The Miami Dolphins’ 2024 season is teetering on the edge, and while Tua Tagovailoa isn’t the sole reason for the predicament, he acknowledges that he plays a part in the team’s struggles. The journey from optimism to this precarious position has been quite the narrative for the Dolphins this season.
Looking back at Week 2, against their dreaded rivals, the Buffalo Bills, Tua was doing everything he could to keep Miami in the game. In a split-second decision, instead of opting for safety and sliding, he decided to lower his head, resulting in a concussion that sidelined him for four critical games. The absence of their starting quarterback seemed to send Miami spiraling off course.
During that stressful period, including a bye week, Tagovailoa maintained his distance from the spotlight. His reticence to adapt—opting against measures like a protective helmet cover—didn’t earn him many fans. It seemed at times he was too stubborn, refusing to let go of his previous approach.
Now, as the haze of a potentially derailed season begins to clear, Tua is taking a different approach. In a recent candid acknowledgment, he took responsibility for his actions.
“Nobody else will say it but me,” Tagovailoa admitted. “I feel like this has a lot to do with myself, obviously putting myself in harm’s way in the second game.
Going down, basically leaving my guys out to dry. Just don’t want to do that to my guys again.”
It’s obvious Tagovailoa is eager to quiet the critics. He’s been in the crosshairs since being drafted, and while he asserts he’s deaf to the outside noise, the mere awareness of the chatter suggests otherwise.
Unlike bruisers like Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, Tua is built on precision and timing. Yet, when the opportunity arises to be more physical, he tends to seize it—a decision that, during that fateful Week 2, cost him and the Dolphins dearly, pushing their playoff hopes to the fringes.
But let’s be clear: the team’s struggles can’t be pinned solely on Tua. The road to the playoffs is a complex one involving numerous variables.
For the Dolphins to wiggle their way into postseason contention, they’ll need a flawless finish. Wins must come against the Jets—twice—along with victories over the 49ers, Browns, and Texans.
In addition, they’ll have to hope for a stumble from the Colts and at least two losses from the Broncos.
As the season winds down, the Dolphins find themselves in a tight spot. Tua’s honesty and the team’s resolve will be crucial as they tackle the mountain that stands between them and the playoffs. The season may hang by a thread, but sometimes, those thin lines are the ones that hold stories of resilience and redemption.