It’s Tua Time for Dolphins
Pats face different team than Week 1
The Patriots played the Dolphins in Week 1, and handled them with relative ease in the season opener.
It’s now three months later, and plenty has changed between the teams for Round 2. Specifically for the Dolphins, along with their winning record, and enhanced playoff hopes, the biggest change comes at quarterback.
The Fins have gone from Fitzmagic to Tua Time.
Brian Flores has given the keys to the offense to rookie TUa TagoVailoa, the former Alabama star, and is relying on him instead of veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick.
In six starts, and seven games overall, Tagovailoa has thrown nine touchdown passes — four more than Cam Newton — with just one interception.
He’s also completing 62% of his throws.
The Patriots had scouted Tagovailoa prior to the 2020 NFL draft, so they’re familiar with the Heisman Trophy winner and Nick Saban disciple.
During his video conference with reporters Tuesday, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick lauded the play of Tagovailoa.
“He’s a pretty experienced quarterback in terms of the passing game, and what they did at Alabama. He gets rid of the ball very quickly, doesn’t hold it much. He sees coverages well, takes good care of the ball, hasn’t thrown the ball to the defense,” said Belichick.
“He sees what he’s got, understands the pressure, understands the timing of the routes, and gets the ball out quickly. He has enough quickness in the pocket to make it difficult for the pass rush to get to him. He can
run a little bit, but he’s more of a quicker guy in the pocket that’s elusive and really wants to throw more than he wants to run. He can run, but he’s a good passer, and wants to get the ball out quickly.”
Before the draft, there was concern over the major hip injury Tua suffered and how he would heal from surgery.
It was anyone’s guess how far Tagovailoa might fall down the board, given those concerns.
He didn’t fall far. The Dolphins selected him with the fifth overall pick. If the Patriots had any interest, or hopes of him dropping to where they stood, at No. 23, they dissolved quickly. The Patriots ultimately traded out of the first round.
Belichick talked about the hesitation regarding Tagovailoa during the draft process.
“He was either going to be fine, and be good, or this could really be a serious injury, and just had to wait to see how the healing process went,” he said. “And obviously, it’s gone well. He looks good.”
In a losing effort against the Chiefs Sunday, Tagovailoa completed 28 of 48 passes for 316 yards, with two touchdowns and a pick.
Tagovailoa throws from the left side, so he’ll present a unique challenge in that regard.
It’s hard to dial up a left-handed quarterback for the scout team. Belichick didn’t seem to concerned with that dynamic.
“It’s certainly something to talk about, and be aware of,” said Belichick. “I think it shows up in some of the play-calling, and the extended plays that occur … sometimes it’s hard to replicate depending on who you might have to do that.”
All of the Patriots quarterbacks on the roster are right-handed. Practice squad QB Jake DOlegala is also right-handed.
McDaniels backs WR corps
The Patriots passing offense has come under fire due to Cam Newton’s struggles, not to mention the lack of talent at the skills posi
tions which include receiver and tight end.
During a video conference with reporters, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels defended the receiver group, which features Damiere Byrd, Jakobi Meyers and N’Keal Harry.
“They work their butt off. They’re doing what they can do each week to prepare and play their best. I couldn’t ask any more of those guys with their attitude and effort and approach,” said McDaniels. “I don’t worry about the, this, that and the other in terms of weapons and all that.
“We have enough people here to win,” he went on. “We’ve got to do a better job of executing and putting those guys in positions to be productive. They come in here and work their butt off every week. They’ve all made plays, and done things to help us win, and we have to do more of that as we move forward here in the last few weeks.”
The Patriots currently have the 21st-rated offense in the league. Between Newton’s inaccuracy throwing short passes, the last-ranked tight end position in the NFL in terms of production, and a receiving corps that doesn’t scare any defense, the Patriots have struggled to move the football, and score points heading into Week 15.
McDaniels acknowledged the unit had to improve, but that was collectively as a whole. The offensive coordinator didn’t point any fingers.
Turnover kings
Flores has his defense playing aggressively and forcing tons of turnovers. The Fins produced three in a losing effort to the Chiefs on Sunday and are tied with the Steelers for most turnovers with 25 (16 interceptions, 9 fumble recoveries) in the league.
The Patriots are well aware of the Dolphins turnover prowess and will have an eye on ball security.
“They’ve been able to do it and do it in a number of ways — fumbles, strip sacks, interceptions. They’ve been very opportunistic and they’ve forced offenses into some bad plays and capitalized on them,” said Belichick. “Some of those plays have resulted in big returns, as well — so, not just taking the ball away, but taking it away and running it back for a touchdown, like they did against the
Rams and Arizona. Set up a couple of their short-field scores, as well. So, yeah, they’ve done a very good job of that.”
Slater a finalist
Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater was named one of eight finalists for the 2020 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, the NFL announced.
The award is presented each year to an NFL player who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.
Along with Slater, the other finalists include defensive end Calais Campbell (Baltimore), defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (Pittsburgh), defensive end Justin Houston (Indianapolis) in the AFC, and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (Carolina), linebacker Lavonte David ( Tampa Bay), center Jason Kelce (Philadelphia) and fullback Kyle JuszCzyk (San Francisco) in the NFC.
A panel of former players from the NFL Legends Community selected the eight finalists from the 32 NFL club nominees.