MIAMI – As Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa enters his fourth NFL season, just one aim is well known in his head: keeping healthier.
“I would not like to. I would adore to do that,” Tagovailoa reported Wednesday when requested if enjoying a comprehensive 17-game time is a target for him.
Sunday’s season opener towards the Los Angeles Chargers will be Tagovailoa’s to start with regular-time sport since he endured his 2nd concussion of 2022 in a Christmas Day match against Environmentally friendly Bay. He missed Miami’s last three video games, which includes a playoff decline to the Buffalo Expenses.
Since then, much of the 25-calendar year-old’s offseason has been geared towards creating himself extra durable. The Dolphins concluded 9-8 previous yr and have hopes of a deep playoff run.
When Tagovailoa was healthful, the Dolphins had one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL. He led the league in passer ranking (105.5) and guided Miami to the sixth-ideal general offense, trailing only Kansas Metropolis in yards per play.
Following briefly contemplating stepping away from football, Tagovailoa began teaching this offseason in martial arts, doing the job on means to land far more securely when he requires hits in an hard work to stay clear of head injuries. He’s also wearing a new quarterback-particular helmet developed to assistance reduce concussions, and has bulked up his body to superior stand up to the actual physical requires of the video game.
Dolphins mentor Mike McDaniel said a several weeks back that this is the most effective variation of Tagovailoa “that is existed.”
“I’m really confident mainly because he has not wasted a working day in receiving ready for the year,” McDaniel stated Wednesday. “That was a huge objective of his. He understands what he implies to this soccer crew, and I can inform you truthfully that he does not get that for granted at all.”
Tagovailoa appears completely ready to put past season’s well being problems guiding him, but he also expressed the gratitude he has for the match.
“I imagine becoming appreciative of being in a position to continue to participate in is one thing,” Tagovailoa stated. “The thing with that is you can under no circumstances take it for granted no matter of the posture you’re in. Some guys have the luxurious of finishing total seasons, and other men, as myself, I hardly ever had that luxury. Certainly cherishing the prospect to carry on to go out there and nevertheless guide these fellas.”
His teammates have praised his leadership, progress and get the job done ethic.
“I’m incredibly proud,” mentioned receiver Jaylen Waddle, who played with Tagovailoa at Alabama. “He’s been a good participant considering that I have met him, likely to carry on to be a good player. I’m just very pleased of him.”
Included Waddle: “He is a pet dog, male. Any person that transforms his human body into what y’all see now. Learns distinctive techniques to aid his participate in. That just demonstrates how considerably he really (wishes) it and would like to be out there taking part in.”
The Chargers are led by the player drafted just 1 place soon after Tagovailoa in Justin Herbert, who grew to become a single of the league’s maximum-paid quarterbacks when he signed a 5-calendar year, $262.5 million extension at the commence of teaching camp.
The Dolphins picked up the fifth-year option on Tagovailoa’s rookie offer in March but have established aside deal talks until finally the stop of the year. He is beneath agreement by 2024 and will be confirmed $23.2 million.
As other quarterbacks in his draft course secure mega bargains, Tagovailoa understands he need to gain his significant payday.
“I’m always a particular person that wishes to show to myself that I ought to have what ever I get,” he claimed in the course of teaching camp. “So for me, I feel like this is something that I require to perform for. It can be as basic and uncomplicated as that.”
Tagovailoa will consider to direct the Dolphins to consecutive postseason appearances for the to start with time considering that 2000-01. Miami has had two straight profitable seasons that have included lengthy successful streaks and getting rid of streaks.
With a roster loaded with Pro Bowlers, the Dolphins are hoping to acquire the upcoming action by contending for a Super Bowl.
That starts off in Week 1 in opposition to a Chargers team that beat them 23-17 in 2022.
“They experienced a wonderful video game program for us last yr,” Tagovailoa explained. “It was challenging to get issues began in the initial half and then seeking to go on from that and into the match, striving to get a rhythm heading offensively. They’re very well coached. They took a great deal of things away that we would commonly run. But definitely excited. This is heading to be a superior activity.”
