Miami Dolphins: Tua's Performance is Much More Nuanced than what we Saw
For much of the season, the Miami Dolphins (8-4) and QB Tua Tagovailoa have been sound, if not elite. Claiming first place in the AFC East due to recent struggles with the Buffalo Bills. Tua is still heavily in the MVP race, but a lot has changed in the short time since their loss to […]
For much of the season, the Miami Dolphins (8-4) and QB Tua Tagovailoa have been sound, if not elite. Claiming first place in the AFC East due to recent struggles with the Buffalo Bills.
Tua is still heavily in the MVP race, but a lot has changed in the short time since their loss to the San Francisco 49ers. A team that many think can challenge for the Super Bowl and be one of Miami's best tests to prove they're "for real".
Despite the overall numbers, there were good and bad to his performance. Good from what we have expected of him throughout the season. Bad from many throws that were off-brand for the type of passer he's becoming.
But it's not so black and white.
The Good
On the day, Tua threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns, featured in two long touchdown plays to Tyreek Hill and Trent Sherfield.
Hill's in particular kept the Dolphins in a close game where a daunting 49ers defense, who hadn't allowed many long plays throughout the day. Hill would finish with 146 yards and a touchdown.
Many of Tua's throws were on target for the game. Some hitting the receivers in the hands and going the other way. Otherwise were on par for how the offense has gone this season.
The Bad
54.5% completion percentage isn't great. Neither is throwing two picks.
One that was a bit behind his receiver and tipped off his hands, and the other as a result of the receiver slipping and landing in Jimmy Ward's lap.
For much of the season, Tua and the Dolphins offense is crisp. 15 giveaways on the season, among the best in the league. Tua's three turnovers and 19.3 QBR is his lowest since week four against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tua was constantly under pressure, leading to many errant throws, few going beyond the line to gain. With the 49ers defense being sound on all three levels.
The Nuance
It's not just simply that Tua played bad and the Miami Dolphins lost. Even more so, it's not just that Tua was the reason for the offensive struggles.
Both the Dolphins tackles, Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson didn't play. Going up against one of the best pass rush units in the league. Constantly bottling Tua into the pocket, creating a sack-fumble and being real factors into the interceptions and their trajectory.
It's also hard to maintain offensive success when the offensive line can't create running lanes. The running game abandoned early, with the combination of Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert gaining 30 yards on eight carries.
The lack of running room and blocking on the edges gave Tua fits all game long. Considering these, it's a miracle there were only three turnovers.
Tua played arguably his second worst game of the season, but it can't be all on him. The added factors of the offense going into the game were absent, leaving Tua to look for his receivers with hands in his face.
Next up is the LA Chargers, who luckily have one of the least effective pass rushes in the league. However, if the offensive line and running game are unable to help again, Tua could be in for another long day.
Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
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