A slow start was followed by a clutch opening drive in the 2nd Half by Tua
The big question all week for Phins fans was would Tua Tagovailoa play against the Bengals. It was pretty much a given that even after a short layoff that he’d at least play pretty well against Cincy, but he needed a tune-up before facing the defending Super Bowl Champs the Chiefs coming to Miami this week. Well, Tua not only played well but added a cherry on top with his best pro performance statistically and a signature drive in a wild, sloppy game where a leader was desperately needed. This was about as good a game for Tua as could be expected.
Yes, it was only the Bengals, but the pressure was very high
The Phins offense as a whole was ugly in the 1st half generating only 143 yards. While a drop by Grant hurt Tua’s statistics, a few poor passes added plenty to his minimal 111 yards in two quarters. Given Tua is a rookie and has missed nearly a game and a half, this was expected. But. while both teams were sloppy, Cincy was in the lead going into the 3rd Qtr, and the announcers speculated that Tua might get benched again if he didn’t play better. I thought this was offbase as his completion percentage was very high.
However you slice it, the pressure was high for both Tua and the Dolphins as a loss would likely cripple their playoff hopes.
But, Tua came out firing in an uptempo offense and drove down the field for the go-ahead score!
- Tua delivered a beautiful strike between two defenders for 17 yard gain. It was his quick release that held the defenders and allowed his pass to sneak through the cracks. This fast release is proving to be one of his biggest assets on the pro level.
- A sweet touch pass over two defenders into the gap between two zones to Parker that was the second chunk play of the drive.
- The role out throw to Gaskin on the move, deep over two defenders, is a signature Tua pass. It’s a pass that very few in the NFL can make and clearly paints the picture of him being special.
- The pass to Parker in the endzone wasn’t a good throw or the right read, but time will solve this problem.
- Hitting Gesicki on the move and over a charging defender showed excellent accuracy and clutch play.
This was a real building block for Tua
No, he wasn’t under much pressure, which is the key hurdle that Tua needs to overcome. For some odd reason, the Bengals decided not to bring a pressure defense. And yes, they were only the Bengals…
… Still, this game did a few things to add evidence that Tua will be a quality QB on the NFL level:
- Tua showed he could play nicked up.
- Again proved when kept clean he can slice and dice a defense.
- Showed how potent his tool kit of throwing on the run, quick release, and accuracy can be against an NFL defense.
- Put a notch of clutch leadership on his belt.
The Chiefs game will be more important for Tua and the Phins
Of course, Miami has a chance to win, but even if the game is sorta’ close, I won’t feel terrible if we lose. The Dolphins can only lose steam if they are mauled and will gain a massive boost should they pull out the upset. All the stuff in between is a push. But, for Tua, there is more at stake and more to gain.
This will likely be a game with plenty of points, so Tua will be forced into passing the football. The Chiefs don’t get many sacks, but they are 2nd in interceptions. This will force Tua to toe the line between aggressive and smart. Even a 2 to 1 TD/ Int ratio with quality yards gained will be a moral victory and another building block for his confidence. You can bet with the pay per head services that anything better than this will be a huge notch in his belt, even if Miami loses.
The rest of the season is clearly now Tua’s to command. At 8-4, Miami needs at least two wins to be in line for a playoff spot. It’s going to be tough with so much competition for that 7th spot. If Tua can hold his own and lead Miami to even two more wins, then there’s no reason not to expect special things in 2021…
… and maybe even 2020! Go Phins!!!