Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had some major praise for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa before the two teams match up in Week 16 of the 2022 NFL season.
Rodgers complimented Tagoviloa’s accuracy as a passer, as well as how the young quarterback carries himself on and off the field.
“I enjoy the way that he plays,” Rodgers said. “He plays on time. He throws the ball accurately. Does a nice job with his eye control for a young player. Has obviously good pocket movement, can extend plays.
“He’s had a couple of pretty incredible fourth quarter comebacks this year where he’s been super efficient. He has some great weapons. Been impressed with the way he plays.
“I like the way he handles himself too. He handles himself with a lot of respect and class and there’s a lot to be said for that for a young player.”
It’s really cool to see the reigning league MVP give Tagovailoa such a lengthy compliment, and it shows just how far the youngster has come in the 2022 season.
Tagovailoa is in his third season in the NFL, and he’s taken a major leap for the Dolphins, who are in the playoff picture in the AFC with an 8-6 record.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tagovailoa has already thrown for the most yards and touchdowns in a single season in his career. He enters the team’s Week 16 matchup with Green Bay with 3,238 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns and just five interceptions in 12 games. The Dolphins have gone 8-4 in the 12 games he has started this season.
The addition of star receiver Tyreek Hill in the most recent offseason has really allowed Tagovailoa to move the ball downfield for Miami. He leads the NFL in yards gained per pass attempt this season as well as yards gained per pass completion.
Rodgers seems most impressed with Tagovailoa’s accuracy, and it makes sense since he’s completed 64.8 percent of his passes this season. Each of his seasons in the NFL, Tagovailoa has completed 64.1 percent or more of his passes.
Rodgers, who knows what it takes to win at the highest level, is hoping to get his Packers into the playoffs after a rather slow start to the 2022 season. The team is facing an uphill battle at the moment in the NFC playoff picture with just a 6-8 record.
The Week 16 matchup will be an important one for both teams. The Dolphins are attempting to snap a three-game losing streak to improve their playoff position in the AFC. Miami has two three-game losing streaks so far this season.
With this game coming on Christmas Day, there should be an added intensity around it, especially since the playoffs are still within reach for both squads.
Tagovailoa will look to prove Rodgers right and beat him on Sunday to further his case as one of the best young quarterbacks in the game.
