Adversity continues for him in his second season, but Tua Tagovailoa is a different breed.
He missed three games because of fractured ribs and is in the middle of trade rumors again.
Reports have surfaced on the Dolphins and Texans wanting to have a deal finalized on Deshaun Watson. Miami is in “win now” mode, but Tagovailoa still believes he’s their quarterback. He’s been recovering from physical pain, but the native Hawaiian is not dwelling on the noise.
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Since his return, Tagovailoa has recorded two strong games versus the Jaguars and Falcons.
He completed 70 percent of his passes in both matchups, including 80% versus Atlanta.
Trade rumors swirling around and all Tua Tagovailoa did was throw for four touchdowns including this go-ahead score late in the 4th quarter against the Atlanta Falcons. pic.twitter.com/h3MPn74vyf
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) October 24, 2021
TOUCHDOWN, @MylesGAS‼️
📺 Watch #ATLvsMIA on @NFLonFox pic.twitter.com/dQ3MSmoUYa
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 24, 2021
.@mikegesicki gets in the end zone on #NationalTightEndsDay! 🙌
📺 Watch #ATLvsMIA on @NFLonFox pic.twitter.com/VhN20kPvU2
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 24, 2021
📺 Watch #ATLvsMIA on @NFLonFox pic.twitter.com/0zigHLj8Pr
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 24, 2021
After totaling 329 passing yards with two touchdowns against Jacksonville, he tossed for 291 yards with four touchdowns on Sunday against the Falcons. Miami dropped both games, but the blame is not solely on Tagovailoa.
He combined for 620 yards passing with six touchdowns to three interceptions.
Tagovailoa had the Dolphins ahead in both contests; however, it could not finish.
He boasted a passer rating of 109.5 versus Atlanta while outperforming Trevor Lawrence and Matt Ryan. Despite having a strong offensive line at Alabama, the former College Football Playoff National Champion is missing that on the Dolphins.
Regardless, he is competing well. Tagovailoa has endured so much criticism early in his pro career. Hopefully, he can shake the Dolphins into playoff form. The team has lost six straight games.
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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.
