Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey should be a perfect match.
Tagovailoa thrived in the run-pass option (RPO) scheme at the University of Alabama.
Gailey has been praised for his work in that scheme, including by his new boss back in January.
“Chan was a little bit ahead in the RPO game early on before it became, I guess, ‘in-style’ for the league,” Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said.
The RPO gives the quarterback freedom to hand the ball off or throw a quick pass, usually a slant.
The system was made famous by the Philadelphia Eagles during their run to Super Bowl LII.
Tagovailoa is an ideal fit in the RPO because of his ability to scramble and make quick decisions.
One anonymous NFL general manger even said Tagovailoa is “the best RPO quarterback I’ve ever seen,” according to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah.
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Hitting the receiver on that slant route is key in the RPO, and the unnamed GM is confident Tagovailoa can consistently do it.
DeVante Parker, Albert Wilson and Preston Williams are ideal targets in this system. They each have the speed to beat defenders in quick-throw situations.
In addition, newcomers Jordan Howard and Matt Breida give the Dolphins dangerous weapons on the ground.
Whether Tagovailoa starts Week 1 is still unclear, but his future in Gailey’s system should excite Dolphins fans.
