Fair or not, the spotlight is going to be placed on Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The expectations for the Dolphins are high, as many expect Miami to contend for a Super Bowl if the 25-year-old quarterback can stay on the field.
Last year, Tagovailoa struggled to stay available and on the field, missing several games due to several head injuries he sustained throughout the season. But, it sounds like he spent the entire offseason making sure that doesn’t happen again.
On Saturday, Tagovailoa made his first start since he sustained his second concussion of the 2022 season. in a Week 16 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Tagovailoa was under center in a game against another opponent for the first time since Christmas Day 2022, which was 237 days ago.
Naturally, Tagovailoa was under the microscope, even though Saturday’s affair was the Dolphins’ second game of the preseason. And on the very first play of the game, Tagovailoa threw a horrible pass that was intercepted by Houston Texans linebacker Denzel Perryman.
Tua opens the preseason with an interception on his very first play pic.twitter.com/xGb006evDV
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 19, 2023
It’s only the preseason, but that throw was pretty troublesome. And those in the NFL world were quick to react to Tagovailoa’s mistake.
I’ve seen better throws https://t.co/0XEn1FE6Ll
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) August 19, 2023
Tua picking up right where he left off on Christmas #Finsup https://t.co/i35jfHLd2h
— Dolfan ScottNyc (@DolfanNyc87) August 19, 2023
very on brand to run their money play on the first snap https://t.co/7IVGibLn2z
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 19, 2023
One play in preseason blah blah blah
There is a big difference when Tua is throwing on time over the middle (very good) versus when he has to make a play or when the MOF is filled.
Just something to watch for. https://t.co/DHkoKWdqaH
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) August 19, 2023
Woulda been a buddy pass if it didn’t get picked off, probably saved the TE a pretty big lick https://t.co/njsBNrZQHD
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) August 19, 2023
Tagovailoa later led the Dolphins to a touchdown drive shortly thereafter, but his interception was still not ideal, to say the least. It remains to be seen if that’s something that Tagovailoa can improve upon as the preseason and regular season, for that matter, move forward.
[Josh Norris on Twitter]