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DAVIE, Fla – The Miami Dolphins quarterback situation was at the center of the news cycle early in the offseason, but when asked about it Thursday, coach Brian Flores reaffirmed his support for the quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa and expressed enthusiasm for its development at the start of the year. 2.
“Tua is given a lot of attention, but I thought he had made a lot of progress during the season. I’m excited about the future with him,” Flores told ESPN. “He’s a young player, a talented player, who has bounced from the hip. I think it’s a great offseason for him. That jump from year one to year two will be important, like any rookie.”
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier made it clear last week that there was no controversy between the QBs, saying, “Ye, we’re very happy. He’s our starting quarterback.”
Still, Tagovailoa has been the subject of questions, criticism and speculation after a patchy rookie season.
As Dolphins coaches and executives dig deeper into the offseason that includes an ongoing search for offensive coordinators and an opportunity to coach the Senior Bowl later this month, they hope to move beyond questions and move towards a future that includes Tagovailoa.
“The criticism comes with NFL territory in all areas. Our team did a good job ignoring that stuff. Anyone who’s seen the Dolphins this year saw that we were a tight-knit group and I think it was. is still the case, ”Flores said. “The idea that there is any fracture is exaggerated. I thought there was a lot of support throughout the locker room.
“My message to the team has been to ignore the noise and the people inside the building will tell you the truth. Without all the information, how do you determine what is going on?”
Dolphins decision-makers still believe in Tagovailoa’s talent. Throughout the season, players have revealed differing opinions to ESPN over whether Tagovailoa or veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick gives them the best chance of winning. But several teammates have expressed their support and optimism for Tagovailoa’s future publicly throughout the season.
Miami has interviewed five candidates for their offensive coordinator position, which was left vacant following Chan Gailey’s resignation last week, and a top priority for the hire will be to guide the development of Tagovailoa’s sophomore year.
Eric Studesville, Dolphins semifinal coach, George Godsey, Dolphins QB coach, Pep Hamilton, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback coach, Matt Canada, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback coach and Mike McDaniel, San Francisco 49ers were all interviewed for the job.
Tagovailoa still has a lot to prove. He wasn’t good enough to trust his eyes on the court and make plays outside the pattern – exemplified by one of the lowest pass percentages on passes over 20 yards this season.
But the Dolphins should and probably will be patient to allow Tagovailoa to improve and develop with a full offseason, more explosive offensive weapons, and a player who builds an offense that suits him best. He played his best football when he was allowed to play more freely using tempo and broadcast packages.
Comparisons to Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow, who have had better statistical seasons in different situations, help paint a grim picture about Tagovailoa, who completed 64% of his passes for 11 touchdowns and five interceptions with a 6 pedestrian. , 3 yards per attempt. . Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen had a 53% success rate, 10 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and 6.5 yards per attempt as a rookie. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill admitted on “Inside the NFL” in December that he thought Patrick Mahomes was “trashy” as a rookie. The two are currently among the AFC’s top QBs.
The Dolphins clearly believe development takes time and Tagovailoa will be fine.
“We’ve learned he’s healthy. He’s still got a lot of mobility. He’s precise. In the Arizona game, he takes us back to the fourth quarter. He got us back into the Kansas City game. also didn’t play as well in other games. He had bright spots and less bright spots. It’s a rookie’s life, “said Flores.” If he keeps learning, to study, stay healthy, get stronger, work on his footwork and eye progression and pick up where it left off, so I think we’ll be happy with his improvement. “
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