MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel wanted to see a “graduation” from Tua Tagovailoa getting into his fourth calendar year in the NFL and next in McDaniel’s method.
In 12 months A single, the Dolphins setting up quarterback had to understand and adapt weekly. In 12 months Two, McDaniel expects a lot more command and consistency from him. So significantly this offseason, he’s observing it.
“I feel Calendar year Two, the prerequisite is that he as the quarterback has to have ownership of anything that he’s carrying out and what everybody else is performing as the facilitator of the offense,” McDaniel explained, “and he’s checked that box every single day.”
Tagovailoa arrived at the Dolphins minicamp visibly more substantial than he was very last year, a thing he attributed to his commitment to functioning on a lot more than what takes place on the field.
“I’m hoping to function on all the things. As much as I’m making an attempt to get the job done on throwing that ball, getting the ball to the men, being ready to drive the ball a ton additional down the area, I’m undertaking the exact matter with my physique,” Tagovailoa mentioned Wednesday.
The Dolphins picked up the fifth-12 months solution on Tagovailoa’s rookie contract in March soon after he set profession highs in passing touchdowns, passing yards and passer score in a breakout 2022 season. He led Miami to a 9-8 file, second-spot complete in the AFC East and the Dolphins’ first playoff berth due to the fact 2016. They missing to Buffalo in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
His advancement on the industry grew to become less critical on the other hand than his health following he was diagnosed with two recognized concussions that cost him several games and forced changes to the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Tagovailoa has been teaching in jiu-jitsu this offseason to discover how to better protect himself when he usually takes hits, and he has claimed that it has authorized him to obtain much more risk-free approaches to slide.
He’s also been wearing a new quarterback-particular helmet made to greater shield players from head injuries, which was approved in April by the NFL and NFLPA.
“I’m even now seeking to feel it out, so you know what, what improved time to experience it out than OTAs?” Tagovailoa stated. “I listen to it’s supposedly better than the helmet that I was sporting final year. If it could be that a great deal a lot more harmless, then why not give it a shot.”
Teammates have recognized variations in Tagovailoa’s entire body and management already.
“This year you can inform that physically he appears to be diverse, but mentally he’s sharp,” linebacker Jerome Baker mentioned. “I never imagine he even threw a choose this offseason. Now he’s having on men when they’re not carrying out correct. That’s very good to see.”
Tagovailoa’s additional excess weight has empowered him to individual the quarterback position and be extra vocal with teammates, McDaniel explained, pointing to that as a little something he’s found alongside with Tagovailoa’s regularity all through offseason coaching.
“That most likely doesn’t seem the exact same if he did not go about his personal operate on his overall body, which has residuals all above the put,” McDaniel mentioned.
“You’re speaking his capacity to make specific plays is increased. His means to safeguard himself is increased, and his skill to converse and do his occupation with his teammates is enhanced.”
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