The Miami Dolphins were one of the surprise playoff teams in the AFC last season, qualifying despite quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missing multiple games because of documented head injuries. Heading into the 2023 season, Tagovailoa believes that his Dolphins should now be considered among the Super Bowl challengers in the conference.
“I think we’re definitely legit contenders,” Tagovailoa told The Palm Beach Post on Tuesday after surprising the Miami Edison High School football team with equipment and uniforms. “There’s no doubt with the guys we have on the defensive side of the ball, with the guys we have on the offensive side of the ball. And now with this being the first time as an offense, we get to come back understanding the plays already kind of molded into the offense a little more, I think. I think it can get very, very scary, pretty dangerous.”
The Dolphins passing offense is among the most explosive in the NFL with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as one of the best wide receiver duos in the league. They both produced career-high numbers in 2022 and could produce at an even higher level if Tagovailoa can stay healthy.
When he was healthy, the Dolphins averaged 26.4 points per game and 369.3 yards in 12 games Tagovailoa started and finished. Heading into Year 2 under Mike McDaniel, those numbers have the potential to improve, especially if they can get the running game on track.
Where the Dolphins focused most of their energy this offseason, however, was improving the defense. That was their Achilles heel in 2022 and are hoping the additions they made will help turn things around. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey was acquired from the Los Angeles Rams via trade and linebacker David Long was signed in free agency away from the Tennessee Titans.
Putting it all together defensively will be Vic Fangio, who is a highly respected defensive mind in the league. He should help improve that unit, but Tagovailoa knows for the Dolphins to maintain their status as contenders, he needs to stay in the lineup.
“I think the things that have hurt me have been just the injuries,” Tagovailoa said, per the Post. “And so, you know, I’ve been working really hard to, you know, hopefully, elongate myself, you know, throughout to withstand seasons. And so, you know, we’ll see how all that plays out. And God-willing, I can make it through the entire season and we can win a playoff game, we can win a Super Bowl, all of that good stuff.”
On paper, the Dolphins certainly look like a team that can hang with the best in the AFC. As long as Tagovailoa remains in the lineup, they can stack up against anyone else’s offense and now they have the defense to potentially match as well.
