14 Starts

While Miami pushed playing Josh Rosen early in the 2019 season, the team eventually turned to Ryan Fitzpatrick. The journeyman quarterback proceeded to lead the Dolphins to a 5-8 record as a starter. He also led the team in rushing yards.

While Fitzpatrick helped the Dolphins overachieve in 2019, he’s in place to mentor Tua Tagovailoa this year. Based on how the altered offseason and preseason play out, we’ll see when Tagovailoa eventually takes over as the team’s starter.

While some teams like the idea of redshirting a rookie quarterback, there’s no need in Tagovailoa’s case. Unless injuries become a problem, the Alabama product flashed master accuracy in college and should take over Miami’s offense early in the season.

Tagovailoa should aim for between 12 and 14 starts. In his case, I leaned toward the high end because I think he’s that talented of a quarterback prospect.

Unlike Burrow, Tagovailoa isn’t walking into a situation where he’s the only player qualified to open the season. Maybe he splits some time with Fitzpatrick early in the year or observes one or two games before entering the fray.

One important distinction is that Tagovailoa is not in the same situation as Justin Herbert. There are far more questions about Herbert’s game that could keep him sidelined in Los Angeles, whereas Tagovailoa is a more polished player. If he sits out, it’s likely either precautionary or part of a planned transition.