The unjust criticism directed at Tua Tagovailoa demands an immediate cessation, for it fails to acknowledge the remarkable transformation he has brought to the Miami Dolphins. To truly appreciate his impact, one must take a moment to reflect on what the Dolphins were before Tua’s arrival—a franchise mired in mediocrity, a perpetual resident of the league’s basement, and a laughingstock among NFL circles. Since stepping onto the professional football stage, Tua has been a winner.
Photo Cred: NBC Sports
Consider this: in every season of his tenure, Tua has managed to boast a winning record—an achievement not many quarterbacks can claim. Moreover, he has steered the Dolphins to consecutive playoff berths, missing the first due to an untimely injury. With an impressive 32-19 overall record under his belt, Tua has not only delivered victories but has also exhibited a brand of leadership and skill that has undeniably altered the course of Miami’s fortunes. Tua and Dolphins overall must overcome their lack of high level play against playoff teams. But becoming a league joke to playoff contenders in three years should be respected.
These victories, however, are made all the more impressive when one considers the circumstances when he entered the league. Tua won under a defensive-minded head coach in Brian Flores, showing resilience and determination even when not fully supported by the coaching staff. The recent arrival of new head coach Mike McDaniel has heralded a new era for the Dolphins, marked by an expansive and dynamic offensive approach that perfectly complements Tua’s strengths. Indeed, Tagovailoa emerged as a strong contender for the MVP title last season, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s top-tier quarterbacks.
Photo Cred: ESPN
In drawing comparisons, one cannot overlook another quarterback from Tua’s draft class—Justin Herbert. While undoubtedly talented with a formidable arm, Herbert has garnered considerable praise despite achieving comparatively lesser success. In his two winning seasons and one playoff appearance, Herbert also carries the weight of a monumental collapse, famously squandering a 27-7 halftime lead. The stark contrast in the perception of these two young quarterbacks raises valid questions about the fairness of the criticism directed at Tua.
The recent news of Justin Herbert’s five-year, $262.5 million contract extension is a stark reminder of the realities of the NFL landscape. It underscores the urgency with which the Miami Dolphins must act this offseason. Failing to secure Tua’s future now could potentially lead to a situation reminiscent of Dak Prescott’s protracted contract saga, where a delayed signing resulted in a hefty price tag down the line. Miami now faces a pivotal decision: to invest in the proven success and undeniable potential of Tua Tagovailoa immediately, or risk losing a franchise cornerstone to uncertain and costly negotiations in the future.
In conclusion, the criticism directed at Tua Tagovailoa is unwarranted and unjust, given his remarkable achievements and transformative impact on the Miami Dolphins. It is time for the detractors to recognize and appreciate the talent and leadership that Tua brings to the field and for the Dolphins organization to secure his future as the face of their franchise. Anything less would be a disservice to the player, the team, and the fans who have witnessed Tua’s rise to NFL stardom.
