By Jordan Long
Miami Dolphins’ rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa may start sometime this season. Tagovailoa hasn’t played a down of football since November 16th, 2019 when he dislocated his hip during Alabama’s victory over Mississippi State. Playing him this season is a risk.
The Dolphins drafted Tagovailoa 5th overall in this years’ NFL Draft. They are hoping he could be the franchise quarterback moving forward. The Dolphins knew his injury history and took a chance on him. In college Tagovailoa passed for 7,442 yards and 87 touchdowns. He protected the football well with only 11 interceptions. Some NFL experts thought Tagovailoa could be the best NFL quarterback in the draft.
Looking at this season, Miami is better off letting him watch and not risking him being hurt. Another injury like Tagovailoa had in 2019 could be the end of his football career.
The Dolphins already know their starter will be Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick is entering his 2nd year in Miami. He is the veteran and has spent 15 years in the NFL. Last season, Fitzpatrick tossed for 3,529 yards and 20 touchdowns. He struggled to read defenses with 13 interceptions. The Dolphins went 5-8 with him as the starter.
The other quarterback on the roster who has NFL experience is Josh Rosen. Rosen is in his 3rd year. He spent his rookie year in Arizona but Arizona traded him to Miami in the 2019 offseason. Rosen started 3 games for Miami and he struggled, passing for 567 yards, 1 touchdown, and 5 interceptions. The Dolphins didn’t fare well when he started, going 0-3.
The Dolphins feel Tagovailoa could be better than Rosen and Fitzpatrick. It may take Tagovailoa a few years to understand defenses in the NFL. For now, Tagovailoa should just watch and heal up. 2021 is when he should begin his NFL career. The Dolphins coaching staff will do what they feel is best to give the team the best chance to win in 2020.
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