Rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will officially get his first start on the NFL level this week when the Miami Dolphins take on the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Ahead of Tagovailoa’s first start, head coach Brian Flores shed a little light on what he’s seen from the University of Alabama product in terms of development over the course of the last month and a half.
Brian Flores told Rams media Tua has had “steady improvements” over last 6 weeks, that “leadership” and “intangibles” stand out and that normally players with his attributes improve over the course of their careers. pic.twitter.com/RRIGhj3DE7
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) October 28, 2020
One of the main reasons the Dolphins were reluctant to get Tagovailoa under center was the hip injury that ended his college career under Nick Saban.
Tagovailoa’s draft stock took a major hit due to this injury, but Miami was willing to take a chance on the talented quarterback. The consensus seemed to be that the Dolphins would sit Tagovailoa for his first season to avoid any injury setbacks.
Even though veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick was playing better than expected to start the 2020 campaign, Flores chose to make the move to start Tagovailoa before the halfway point of the season.
Despite the clear risk in playing Tagovailoa, the Dolphins are 3-3 on the season and may have a real shot at a playoff spot if their rookie quarterback proves to be a difference-maker moving forward.
The Rams will be a true test for Tagovailoa, with star defensive tackle Aaron Donald likely putting constant pressure on the rookie on Sunday.
