The Miami Dolphins took a big leap forward in Mike McDaniel’s first year in charge.
It didn’t take long before he revamped their offense, which had been predictable and stagnant in the previous tenure.
Notably, Tua Tagovailoa looked much better in the first season under McDaniel.
Nonetheless, the head coach still believes it was tough for him at times, telling Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network that it was like learning a foreign language.
Mike McDaniel described 2022 as Tua Tagovailoa learning a foreign language (new scheme) and being asked to communicate it to the rest of the offense. He did it well but a new level to unlock in 2023.
McDaniel: “This year he owns the language. What that manifests… everything.”
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) July 26, 2023
Per McDaniel, his QB1 is in full control of the system now, citing that he “owns it” now.
Tua had raised several doubts about his ability to be a starting-caliber quarterback in the National Football League.
But he did a solid job of silencing some of his critics last season, even being a legit MVP candidate at one point in the campaign.
The Dolphins did an outstanding job of giving him the kind of weapons he needs to thrive.
However, they did fail him in terms of pass protection, and that’s going to be a make-or-break issue for the team — and Tua’s career — going forward.
Having a full season in a system will obviously help him be more poised and in control of the offense and whatnot.
But the team needs to do a better job of keeping him safe and giving him more time and space to operate, and he also needs to be way more careful and avoid taking some unnecessary risks and hits if he wants to have a long career in the league.
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