Minicamp practices are the epitome of overreaction season in the National Football League.
The Miami Dolphins took the field today for its first session.
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Tua Tagovailoa and the offense battled heavy rain, and it allowed Miami’s defense to create turnovers.
Tagovailoa, a second-year quarterback from Alabama, tossed five interceptions and Twitter lost its mind. Reactions from people were split between high criticism of Tagovailoa and others not making a big deal of the practice. A couple of the mistakes were not Tagovailoa’s fault, as the ball bounced out of the hands of receivers and into the arms of defenders. We are also in June, which means if mistakes are to happen they should happen now. Nevertheless, Dolphin fans crave perfection and some were not happy.
When it rains, it pours. And #Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa had five INTs in Tuesday’s mandatory minicamp practice in the pouring rain. He did improve as practice progressed, but he seemed disappointed with his performance overall. New offense. Poor conditions. And hey, it’s June.
— Safid Deen 💯💯💯💯 (@Safid_Deen) June 15, 2021
Tua Tagovailoa (5) and Jacoby Brissett (2) have 7 total interceptions today at Miami Dolphins Minicamp
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) June 15, 2021
I was at practice today — Tua wasn’t very good, no doubt. Even aside from 5 INTs, he seemed to struggle. But there’s a lot of factors that came into play… and it’s June. I have no sense on whether Tua will be good this year, but today doesn’t really mean much to me. July counts.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) June 15, 2021
In Tagovailoa’s defense, heavy rain makes it difficult on any signal-caller. He’s facing a veteran defense and has a new offensive coordinator.
According to him, the plan was to be ‘aggressive’ and move the ball downfield. Brian Flores wanted him to get the ball into tight spaces and create leverage against defenders. Practice got better for him, especially when the Dolphins used tempo.
Tua Tagovailoa looks better later in practice, as the Dolphins use tempo.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) June 15, 2021
Tua has settled down nicely since his earlier picks. Has had some really solid intermediate throws.
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) June 15, 2021
Tua starts the two-minute period with a rip to Fuller on a dip dog between a pair of defenders. That connection is heating up.
Comes back to Gesicki in the flat for a completion on the next.
— Travis Wingfield (@WingfieldNFL) June 15, 2021
With him being a fierce competitor, the 2017 national champion was not happy with his performance. He thought the day was ‘alright,’ but Tagovailoa knows there is still work to do.
Patience is something we need to learn. The NFL was patient with Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, and Peyton Manning. Dan Marino stated Tagovailoa ‘has all the talent in the world’ and the executive is correct. The native Hawaiian will improve and is still looking to turn in a great second season in the pros with the Dolphins.
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It is only June, but Tagovailoa knows five picks will not make the people happy.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
