Tua Tagovailoa’s Struggles Spark Dolphins’ Offensive Shift as Playoff Aspirations Intensify
The Miami Dolphins have experienced a notable transformation in their offensive identity this season. What was once a team heavily reliant on the passing game has morphed into one of the most formidable rushing offenses in the league. With four consecutive games boasting at least 160 rushing yards, this shift has been instrumental in securing four straight victories, keeping Miami’s playoff hopes alive. However, this resurgence in the ground game comes at a time when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the aerial attack have seen a concerning decline.
Tua’s Reflection on His Performance
During a recent media session, Tagovailoa addressed his struggles, acknowledging the complexities affecting his performance. “There’s a lot of things that go into that,” he explained. “How I’m seeing it, with how I’m going through the game, with my progressions, if I’m ahead of the play, if I’m not. I think a lot of that has played a big part in being the reason why it’s not as good.” As the Dolphins prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, they will enter a critical stretch of four consecutive games against teams vying for playoff spots, including the Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as well as facing off against high-powered offenses like the Cincinnati Bengals.
Assessing Tua’s Decline
The statistics surrounding Tagovailoa’s recent performances paint a troubling picture. With 14 interceptions on the season, he has struggled to maintain consistent effectiveness. Advanced metrics reveal a stark decline, particularly in the last three games. Since Week 11, he ranks 29th in expected points added (EPA) per dropback, 18th in passer rating, and has the third-highest sack rate. While the Dolphins rank among the top teams in minimizing quarterback pressure, Tagovailoa’s inability to evade sacks has become alarming. He is now taking more hits while being pressured less than almost any other quarterback in the league.
Watching the game film reveals a quarterback grappling with footwork issues, leading to inaccurate and delayed throws, and questionable decisions under pressure. “I’ve done a lot more in individual drills and with guys after practice,” he acknowledged when asked about improving his footwork. He emphasized the need to refine his mechanics, which have faltered under the current scrutiny.
Dolphins Finding Success Despite Struggles
Despite these challenges, some may argue that Miami’s recent success mitigates concerns about Tagovailoa’s performance. The Dolphins are indeed 3-0 since Week 11, and their robust running game has contributed significantly to this streak. However, the relationship between Tua’s declining numbers and the team’s increased reliance on the ground attack cannot be overlooked. Miami’s offense is running more frequently, not just because of its effectiveness, but also as a strategic response to Tua’s ongoing struggles.
Compounding this issue is the lack of a consistent receiving threat beyond Jaylen Waddle and a tight end in Darren Waller who is limited in style. Despite the current success of the run game, there is a looming concern that opponents will soon devise strategies to neutralize it. Relying on a ground game to achieve 160 yards each week is not a sustainable model, especially against formidable defenses.
The Road Ahead for Tua and the Dolphins
As the Dolphins gear up for the challenges ahead, the imperative for Tagovailoa to step up becomes increasingly clear. The upcoming opponents will undoubtedly seek to force him to carry the load through the air. While Tua expresses a desire to throw more, stating, “Would I like to throw the ball more? Sure. But if running the ball is what’s helping us win games right now, I don’t see why we’d stop doing it,” the reality is that teams will soon focus on taking away the run.
The pressing question remains: can Tagovailoa rise to the occasion when called upon? With a history of struggles in high-pressure situations, particularly late in the season, the outlook is uncertain. The Dolphins may find themselves in a position where they need to lean on their quarterback more than ever, and given his current form, that scenario could spell trouble for Miami’s playoff ambitions.
