Since week 2, the Miami Dolphins have struggled throughout the season without their franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. While the Polynesian star was out on IR recovering from a concussion, Miami went 1-3 and produced a sluggish 35 points through five weeks. A once prominent offensive powerhouse now ranks 22nd in the league for offensive yards per game and with six touchdowns to show for it.
That will all change on Sunday. The Dolphins designated Tagovailoa to return from IR and will be active for this week’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. He’s expected to start. However, this will be more than just a return to the field. The start will mark the return of Miami’s air raid offense, but still with a lot to prove.
Tua’s Anticipated Return Could Bring Back Miami’s Identity
Changing the Narrative
The night that Tagovailoa left the field at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 12 began a long road toward recovery from his fourth concussion suffered in the NFL. Throughout that process, the former first-round choice showed no overlong symptoms, but was told by doctors to be away from the game for a ‘substantial amount of time’, he said. Between the medical team and the coaching staff, everyone did what they could to protect Tua from Tua.
Despite a conversation with his wife, no one’s advice affected his return from the field. Retirement was never a thought this time around. Even though he understands everyone’s concern for his long-term health, he’s willing to play the odds.
“I appreciate your concern, I really do,” Tagovailoa said. “I love this game and I love it to the death of me… How much risk do we take in the morning to go drive to work? Get into a car crash — I don’t know — everything takes risks.”
The concussion history has built an unwelcome narrative for Tagovailoa. The quarterback’s experience dates back to his time with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Tagovailoa suffered a concussion with the Crimson Tide and two more in 2022 with the Dolphins. His most recent one just adds to a narrative he hopes to change, he said.
“I’m frustrated, but this is what it is,” Tagovailoa said. “Do I want to be known for this? No, I don’t, but that’s the cards I’ve been dealt with given the history of it.”
The 26-year-old quarterback is without any additional protection gear. Tagovailoa denied the request to wear a guardian cap due to personal reasons. Dolphins running back De’Von Achane wore one when he returned from concussion protocol earlier this season.
Looking Forward
It’ll be a challenge to see an immediate impact with Tagovailoa on the field for Miami, but the first-string game manager won’t enter the game cold. Tagovailoa told the local media that he has been throwing for the past five weeks. He said that he expects the Dolphins to come out and execute every play given.
Tagovailoa before his injury threw for 483 yards with a 64.5% completion rating. The 2023 NFL Passing Yards leader finished week 1 among the top-5 quarterbacks in the NFL after an efficient air raid performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars with 338 passing yards. This type of explosive influence has been the missing piece for the Dolphins this year.
Through three different quarterback crisis’, Miami garnered a total of 717 passing yards. Tagovailoa holds 40.25% of the Dolphins passing yards this season, despite only appearing in two games. His absence capped Miami’s Pro-Bowl caliber receivers as well. One of them, wide receiver Tyreek Hill recorded a low 140 receiving yards through the last four games.
The Return of the Air Raid
Wide receivers like Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, and Hill will be heavily utilized once again with Tagovailoa’s return to the field. The running game, which turned over the ball twice in the Dolphins loss to the Indianapolis Colts in week 7, should take a step back. Miami’s running game all together has produced a measly 4.1 yards per carry.
Tagovailoa returned to practice activities earlier this week in a limited space. Still, his play throughout the exercises showed his teammates on why he is QB1. Tagovailoa’s connection with Hill was signed all over the Floridian sun once again. Waddle, like many, took notice.
“They was on one today,” Waddle said after Wednesday’s practice. “I think [Tua] almost completed every ball he threw to [Hill]. Anytime they’re vibing like that, it normally leads to big plays.”
Hill was excited to see this connection as much as Waddle. The former Super Bowl champion said it was ‘beautiful’ to see Tagovailoa back on the field and that he had a smile on his face throughout the day. The wide receiver also noted to fantasy football owners to start him this week. With Tagovailoa’s return, he said ‘We’re back’.
“He’s a big part of this team,” Hill said. “He’s the franchise and anybody that doesn’t see that, or doesn’t believe it, go to another team. I couldn’t care less right now. Like I said, I missed the dude, this whole team misses him.”
With everyone on the team excited for Tagovailoa’s return, its air raid identity may be back as well. This Sunday against Arizona’s pass defense would be a perfect opportunity for this. The Cardinals have allowed 10 touchdowns through the air and allow 236.9 passing yards per game.
Main Photo: [Sam Navarro] – USA Today Sports
