By Kevin Perez
Last Sunday, the Miami Dolphins pitched a shutout against the New York Jets by 24-0 at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins are now 3-3 and one game out of tying the Bills for first place in the AFC East. Despite winning against the Jets, arguably the worst team in the league, the Dolphins had a good game overall.
The most surprising part of Sunday’s game was not the victory, but the first NFL action of the Dolphins 5th round pick in last year’s draft, Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa entered the game receiving a standing ovation from the limited home crowd with 2:27 seconds left — and with the Dolphins up 24-0. Tagovailoa threw his first two completion of his career and was then named the starting quarterback.
On the late morning of Tuesday, NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported the move to start Tua Tagovailoa on Twitter. A day later, head coach Brian Flores officially released a statement on the player’s improvement.
“We feel like through practice meetings and walk-throughs that he’s ready, and that’s how we’re going moving forward,” said Flores, Cameron Wolfe reported on ESPN.
Tagovailoa collared a major injury last year, which led to the Alabama quarterback dislocating his hip and suffering a posterior wall fracture. He has since then recovered and is fully healthy. However, the question was never if he would play — rather, the question was when. For Flores and the Dolphins, it is now.
After all, he is the future for the team.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Dolphin’s football quarterback, has led this team the last season and a half. He has not only been a leader for this team — but has also garnered the utmost respect across the league.
“Fitz has been great. He’s been great really for the last year and a half,” Flores said. “I don’t know if anyone has been more instrumental in trying to instill a culture and embody a lot of the things we’re looking for from a toughness, competitiveness, team-first [perspective]. He’s made an impact on Tua and a lot of other players on this team.” Said Flores on Fitzpatrick
He has totaled 1,535 yards and 10 touchdowns and as well 7 interceptions this season. Fitzpatrick knew he was just the place holder but it still does not make losing your job any easier.
The decision to start Tua Tagovailoa gives this team their best opportunity to win football games now and start the process for long term success. The Dolphins are currently 3-3 in their bye week and 1 game out of tying the Buffalo Bills for the division. The majority of people did not expect the Dolphins to be playing this well. The decision to start Tua shows they believe he is the best element to win games and even possibly look into the playoffs this season.
Although Fitzpatrick won’t be the starter anymore, his relationship with Tua is one fans love to see. He was even leading the ovation when Tua made his first NFL appearance last Sunday, announcing himself to be the rookie quarterbacks “biggest cheerleader” when the time would come.
The Miami Dolphins are back in action on November 1st when they take on Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams. This matchup will be a good one, with Tua’s first test being chased by one of the best players in the league.
