The Miami Dolphins did not have an easy road to the NFL playoffs in 2022, but it made it at 9-8.
It could have made a deep playoff run if a few things bounced their way.
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A decrease in injuries, specifically at quarterback, would have made a difference. Tua Tagovailoa started 13 games last season and produced moments that had the NFL thinking he can be a franchise player. However, he suffered two highly documented concussions that forced him to miss games, including the Dolphins’ wildcard matchup. When healthy, he totaled a career-high 3,548 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns. Tagovailoa, a former No. 5 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft from the University of Alabama, had his fifth-year option exercised on his rookie contract. Miami did not pursue any premier quarterbacks on the free agency market, assuring Tagovailoa that its faith is in him. He is secured for the next two seasons, but the native Hawaiian needs to show he can stay healthy. According to a report from NFL.com, McDaniel said he sees a “hunger” in Tagovailoa for next season. McDaniel says Tagovailoa has a ‘really good offseason’ and is ‘healthy and vibrant.’
A healthy Tagovailoa means deep playoff runs in the future. It could also mean a potential Super Bowl down the line.
Miami fans and Alabama fans are looking forward to seeing Tagovailoa rip up the league in the fall.
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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.
