Simms takes shot at Tua
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has silenced many of his critics during the team’s fivegame winning streak, but there’s still plenty of naysayers.
Just days after New York Giants safety Logan Ryan criticized Tagovailoa, ex-NFL quarterback Chris Simms took a shot at the Dolphins’ second-year signalcaller when comparing him to New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill.
“This is where I’m gonna sound like a Tua hater,” Simms said on Thursday’s Pro Football Talk Live show with co-host Mike Florio. “Listen, the whole world can throw the ball five yards over the middle. You don’t need to draft a quarterback at No. 5 to throw the ball 5 or 6 yards over the middle. Or, like Logan Ryan said, run to the left and throw the ball one yard into the flat.”
Simms was trying to point out that the Saints are asking more of Hill, who is starting in place of injured Jameis Winston despite being slowed by a finger injury on his throwing hand, than the Dolphins are asking of a healthy Tagovailoa.
“They asked Taysom Hill to throw the ball 30-50 yards down the field, things they don’t even ask Tua,” Simms said. “So — idiots on Twitter: Shut up. You’re an idiot. Get off Twitter and learn something else. You’re an idiot.”
Hill completed 19 of 41 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns while throwing four interceptions in a 27-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys last week. He also rushed for 101 yards.
Simms, the son of former Giants star quarterback Phil Simms, started 16 games during his six-year career (2004-2009) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos.
Tagovailoa’s improved play has elevated the Dolphins into the AFC playoff picture — something that seemed impossible after the team’s disastrous 1-7 start.
While Tagovailoa has only one 300-yard passing game this season, he’s been efficient in executing the Dolphins’ ball-control offense that features short, quick passes. He has an impressive quarterback rating of over 100 in his last four games.
The Dolphins, who have a bye this week, ironically play the Saints in New Orleans on Dec. 27 on Monday Night Football.