Tua Tagovailoa’s rookie season was underwhelming at times to say the least. Fortunately, it sounds like he’ll be much more comfortable running the Miami Dolphins’ offense in Year 2.
After the Dolphins’ practice on Monday, head coach Brian Flores told reporters that Tagovailoa is off to a good start at training camp. Well, it turns out multiple players on the roster are seeing a new and improved Tagovailoa as well.
Dolphins cornerback Eric Rowe had a glowing review of Tagovailoa this week. He even revealed his theory on why the Alabama product wasn’t able to shine during the 2020 season.
“He’s always had accuracy. That was never a problem. He always had the zip, always had the power,”Rowe said. “I just believe it’s that year-two jump that everyone needs to make from their rookie year. And obviously the type of offense. Last year, I even noticed his playbook was condensed to slants and bubbles. They really wouldn’t let him show his arm. Now seeing training camp, a lot more deep routes, they’re allowing him the opportunity to throw it deep. That’s what we need. Tua is making that jump. I see each day he’s getting better from the first day.”
eric rowe on what the biggest difference is between #dolphins QB tua tagovailoa in 2021. pic.twitter.com/o3lYwSdhab
— josh houtz (@houtz) August 2, 2021
Rowe isn’t the only player on the Dolphins who sees an improved Tagovailoa at training camp. Tight end Durham Smythe believes the former No. 5 overall pick is playing with a lot more confidence this year.
“It just seems like confidence,” Smythe said, via ProFootballTalk. “That’s a big thing for year-one to year-two players. He understands the offense, yada, yada, has got a great arm. Everyone says that. Everyone knows that. But confidence year one to year two, that’s big. If he continues to develop that, the sky’s the limit.”
Durham Smythe on Year 1 to Year 2 Tua difference: “Confidence.” #FinsUp
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) August 2, 2021
Just because Tagovailoa is having success in training camp doesn’t mean he’ll have a great season this fall. The fact that multiple teammates have raved about him, however, is a very encouraging sign.
If Tagovailoa takes that next step in Year 2, the Dolphins will be legitimate contenders in the AFC.
The post Dolphins Players React To What They’re Seeing From Tua appeared first on The Spun.
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