Former Alabama, Maryland QB goes a long way in erasing a tough first impression playing Europe pro ball with a big performance
First impressions last but Taulia Tagovailoa sure went a long way in erasing his introduction to the European League of Football with a three-touchdown performance on Saturday. The former Alabama and Maryland quarterback led the Hamburg Sea Devils to a dominant 31-14 win over the Berlin Thunder. A week earlier, Tagovailoa was benched by halftime after […]
First impressions last but Taulia Tagovailoa sure went a long way in erasing his introduction to the European League of Football with a three-touchdown performance on Saturday.
The former Alabama and Maryland quarterback led the Hamburg Sea Devils to a dominant 31-14 win over the Berlin Thunder. A week earlier, Tagovailoa was benched by halftime after throwing a pick-six in his first pass attempt and completing only 29% of his passes.
This time, Tagovailoa completed 15-of-29 for 230 yards and three touchdowns, with multiple stellar throws including a dime over the middle of the end zone into tight coverage. He also passed for an 84-yard touchdown to standout wide receiver Terryon Robinson.
Tagovailoa was aided by a valiant effort from his defense as it forced multiple turnovers including two interceptions in the first two drives of the game (one returned for a touchdown).
"Tagovailoa played well overall, gaining 230 passing yards and three passing touchdowns, but also throwing one interception," wrote ELF's Florian Puth. "Robinson secured 113 receiving yards and one touchdown, and Running back Chrisman Kyei picked up momentum toward the end of the game and racked up 116 rushing yards."
With the performance, Tagovailoa's team improves to 2-2 with the season plenty of room to improve. The former Maryland quarterback and Big Ten standout is perceived as one of the most promising players in the league for his unique FBS experience, a rarity among international players making an impact on the field for ELF teams.
The ELF is mostly made up of European players as only four U.S. "imports" are allowed per team. Only two at a time can be on the field. The league's goals include "giving local players the chance to develop and play on a higher level to showcase their talent."
Tagovailoa spent the 2019 season with the Alabama Crimson Tide before hitting the transfer portal in 2020 and heading to Maryland, where he played through 2023.
