The Miami Dolphins made a major change on Tuesday, as they promoted rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to the starting role.
The move came as a bit of a surprise, as the Dolphins are 3-3 on the season and have won two consecutive games.
Miami benched veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who said that he was “shocked” by the news.
Tagovailoa opened up on how he felt about earning the starting job and how much Fitzpatrick has meant to him.
Tua: "That's news anyone would love to hear, being named the starter at any position. But I definitely felt for Fitz as well. And me and Fitz had a conversation about the situation."
Says he hurts in a way that Fitz hurts. Says relationship "is like a father and son."
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) October 21, 2020
Tagovailoa made his season debut in the Dolphins’ blowout win over the New York Jets on Sunday.
He gave credit to offensive coordinator Chan Gailey for helping put him in good positions and explained what his goal is for the rest of the season.
Tua says he definitely feels lucky to be in the situation he's in, being able to learn from Fitzpatrick and being put in favorable situations by OC Chan Gailey.
— Alain Poupart (@PoupartNFL) October 21, 2020
Tua on his goals: "To do whatever I can do to help this team this season, especially our offense."
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) October 21, 2020
Tagovailoa completed both of his pass attempts for nine yards in his short appearance against the Jets.
He will have big shoes to fill, as Fitzpatrick was solid to start the year, throwing for 1,535 yards and 10 touchdowns in Miami’s first six games.
Dolphins fans hope that Tagovailoa will prove why the team selected him No. 5 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
