twitter.com/o1OOd2wr9b

— josh houtz (@houtz) January 30, 2020

Tua’s agent Leigh Steinberg was asked whether or not his client wanted to go No.1-overall to the Cincinnati Bengals. I’d say the answer is no.

Talking with @leighsteinberg asked his client Tua, and if he wants him to go No. 1 in upcoming #NFLDraft

“You want to make sure that your client ends up with a good organization….I’m hoping Cinncy falls in love with Joe Burrow".

— 97.3 ESPN FM (@973espn) January 30, 2020

Miami + Tagovailoas = match made in Heaven.

So let me get this right. Tua and the fam show up to Miami, tell anyone that will listen how much they love Miami, say they hope it works out to get to Miami, and now Leigh Steinberg straight up says he hopes Tua does not go to the Bengals at #1 overall? THIS WAS PLANNED.

— Chris Kouffman (@ckparrot) January 30, 2020

He wasn’t shy about posting stuff like this on his Instagram feed.

👀 pic.twitter.com/UXKGH0xQIY

— josh houtz (@houtz) January 31, 2020

Veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick already said he would be returning in 2020. And he would have no problem mentoring Tua Tagovailoa if the Dolphins decide to go that route.

pic.twitter.com/CEKJ1oATek https://t.co/4W38tI5Yek

— josh houtz (@houtz) January 31, 2020

‘US’? Did Tua refer to the Dolphins as ‘US’!?!?!

Got to speak with Tua Tagovailoa today on radio row. Ask him about the prospect of being drafted by the #Dolphins. He also told me he’s picking the Chiefs on Sunday. @CBSMiami pic.twitter.com/RZtpmQHhbl

— Mike Cugno (@MikeCugnoCBS4) January 31, 2020

Welcome to Miami, Bienvenidos a Miami.

@houtz @ckparrot @Alf_Arteaga @3YardsPerCarry Here he goes again!!!! #exciting #dolphins #FinsUp @Tuaamann pic.twitter.com/jdfjmn0WMA

— Simon Clancy (@SiClancy) February 1, 2020

Many were uncertain whether or not Tagovailoa would ever be able to play the game of football again. Here he is throwing passes during a Super Bowl event.

Proof that Tua Tagovailoa is throwing already. #5RSN #3YPC pic.twitter.com/9AALAEkpKG

— Chris Kouffman (@ckparrot) February 1, 2020

What Tua would give for one of Shakira’s hips. #theydontlie

— Simon Clancy (@SiClancy) February 3, 2020

With the NFL season finally over, we are now headed into the most critical offseason in the history of the Miami Dolphins. An offseason where the Dolphins will have close to $120-million in cap space and 13 draft picks to continue to build a winning roster. We don’t know whether or not Chris Grier and Miami’s front office will get things right, but we will have you covered all offseason long right here on Five Reasons Sports.

Check out the latest 3 Yards Per Carry Podcast, HERE

Josh Houtz wrote this article (@houtz). He’s a fan of Tua Tagovailoa and wants nothing more than for him to be drafted to Miami.