Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa knows a thing or two about bouncing back from a rough start to an NFL career. Following two seasons riddled with off-field turmoil and injury, Tagovailoa is coming off a 2023 campaign where he led the league in passing and is expected to sign an extension this summer.
Another former Alabama quarterback, Bryce Young, is in a bit of a similar spot with the Carolina Panthers as the No. 1 overall pick from last season struggled throughout the season seeing multiple changes at playcaller and a less-than-stellar supporting cast.
Tagovailoa had the chance to speak about Young’s rookie season, offering up his take on how he performed along with some words of encouragement for his future.
“I think he’s done a tremendous job with his team,” Tagovailoa said according to Pro Football Network. “I think what people end up doing is they put too much on him, when it’s a team sport. It takes everyone.
“So Bryce can’t do it alone. And at a young age, I know he’s already realized that because he’s continuing to play his game regardless of what the score looks like and he’s balling. So I just tell him to, you know, stay encouraged and keep the (faith).
“He’s capable of doing any and everything that any quarterback in this league does. Throws with anticipation, throws with timing, has good footwork in the pocket. You know, just the only thing that you know, that he lacks — just like me — just the size, just to see over the defenders. But outside of that, he has all the intangibles.”
What was integral to Tagovailoa’s resurgence was the hiring of new head coach Mike McDaniel who embraced the southpaw’s style of play and tailored the entire offense to what he does best. The team also invested heavily into its supporting cast trading for star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and left tackle Terron Armstead, along with selecting Jaylen Waddle with a top draft pick.
Young will look to have similar success with new head coach Dave Canales who comes over after one season as the offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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