Miami Dolphins need to take step forward behind Tua Tagovailoa
The Miami Dolphins have enough talent to be dangerous in 2021, but they need second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to realize his potential.
Last year, the Miami Dolphins went 10-6 after years of misery and losing campaigns. Yet it ended on a sour note.
Miami started the season with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center and then ended with Tua Tagovailoa. The latter was the No. 5 overall pick who endured ups and downs, with Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills representing the worst moments of his young career.
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That day, Tagovailoa threw for 361 yards on 58 attempts (6.2 YPA) with one touchdown and three interceptions. Buffalo, playing for nothing that day, won 56-26 in a laugher, knocking the Dolphins out of the playoff race.
This offseason, Miami tried to upgrade both in free agency and the draft. It signed veteran receiver Will Fuller to a one-year, $10.6 million pact after five seasons with the Houston Texans.
In the draft, Fuller got a new running mate in first-round pick Jaylen Waddle, a star from Alabama who made beautiful music with Tagovailoa during his colligate career.
Fuller talked about why he chose Miami in free agency, touching on his own expectations for the squad in 2021, per NFL.com:
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“This was my first free agency, so I just took it as I wanted to go to a team that wanted me. The Dolphins showed the most interest. That’s why I chose the Dolphins. And, of course, I knew we have a great team here and we could do great things. Ever since I’ve been here, it’s been great. I love the culture here. It’s just been easy to be here. Like I said, I’ve been in the building as much as I can. I enjoy being here. I’m happy the Dolphins took a chance on me.”
If Miami is going to make noise, it starts with creating separation from the revamped New York Jets and Bill Belichick-led New England Patriots. Last season, Miami finished ahead of both, but each improved significantly over the past few months.
The Dolphins have a terrific defense led by cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, along with a quality front seven. If the offense, now buttressed by Fuller and Waddle joining receiver DeVante Parker, can step up, Miami has a chance to not only make the playoffs for the first time since 2016, but a force within them.
