Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa ‘now playing to keep his job,’ NFL insider says

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the highly touted rookie out of Alabama, has certainly had his fair share of ups and downs in his first season as the team’s starter. The young signal-caller has shown flashes of brilliance, but has also struggled at times, leading to speculation about his future with the team.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added fuel to the fire on Sunday when he suggested that Tagovailoa may not make it through the season as the Dolphins’ starter. This bold statement sent shockwaves through the NFL community, as many fans and analysts alike began to question whether or not the young quarterback had what it takes to lead his team to success.

Tagovailoa, who was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, was seen as the future of the Dolphins franchise. The team had high hopes for the talented quarterback, believing that he could be the answer to their long-standing quarterback woes. However, as the season has progressed, it has become increasingly clear that Tagovailoa still has a lot to learn and develop before he can be considered a true franchise quarterback.

One of the main concerns surrounding Tagovailoa is his lack of experience at the NFL level. The rookie quarterback only played in nine games during his rookie season, due to a hip injury that he suffered during his final season at Alabama. While Tagovailoa showed promise in those nine games, there were also moments where he looked overwhelmed and out of his depth. This lack of experience has led to questions about whether or not he is ready to lead an NFL team to success.

Another issue that has plagued Tagovailoa this season is his inconsistency. The young quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance, making accurate throws and showcasing his athleticism, but he has also struggled with decision-making and turnovers. Tagovailoa has thrown six interceptions in just 13 games this season, and has struggled to consistently move the ball down the field. This inconsistency has led to frustration among fans and coaches alike, who are unsure of what to expect from the young quarterback on a week-to-week basis.

Despite these concerns, there is no denying Tagovailoa’s talent and potential. The young quarterback has all the physical tools to succeed in the NFL, with a strong arm, quick release, and excellent mobility. Tagovailoa also has a strong work ethic and a desire to improve, which bodes well for his future in the league. However, it is clear that he still has a long way to go before he can be considered a true franchise quarterback.

The Dolphins’ decision to draft Tagovailoa was a controversial one, as many experts believed that they should have selected a more proven quarterback with their high draft pick. However, the team saw something in Tagovailoa that they believed could not be ignored, and they were willing to take a chance on the young quarterback despite his injury history. Now, as the season winds down and the Dolphins find themselves in the thick of a playoff race, the pressure is on Tagovailoa to prove that he was worth the investment.

With just a few games left in the regular season, the Dolphins are facing a critical juncture in their season. The team is currently fighting for a playoff spot, and every game is crucial to their postseason hopes. If Tagovailoa is unable to step up and lead the team to victory in these final games, it is possible that the Dolphins could turn to backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has proven himself to be a reliable option in relief of Tagovailoa this season.

Fitzpatrick, a seasoned veteran with years of NFL experience, has been a stabilizing force for the Dolphins when called upon. The journeyman quarterback has a knack for making plays in clutch situations, and his leadership and experience could be just what the team needs to push them over the edge and into the playoffs. If Tagovailoa continues to struggle, it is not out of the realm of possibility that head coach Brian Flores could turn to Fitzpatrick to lead the team down the stretch.

Of course, this decision would not come without its fair share of controversy. Tagovailoa was drafted to be the future of the Dolphins franchise, and benching him in favor of Fitzpatrick could signal a lack of confidence in the young quarterback. It would also raise questions about the team’s long-term plans at the quarterback position, and whether or not Tagovailoa is truly the quarterback of the future for the Dolphins.

Ultimately, the decision to bench Tagovailoa would come down to one thing: winning. The Dolphins are in the midst of a playoff race, and their primary goal is to win games and secure a spot in the postseason. If Tagovailoa is not getting the job done on the field, it may be in the team’s best interest to make a change at the quarterback position in order to give them the best chance to win.

As the season progresses and the Dolphins continue to fight for a playoff spot, all eyes will be on Tagovailoa to see if he can rise to the occasion and lead his team to victory. The young quarterback has shown promise in his rookie season, but he still has a lot to prove before he can be considered a true franchise quarterback. If Tagovailoa is unable to deliver in these crucial final games, it is possible that his time as the Dolphins’ starter could be coming to an end sooner than expected.

In the end, only time will tell what the future holds for Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins. The young quarterback has the talent and potential to succeed in the NFL, but he still has a long way to go before he can be considered a true franchise quarterback. As the season winds down and the pressure mounts, Tagovailoa will have to dig deep and show that he has what it takes to lead his team to victory. Only then will we truly know if Tagovailoa can make it through the season as the Dolphins’ starter, or if his time in Miami is already up.

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Source: Fox News