Despite his outstanding stats and the Miami Dolphins’ audacious choice to select him over Justin Herbert, Tua Tagovailoa is under scrutiny as some doubt his status among the best quarterbacks.

Tua Tagovailoa, the young quarterback from the Miami Dolphins, has been one of the most debated figures in the NFL since entering the league in 2020. Despite a solid college career and impressive stats, his selection by the Dolphins over Justin Herbert in the 2020 NFL Draft has been met with skepticism from many analysts and fans. While the Dolphins have shown confidence in Tagovailoa, doubts about his ability to join the ranks of the best quarterbacks in the league persist. This article will explore Tagovailoa’s rise to the NFL, his performance, the criticisms surrounding him, and whether he deserves to be considered one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.

The Background

Tua Tagovailoa’s journey to the NFL began in the collegiate ranks, where he became a household name playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Tua was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, and his performances at Alabama lived up to the hype. He led the team to a National Championship in his freshman year and became the first true freshman to start a National Championship game for the Crimson Tide. Tua’s accolades during his time at Alabama were numerous. He was a consensus All-American, won the prestigious Maxwell Award as the best player in college football, and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. His ability to throw deep passes, combined with his poise under pressure, made him one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the country.

However, Tua’s time in college was not without adversity. A serious hip injury in his junior season raised concerns about his future and his ability to play at the next level. Despite the injury, Tua declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, and the Miami Dolphins, in need of a quarterback, selected him with the fifth overall pick.

The Dolphins’ Bold Decision

The 2020 NFL Draft was an intriguing one for quarterbacks. Joe Burrow, who had an outstanding season with LSU, was selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. Tua Tagovailoa was widely regarded as one of the top two quarterbacks in the class, alongside Justin Herbert, who was coming off a stellar career at Oregon. Many analysts had Herbert ranked as the better quarterback, but the Dolphins, led by general manager Chris Grier and head coach Brian Flores, made the decision to select Tua over Herbert. This decision raised eyebrows at the time, as Herbert had impressed with his arm strength, mobility, and poise during his college career, while Tua’s health, particularly his hip injury, was a lingering concern.

Miami’s decision to draft Tua with the fifth pick, while passing on Herbert, who would go on to be selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the sixth overall pick, signaled the Dolphins’ belief in Tua’s potential. They saw him as the quarterback of the future, capable of leading their franchise back to prominence after years of mediocrity. The Dolphins’ gamble was built on Tua’s accuracy, his ability to read defenses, and his leadership qualities. The question remained, though: Could Tua’s talents translate to the NFL, and would he be able to prove that the Dolphins made the right choice?

Tua’s Early Years in the NFL

Tua’s rookie season in 2020 was somewhat uneven. After recovering from his hip injury, he was thrust into a competitive situation where he had to learn on the fly. He was named the starter after Ryan Fitzpatrick was benched, a move that stirred some controversy given Fitzpatrick’s strong play. Despite a few flashes of brilliance, Tua struggled with consistency, and the Dolphins’ offense as a whole did not seem to fully gel. Tagovailoa finished the season with 1,814 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions over 9 games, leading Miami to a 6-3 record in his starts. However, his play was often questioned, particularly when it came to his ability to push the ball down the field.

Critics pointed to his lower-than-expected yards per attempt and his lack of explosive plays. Unlike Justin Herbert, who had already emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks, Tua seemed to struggle to find a rhythm in Miami’s offense. While his decision-making and accuracy were solid, there were concerns about his ability to generate big plays and his overall arm strength. Many believed that his rookie season, although solid, did not justify the hype he had entering the league.

In 2021, Tua’s development continued to be closely scrutinized. Miami, once again, found themselves in a competitive division, and Tua was tasked with leading the team to success. However, once again, inconsistency plagued his performance. Injuries, such as fractured ribs and a finger injury, set him back, and he was unable to maintain a rhythm throughout the season. Despite these setbacks, Tua showed improvement in his ability to operate the offense and be more aggressive in the passing game.

The Rise of the Criticism

As Tua entered his third season in the NFL, the skepticism surrounding him only grew. His lack of explosive plays and struggles with pushing the ball downfield were becoming more apparent. Meanwhile, Justin Herbert, who had been selected one pick after Tua, had already established himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars. Herbert quickly became one of the most dynamic and statistically impressive quarterbacks in the league, earning Pro Bowl selections and breaking several rookie records. The comparison between the two quarterbacks became inevitable, and for many fans and analysts, Herbert’s success only highlighted the doubts about Tua.

Tua’s critics pointed to his limited arm strength, which was seen as a major hindrance in an era of quarterbacks known for their ability to throw the ball deep. Unlike Herbert, whose deep ball accuracy and ability to stretch the field made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, Tua seemed to lack that same level of vertical threat. Additionally, his tendency to throw short, quick passes and rely on his receivers to make plays after the catch led some to question his ability to operate in a pro-style offense and make the necessary adjustments at the highest level.

Another criticism of Tua’s game is his injury history. While his hip injury in college was the most significant, his subsequent injuries in the NFL further fueled doubts about his durability. Tua had to miss multiple games due to rib and finger injuries in his first two seasons, and many wondered if he could stay healthy enough to lead the Dolphins for the long haul.

The Supporters’ Case

Despite the criticisms, there are many who still believe in Tua’s potential. One of the biggest arguments in his favor is his accuracy. Tua is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in NFL history when it comes to short and intermediate throws. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver precise passes has allowed him to thrive in the Dolphins’ offense. His completion percentage in 2021 (around 67%) and his touchdown-to-interception ratio are reflective of his ability to limit mistakes and make the right throws in crucial situations.

Moreover, Tua’s leadership and poise under pressure cannot be overlooked. He has shown a strong mental game, even in the face of adversity. Tua’s confidence and commitment to improving his game have been praised by teammates, coaches, and analysts alike. He is known for his work ethic and has demonstrated growth each season, learning from his mistakes and working to overcome his limitations.

Tua also benefits from a supporting cast that continues to improve. In 2022, the Dolphins made a concerted effort to surround him with better weapons, acquiring wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, both of whom are dynamic playmakers capable of stretching the field. With these weapons in place, the expectation is that Tua’s performance will take a significant leap. The offense will likely be more explosive, allowing Tua to showcase his strengths in an environment designed for his success.

The Verdict: Is Tua Among the Best?

So, is Tua Tagovailoa one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL? The answer is complicated. On one hand, he certainly has the potential to be among the league’s top quarterbacks. His accuracy, poise, and leadership qualities set him apart, and with the right system and supporting cast, he could develop into a franchise quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.

On the other hand, there are still many question marks surrounding his ability to consistently generate explosive plays and lead his team to victories in high-pressure situations. Until he proves that he can do more than manage games and show flashes of brilliance, it’s difficult to place him among the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.

For now, Tua remains a work in progress. While the comparisons to Justin Herbert are fair, it’s important to remember that Tua’s career is far from over. He still has time to silence the doubters and prove that he belongs in the conversation with the league’s best. The 2023 season will be a critical year for Tua, and with the right coaching and support, he could finally take that next step.

In the end, Tua Tagovailoa’s legacy will be determined by how he performs in the coming seasons. He has the talent, the work ethic, and the mindset to succeed. Whether he can overcome the lingering doubts and establish himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL remains to be seen. The jury is still out, but one thing is clear: Tua Tagovailoa’s story is far from finished.