Tua Tagovailoa believes Dolphins are 'definitely legit contenders'

Coming off a 9-8 season and the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2016, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa believes his team are “legit contenders” heading into 2023.

“I think we’re definitely legit contenders,” Tagovailoa told Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post Tuesday. “There’s no doubt with the guys we have on the defensive side of the ball. With the guys we have on the offensive side of the ball. And now with this being the first time as an offense, we get to come back understanding the plays already kind of molded into the offense a little more, I think. I think it can get very, very scary, pretty dangerous.”

The Dolphins went 8-5 this past season with Tagovailoa under center. The 2020 first-round pick, however, missed four games after suffering two-known concussions. Miami made several additions to its defense, including star cornerback Jalen Ramsey in hopes of complimenting its high-powered offense.

Amid the head injuries, Tagovailoa turned out a productive 2022 campaign. In 13 games, Tagovailoa threw for 3,548 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 64.8% passing. He set career highs with a 105.5 passer rating and a 68.9 QBR.

Much of his success came throwing the way of receiver Jaylen Waddle, whom he shared the field with at Alabama. Waddle hauled in 75 passes for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging an NFL-best 18.1 yards per reception.

Waddle, recently speaking with KPRC in Houston, spoke about what makes Tagovailoa the perfect quarterback.

“His ball placement,” Waddle said. “I think everybody sees it, knowing exactly where to put the ball where his receivers can not just catch it, but catch it and run with it. So that’s what makes Tua Tua.”

Michael Vick gives advice to Tua Tagovailoa

Michael Vick shared some simple advice for Tagovailoa during a recent appearance on Tyreek Hill’s “It Needed To Be Said” podcast.

“I just think he’s got to bulk up a little bit,” Vick said. “Get a little bit bigger. Get stronger. As you grow into your man body, that’s what needs to happen. Ain’t nothing wrong with picking up another 10 pounds, 15 pounds… Don’t get hit. Don’t get knocked around.”

Speaking with the media in April, Tagovailoa admitted he considered retirement after suffering multiple head injuries.

“Yeah, I think I considered it, you know, for a time, having sat down with my family, having sat down with my wife and having those kind of conversations,” Tagovailoa said. “Really, it would be hard for me to walk away from this game with how old I am, with my son. I always dreamed of growing — playing as long as I could to where my son knew exactly what he was watching his dad do.

“Yeah, I mean it’s my health, it’s my body. I feel like this is what’s best for me and my family. I love the game of football. If I didn’t I would have quite a long time [ago].”