Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa received a huge honor for his play in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, winning the AFC’s Offensive Player of the Week award.
🚨 @Tua 🚨 #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/DiNy2QbTz4
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 21, 2022
Tagovailoa was dominant against the Ravens, throwing for 469 yards and six touchdowns while completing 36 of his 50 passes in a comeback win.
The Dolphins trailed by multiple touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but Tagovailoa showed off his arm strength, hitting Tyreek Hill for a couple of long touchdowns to bring the Dolphins back into the game.
Tua with an absolute 🚀 to @cheetah pic.twitter.com/vQ9JPgMo6w
— Dolphin Nation (@Dolphin_Nation) September 18, 2022
SECOND TD OF THE DAY FOR @cheetah‼️ 🐆
📺: Watch #MIAvsBAL on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/UCtArDxbGC
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 18, 2022
Tagovailoa’s performance also led to monster games from Hill and fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Hill finished the game with 11 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns while Waddle caught 11 passes for 171 yards and two scores. Tagovailoa’s two other touchdown passes went to Mike Gesicki and River Cracraft.
It’s great to see the Dolphins quarterback get honored for his play, as Tagovailoa has faced a lot of criticism early in his NFL career. After being drafted with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tagovailoa had a lot of ups and downs in his first two seasons in the league.
However, under new head coach Mike McDaniel, Tagovailoa appears to be taking his game to new heights. He already has seven touchdown passes and leads the NFL with 739 passing yards through the first two weeks of the season.
“It kind of makes it tangible what his teammates, myself, the coaching staff have been seeing this whole offseason,” McDaniel said on Monday of Tagovailoa’s Week 2 performance. “He took such a step in the right direction yesterday. Threw an interception he was absolutely disgusted with himself [late in the first half]. Probably the biggest mistake he made this season. In that game, to take the coaching and step forward [and move on was impressive].
“For his personal growth, it’s huge. It’s awesome for a player; he knows deep down he did some real good things. You would have to be delusional not [to know that]; hey, six touchdowns is pretty good. None of his teammates were surprised, which is much more impactful than words.”
Now, the key for Tagovailoa will be to continue to put up strong performances week after week. The Dolphins have benefitted from his play and are set to take on the Buffalo Bills at home on Sunday in Week 3.
