Alabama Football: It’s settled, Tua’s the man in Miami

Going into his third NFL season, former Alabama football quarterback and Crimson Tide legend, Tua Tagovailoa finally has a settled situation in Miami. Barring injury, when the Miami Dolphins open their 2022 season in Baltimore, Tua Tagovailoa will be the starter.

Forget about the Dolphins trading for another starting quarterback. Tom Brady will not be a Dolphin and it is now clear new Miami head coach, Mike McDaniel is not interested in trading Tua or bringing in a QB to replace him.

Before the Brady speculation, there had been repeated stories the Dolphins would trade for Deshaun Watson. Watson is now in Cleveland, displacing Baker Mayfield. When the Tom Brady to Miami nonsense wound down, it was quickly replaced by speculation Tua Tagovailoa would have to beat out Teddy Bridgewater for the starting job.

It is only a small exaggeration to claim, doubting Tua has become somewhat of a cottage industry. Although Tua has started 21 NFL games, playing behind a porous offensive line, all Tua’s weaknesses have been under a microscope.

Recently, Teddy Bridgewater was asked about his role. Bridgewater was careful in his response but speculation quickly followed that the NFL veteran might beat out Tua for the starter role. On Monday, the new Dolphins head coach, Mike McDaniel made it clear Bridgewater will back up Tua.

"… both players have been explicitly explained their roles and expectations, and for that room to be their best, they need to know that, and moving forward, we’re very excited to have Teddy a part of the process and hope to win some games with both those guys working together and empowering Tua to be the best player he can be."

Miami has made considerable offseason progress to strengthen the team for the 2022 season. Most fan attention has gone to the addition of speed-burning wide receiver, Tyreek Hill. Opposing defenses will have a tough time covering Hill and Jaylen Waddle. But the addition that may prove to be the most valuable to Tua is offensive lineman, Terron Armstead.

Alabama Football fans will always treasure Tua

If Miami can solve its pass protection deficiencies, NFL-Tua can be the guy that thrilled Alabama football fans during his injury-plagued Crimson Tide career. Tua was the fifth choice in the 2020 NFL Draft. Despite all that has been said or written claiming otherwise, taking Tua in that spot was a wise decision for the Miami organization.

Behind last season’s leaky offensive line, Tua was the sixth most accurate passer in the NFL. Claims Tua has accuracy problems and is ineffective throwing the deep ball are nonsense.

Recently, Mike McDaniel summed up Miami’s past offensive problems saying QBs are better when they don’t “get tackled” before they can throw.