MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — As Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa enters his fourth NFL time, one particular goal is prominent in his mind: keeping healthful.
“I wouldn’t like to. I would like to do that,” Tagovailoa claimed Wednesday when requested if participating in a full 17-sport period is a focus on for him.
Sunday’s season opener towards the Los Angeles Chargers will be Tagovailoa’s first normal-season match considering the fact that he endured his next concussion of 2022 in a Xmas Working day sport towards Environmentally friendly Bay. He missed Miami’s ultimate 3 game titles, which includes a playoff decline to the Buffalo Charges.
Considering the fact that then, significantly of the 25-yr-old’s offseason has been geared toward creating himself extra tough. The Dolphins completed 9-8 very last 12 months and have hopes of a deep playoff operate.
When Tagovailoa was healthful, the Dolphins experienced one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL. He led the league in passer rating (105.5) and guided Miami to the sixth-most effective in general offense, trailing only Kansas City in yards per enjoy.
After briefly considering stepping absent from football, Tagovailoa commenced teaching this offseason in martial arts, performing on techniques to land more safely and securely when he usually takes hits in an work to stay clear of head injuries. He’s also putting on a new quarterback-distinct helmet designed to help lower concussions, and has bulked up his body to far better endure the actual physical demands of the recreation.
Dolphins mentor Mike McDaniel reported a couple months in the past that this is the ideal model of Tagovailoa “that’s existed.”
“I’m very self-assured since he hasn’t wasted a day in obtaining ready for the period,” McDaniel mentioned Wednesday. “That was a substantial target of his. He understands what he indicates to this football workforce, and I can convey to you actually that he does not take that for granted at all.”
Tagovailoa appears all set to set very last season’s wellness issues powering him, but he also expressed the gratitude he has for the video game.
“I think currently being appreciative of being equipped to proceed to perform is a single issue,” Tagovailoa stated. “The thing with that is you can hardly ever just take it for granted regardless of the place you’re in. Some guys have the luxury of ending complete seasons, and other men, as myself, I hardly ever experienced that luxurious. Absolutely cherishing the opportunity to continue on to go out there and nevertheless guide these guys.”
His teammates have praised his management, advancement and do the job ethic.
“I’m exceptionally very pleased,” mentioned receiver Jaylen Waddle, who played with Tagovailoa at Alabama. “He’s been a fantastic player due to the fact I’ve achieved him, likely to carry on to be a fantastic participant. I’m just happy of him.”
Added Waddle: “He’s a canine, gentleman. Anyone that transforms his physique into what y’all see now. Learns diverse expertise to aid his enjoy. That just displays how considerably he actually (would like) it and wishes to be out there participating in.”
The Chargers are led by the participant drafted just a single spot immediately after Tagovailoa in Justin Herbert, who became a person of the league’s best-paid quarterbacks when he signed a five-year, $262.5 million extension at the start out of coaching camp.
The Dolphins picked up the fifth-calendar year alternative on Tagovailoa’s rookie deal in March but have established apart deal talks until finally the finish of the period. He’s beneath contract by 2024 and will be certain $23.2 million.
As other quarterbacks in his draft course protected mega specials, Tagovailoa is familiar with he should make his significant payday.
“I’m normally a individual that wishes to verify to myself that I deserve whatever I get,” he stated during training camp. “So for me, I sense like this is some thing that I have to have to operate for. It’s as plain and basic as that.”
Tagovailoa will try to lead the Dolphins to consecutive postseason appearances for the 1st time given that 2000-01. Miami has experienced two straight profitable seasons that have incorporated lengthy successful streaks and dropping streaks.
With a roster crammed with Pro Bowlers, the Dolphins are hoping to just take the up coming phase by contending for a Tremendous Bowl.
That commences in Week 1 versus a Chargers crew that defeat them 23-17 in 2022.
“They had a terrific sport strategy for us last yr,” Tagovailoa explained. “It was hard to get matters began in the to start with 50 percent and then trying to move on from that and into the recreation, seeking to get a rhythm going offensively. They’re well coached. They took a ton of items away that we would generally operate. But really energized. This is likely to be a excellent activity.”
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