NFL Analysis Network

3 Way-Too-Early Predictions For Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa In 2022

The Miami Dolphins became one of the most polarizing teams of the offseason with their moves. They hired the young and hip coach that everyone loves, and then followed that up with big splashes via trades and free agency. With trading for Tyreek Hill and signing Terron Armstead, the Miami Dolphins are all-in.

That means they are all-in on Tua Tagovailoa, although that may only mean for this season. With the weapons in place Tagovailoa now has no excuses and has to perform this season.

What are some bold predictions for this make-or-break season?

3. Tua Tagovailoa Will Flash The Deep Ball

One of the big things holding Tagovailoa back in recent years has been his inability to push the football down the field. Everything is within five yards of the line, and he is labeled a game manager and check-down quarterback. However, even Alex Smith was the top deep ball thrower when Tyreek Hill started to break out.

Beyond the emergence of Hill is Jaylen Waddle. This is a rare team with two elite deep threats. Both of them will free up the other and for Tagovailoa it will be like shooting fish in a barrel. He has always been accurate, but he is afraid to pull the trigger with receivers he does not trust. This year, Tagovailoa will be more aggressive.

2. Teddy Bridgwater Will Start Games For Miami Dolphins

While Tua Tagovailoa may play well, the thing hurting him most is that there are two reasons the Dolphins cannot buy into him yet. One is his resistance to being aggressive and the other is his injury status. His injury issues go back to college and he missed portions of his rookie year recovering. Fans blame the offensive line, but Tua Tagovailoa missed five games in 2021 as well.

Tagovailoa cannot stay healthy. Even with improved deep threats, it just leaves him in the pocket longer. The line is better, but Armstead struggles to stay healthy, and behind him is questionable talent. Tagovailoa is going to take more hits this year because of his talent, so while his stats will progress, his health will remain a question.

1. Dolphins Will Not Get Answers They Need From Tua Tagovailoa

The point of the big trades and the big signings was that once and for all they were supposed to know what they have in Tua Tagovailoa. Unfortunately, that may not happen. As noted, the stats could improve, and the health could get worse. Then what? He showed just enough of what you want, but he arguably didn’t answer the right question.

In another scenario, he stays healthy and the team is good with him, but maybe not quite good enough. Do they say in year two of the new offense he will take the steps, or do they punish him for not lighting the world on fire? Everyone thinks they will get a clear and obvious answer now with the weapons around him, but that still may not be the case.

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