The Miami Dolphins have long searched for a true franchise quarterback, and Tua Tagovailoa, drafted high in 2020, was seen as the solution to that ongoing quest. There were hopes that he would erase the memories of past quarterbacks since Dan Marino, yet as the Dolphins prepare for Week 16, the franchise is set to begin its 27th different quarterback since Marino’s retirement. Now, with Tagovailoa benched in favor of Quinn Ewers, doubts about his ability to lead the team have resurfaced, casting a long shadow over the Dolphins’ recent quarterback history.
After the tumultuous 2022 season, which saw the dismissal of head coach Brian Flores and the hiring of Mike McDaniel, Tagovailoa seemed poised for a breakthrough. Under McDaniel’s guidance, he played significantly better, benefiting from a scheme that highlighted his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. The Dolphins became a playoff team, and for a time, it appeared Brian Flores might have been wrong in his skepticism about Tagovailoa’s potential.
However, the optimism surrounding the team faded as Tagovailoa missed crucial games toward the end of the 2022 season. His 2023 campaign began with high expectations, but after an early playoff exit, reality began to settle in. Fans are now left questioning whether McDaniel’s impressive coaching was merely a façade that concealed Tagovailoa’s underlying issues as a quarterback.
As the 2023 season progressed, it became evident that the initial success played into the rise of Tagovailoa’s reputation; the Dolphins awarded him a substantial contract following that promising year. But as inconsistencies emerged, the Dolphins’ investment in Tagovailoa now appears misguided, leading to his current benching and the introduction of a rookie quarterback.
With discussions buzzing across social media and media outlets alike regarding Tagovailoa’s future, both he and McDaniel find themselves under scrutiny. Questions now arise about McDaniel’s judgments and whether his job is secure as the Dolphins navigate yet another tumultuous chapter in their quest for a stable quarterback. Despite the challenges facing the team, the Dolphins remain hopeful that they can eventually find a solution to their long-standing quarterback dilemma.