In a year defined by troubling head injuries, Tua Tagovailoa silenced critics with a breakout campaign.
Entering his third year under considerable scrutiny, Tagovailoa posted a 105.5 quarterback rating with a league-high 8.9 yards per pass attempt. When discussing his Miami Dolphins teammate with KPRC 2 Sports’ Ari Alexander, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle identified what makes Tagovailoa special.
“His ball placement,” Waddle said (h/t NFL.com). “I think everybody sees it, knowing exactly where to put the ball so his receivers can not just catch it, but catch it and run with it. That’s what makes Tua, Tua.”
Waddle averaged an NFL-high 18.1 yards per reception during his second NFL season. Along with his quarterback getting him the ball in open space, Waddle credited head coach Mike McDaniel and fellow speedy wideout Tyreek Hill for his 2022 gains.
“Mike came in and really harped on YAC,” Waddle said. “Having a guy like Cheetah, who’s a YAC monster, you don’t got no choice but to learn from him and soak up all that game that he’s giving.”
Before joining forces in the NFL, Waddle built a rapport with Tagovailoa at quarterback. Waddle called his longtime teammate a “great guy” and compared playing with him in the NFL to “learning how to ride a bike again.”
Health permitting, the young duo has a bright future in Miami. Last year’s sixth-ranked offense can continue to stockpile explosive plays in 2023.