Jason Garrett compares Tua Tagovailoa to Magic Johnson: ‘He’s a magician’

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was the driving force behind the team’s offensive success against the New England Patriots on Nov. 24.

He totaled over 300 passing yards — 317 to be exact. For perspective, Tagovailoa averaged 272.0 passing yards per contest during the 2023 regular season, when he led the league in total passing yards with 4,624.

Additionally, he threw four touchdowns and accounted for every one of the Dolphins’ touchdowns in the contest. Finally, he did a fantastic job at being efficient with his passes. Tagovailoa completed all but 11 of his 40 passing attempts versus New England and also didn’t throw a single interception in a game Miami won by a final score of 34-15.

In light of Tagovailoa starring against the Patriots, former NFL coach Jason Garrett drew a comparison between him and former Los Angeles Lakers star guard Magic Johnson.

“He was out for four games and the Dolphins averaged 10 points,” said NBC’s Garrett. “He’s back and they average 30. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this thing out. The guy is Magic Johnson. I’ve never seen a guy see the field this quickly and get the ball out of his hands so quickly into these holes where guys can catch it. He’s a magician. When you take this guy out of the lineup, no one can replace him. He’s playing as well as anyone in the league right now.”

Johnson may not have played the same sport as Tagovailoa does, but both players are known for making everyone around them better with their passing.

Tagovailoa’s passing prowess allowed other offensive players to have great games for the Dolphins. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was more or less unstoppable, considering he totaled a season-high 144 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown on eight receptions against New England.

Tight end Jonnu Smith and receiver Tyreek Hill combined for 135 receiving yards as well, and running back De’Von Achane finished with two receiving touchdowns.

The Dolphins enjoyed perhaps their best offensive outing of the campaign on Sunday, as Miami’s 34 points tied for a season-high. The team finished with the same number of points in its win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 17.

While Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ offense looked incredibly impressive on Nov. 24, it’s important to take the team’s showing with a grain of salt because the Patriots aren’t exactly a defensive juggernaut. New England has allowed 282 points this season, the seventh-most of any team in the league. The Patriots also find themselves at the bottom of the AFC East standings with a record of 3-9.

Tagovailoa will look to continue his streak of excellent play when the Dolphins play their next regular-season contest, which will come against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 28. The Packers are on a two-game winning streak and are well above the .500 mark at 8-3, so a win for Miami likely won’t come easily.