Tua Tagovailoa has demonstrated that he possesses a formidable arm strength, consistently proving he can launch the football with accuracy and confidence across the field for the Miami Dolphins. With talks of a new deal on the horizon, the spotlight on Tagovailoa intensifies, not just to perform at his current level but to elevate his game even further as he faces the 2024 season.
One of the critical areas of improvement for Tagovailoa is his decision-making skills under pressure. While he can effortlessly connect with his first and even second read, leading to touchdowns and celebrations, it’s when situations deviate from the expected that his performance begins to waver. This was notably evident in a pivotal game against the Bills in the final week of the previous season, where a poorly judged throw in double coverage resulted in an interception, dashing the Dolphins’ hopes for the AFC East title.
Improving his ability to navigate broken plays is paramount for Tagovailoa. It involves buying time within the pocket, creatively moving to extend the play, and thereby providing his receivers sufficient opportunity to uncover.
Achieving this level of situational awareness and decision-making will undoubtedly elevate his game. According to analysis highlighted by Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post, leveraging data from PFF, Tagovailoa’s performance rating plummets from an impressive 93.6 in a clean pocket to a mere 51.6 under duress.
This stark contrast underscores the necessity for Tagovailoa to enhance his resilience and acumen when faced with adversity on the field.
The Dolphins are poised to commit to Tagovailoa with a new contract, signifying their belief in his potential and role as the team’s linchpin. However, for Tagovailoa, this is not a cue to rest on his laurels but rather a challenge to refine and elevate his playmaking abilities. The forthcoming season presents an opportunity for Tagovailoa to answer these critical questions and assert his capability to lead the Dolphins to new heights.