Tua Tagovailoa’s teammates have used words like “commanding” and “lights out” to describe his recent performances.
Since returning from a concussion in Week 8, the quarterback has been playing some of the best football of his career, keeping the Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes alive.
Tagovailoa threw for 331 yards and two touchdowns — including the game-winning touchdown in overtime — leading Miami to a victory over Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Sunday. With the win, the Dolphins (6-7) are now tied with Indianapolis and two games behind Denver (8-5) for the final AFC wild card spot.
“I don’t think two years ago this game occurs,” said coach Mike McDaniel on Sunday about Tagovailoa’s performance. “He continues to get better. … It’s a lot of work, and all of his work is paying off because he’s a naturally gifted quarterback, not only with his skill set but because people are drawn to him. He makes people better. That’s a very important part of that position.”
Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, after seeing how Tagovailoa runs Miami’s offense with precision, called him one of the quickest decision-makers in the NFL.
Tagovailoa’s teammates shared similar praise for his influence.
“He’s been playing lights out. He’s been a great leader for this team, not only on offense but also for defense, getting those guys going,” wide receiver Tyreek Hill said. “We’ve just got to follow him, man, like follow his standard because the standard is the standard, and he’s been playing at a high level. The guys around him just have to match it.”
The stats back up Hill’s words:
Sunday marked Tagovailoa’s third straight game with over 300 passing yards, joining Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks in Dolphins history to achieve that feat in three consecutive games.
Before Sunday’s game, Tagovailoa had the best completion rate in the league at 74.5%. He also recorded his seventh consecutive game with a completion rate of 70% or better, which ties for the third-longest streak in NFL history.
On Sunday, he was 6 for 7 for 67 yards during Miami’s game-winning touchdown drive, which he finished with a 10-yard throw to tight end Jonnu Smith.
“He was commanding,” said receiver Jaylen Waddle. “He really made sure we didn’t kill ourselves with penalties. He wanted everybody to lock in and focus on the details. That was big. He came through, made big plays, was calm in the pocket, the O-line had great protection, and he delivered the ball.”
