When fans were scrolling scores on Sunday afternoon, the game between the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens was one that many people were likely ignoring. Baltimore was in control throughout, leading by 21 points at halftime and heading into the fourth quarter. Then, the game was flipped upside down by Tua Tagovailoa.
The Dolphins’ starting quarterback lit the Ravens defense up in the fourth quarter, leading four touchdown drives for the improbable come from behind victory. Baltimore’s win probability was as high as 98.7 percent in the fourth quarter, but that didn’t stop the Dolphins from mounting their comeback.
Tagovailoa came into the season facing heavy criticism for his arm strength and ability to get the ball down the field. He proved a lot of people wrong with that performance against the Ravens, putting the team on his back after a ho-hum first three quarters.
He finished the game completing 36-of-50 passes for 469 yards and six touchdowns. That performance has put him at the top of numerous passing categories according to PFF. These are stats no one would have picked Tagovailoa to lead the league in after two games.
The Alabama product leads the league in completions, yardage and touchdowns on 10+ yard throws in 2022 thus far. While some many believe that is a low threshold, he also currently paces the league in 30+ yard touchdown passes, tripling his career output coming into the season.
Tagovailoa is taking full advantage of the explosive weapons that are surrounding him offensively. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle make up arguably the most explosive duo in the NFL as they ran circles around the Ravens’ secondary and Tagovailoa put the ball where it needed to be.
Is this a legitimate turn around and step in the right direction for the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft? Or, is this a mirage and one-off great performance? We will find out in Week 3 as Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins face their stiffest test of the season, hosting the 2-0 Buffalo Bills.
