Injuries — mainly concussions — kept him from finishing his breakout season, but the Miami Dolphins saw enough to reaffirm its confidence in Tua Tagovailoa as its starting quarterback.
The Dolphins’ front office has supported Tagovailoa by stating he will be the starter next season. Mike McDaniel, Miami’s head coach, assured reporters that the former Alabama standout will be fully healthy in the fall. Chris Grier, the Dolphins’ general manager, is behind Tagovailoa, and another piece of news lands in the hat of the No. 5 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.
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Darrell Bevell, an esteemed quarterback coach, is not leaving the Dolphins. He has been approached for multiple offensive coordinator jobs in the league, but Bevell is choosing to stay with Tagovailoa. He helped the second-year starter turn in huge numbers during the 2022 season. Tagovailoa finished slightly outside the top 10 among quarterbacks for passing yards (3,548, No. 12), but he finished tied for eighth in passing touchdowns (25). He was third for quarterback rating (68.9) and first for passer rating (105.5). Tagovailoa had four 300-yard passing performances, including a 400-yard outing (469) against the Baltimore Ravens. He totaled six games with 2+ passing touchdowns, including a career-high six scoring tosses against the Ravens.
#Dolphins pass game coordinator/QB coach Darrell Bevell informed the #Jets and #Commanders he’s declining an interview for their OC jobs, per sources.
Bevell is well-respected and figures to have other opportunities in this cycle. But as of now, he plans to stay in Miami.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 18, 2023
Great news for Tua Tagovailoa and Dolphins that it appears Darrell Bevell is coming back for 2023 season. Bevell has been a big part of Tua’s development, mechanics and comfort within pocket during breakout 2022 season. https://t.co/UCN5i2bpaj
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 18, 2023
Win for @MiamiDolphins — and most specifically, Tua Tagovailoa https://t.co/hctKrg5owO
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) January 18, 2023
If Tagovailoa would have stayed healthy, Miami may still be in the playoffs.
He will return stronger next season.
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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.
