MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tua Tagovailoa’s profession turnaround may be attributed partially to a second of belief with Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel.
Forward of the season, McDaniel compiled a reel of round 700 of Tagovailoa’s greatest performs in an effort to bolster his younger quarterback’s confidence. This element was first reported throughout CBS’s broadcast of Miami’s 30-15 win over Houston on Sunday.
Tagovailoa’s first two seasons within the NFL had been crammed with turmoil. He suffered from numerous accidents. He was benched a number of instances throughout his rookie 12 months. When he did not make a bounce in Yr 2, Miami actively sought his alternative.
Tagovailoa advised CBS that he regarded within the mirror a number of instances within the final 12 months and requested, “Am I crap?” because the Dolphins’ perception in him appeared to decrease over the weeks.
McDaniel, employed by Miami in February, wished to ensure Tagovailoa knew he had greatness in him.
“Anybody who will get drafted as a quarterback within the prime 10, prime 5, needs to be good,” McDaniel mentioned. “Getting drafted tremendous excessive and never assembly franchise expectations is a tricky place to be. That was the motivating issue behind all of it.”
Within the third 12 months, Tagovailoa has extra help than he has ever had in his skilled profession. And it made a distinction in his recreation. He led the Dolphins to an 8-3 file and has the NFL’s highest passer score (115.7).
“I believe anybody right here can attest that somebody believes in them,” Tagovailoa mentioned, “and the way that modifications the way in which they see themselves but additionally the issues round them, so the attitude.”
Tagovailoa is 14-2 in his final 16 begins. His .875 successful share since Nov. 21, 2021 is one of the best of any beginning quarterback within the NFL.
Earlier than being retired within the third quarter of Sunday’s recreation, which the Dolphins had been main 30-0 at halftime, Tagovailoa accomplished 20 of 34 passes for 278 yards and a landing. He has posted a passer score of no less than 90 in every of his final six residence begins.
“He had the stuff on the tape. I believe it is to his credit score,” McDaniel mentioned. “To his credit score, he is actually listened, taken the teaching he is good at. I mentioned ‘OK, Coach, I imagine you.’ And I believe you have seen the residue up shut and private for a while.
WHAT WORKS
Miami’s protection placed on considered one of its greatest performances of the season on Sunday, producing strain and turnovers which have been the main target of concern in current weeks. The Dolphins restricted Houston to 210 whole yards, had a season-high 5 sacks, pressured three turnovers and scored one defensive landing.
WHAT NEEDS HELP
Miami’s working recreation has been inconsistent for many of the season, however had been on an upward development for the reason that Dolphins acquired Jeff Wilson on the commerce deadline. With Raheem Mostert inactive with a knee harm, Wilson had 13 carries for 39 yards on Sunday, his fewest since becoming a member of the workforce.
STORE
Security Eric Rowe performed a season-high 55 snaps on Sunday and dropped the ball with successful on Texans tight finish Jordan Akins, which led to a fumble restoration and a landing by Xavien Howard.
SOLD OUT
After veteran left sort out Terron Armstead left late within the second quarter with a pectoral harm, the Dolphins offensive line gave up 4 sacks. Armstead has handled a toe drawback all season, however Miami’s offensive line is clearly higher when on the courtroom. Brandon Shell changed Armstead at left sort out, and it will seemingly be both Shell or Greg Little there when the Dolphins face San Francisco on Sunday.
INJURED
McDaniel mentioned he’ll know extra concerning the extent of Armstead’s chest harm after the checks. … RT Austin Jackson left the sport with an ankle harm. He made his first begin since Week 1 after coping with ankle and calf points.
KEY NUMBER
174 — Tagovailoa’s go makes an attempt since his final interception, which is a Dolphins file.
NEXT STEPS
Miami will start a three-game street streak in opposition to San Francisco in Week 13. After that, the Dolphins will face the Los Angeles Prices and Buffalo Payments earlier than heading residence to play in Inexperienced Bay on Christmas Day.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL