Terron talks Tua and Brees… and a hot debate among fans followed
In a recent interview on the Rich Eisen Show, former Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead drew a compelling comparison between Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. Armstead, who spent the final three seasons of his 12-year NFL career with Miami, highlighted several shared traits between the two quarterbacks.
These comments have created a bit of a firestorm among those who vehemently agree and disagree.
I have always loved Terron and respected his play and agree on in the core of what he said, not on the debates of what he didn’t say that followed.
Armstead and what he said
Armstead emphasized Tagovailoa’s exceptional anticipation, pinpoint accuracy, and precise timing—qualities that he believes are reminiscent of Brees’ playing style. He noted, “They don’t throw to areas; they are very precise. And that’s an elite trait. Very few people possess it.” Armstead’s endorsement carries weight, given his firsthand experience blocking for both
Drawing from Brees’ early career, Armstead pointed out that both quarterbacks faced challenges in their initial seasons. Brees underwent shoulder surgery before joining the New Orleans Saints, while Tagovailoa has contended with concussions and a hip injury. Armstead believes that with more experience and consistent play, Tagovailoa can reach the heights that Brees achieved.
The operative word is can, not is.
What Armstead didn’t say!
Armstead didn’t say their careers would end the same. It wasn’t a talent or projection comparison.
After his rocky start, Brees played his way to the Hall of Fame as one of the best ever. Brees also had Sean Payton, one of the brightest minds in football history, excellent offensive lines, and a commitment and often successful run game. So, you can bet with the best pay per head software that not only does Tua have a long way to go to equal Brees on the field, but he has a long way to go in having the same high-quality framework.
Say what you want about Tua, McDaniel isn’t Payton, our offensive lines and run games aren’t close to what supported Brees.
Now, I’m not saying Tua will be as good even if he had all the support of Brees. I’m simply saying Armstead was right in his comparisons, except for the ocean difference in Tua’s much longer injury history.
Bottom line: Armstead’s confidence in Tagovailoa’s potential is evident. He expressed unwavering belief in Tagovailoa’s abilities, stating, “I wholeheartedly believe in Tua.
We’ll see if that confidence is justified in 2025…
…but let’s keep an eye on his framework of coaching, protection, and balanced attack as we do. Go Phins!!!