The Struggles of Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are facing a challenging start to their 2025 season, currently standing at 0-3 after missing the playoffs last year. This disappointing performance has put quarterback Tua Tagovailoa under intense scrutiny, particularly in light of his recent four-year, $212.1 million contract extension. Former NFL MVP Cam Newton recently criticized Tagovailoa on ESPN’s “First Take,” comparing his salary to other star quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. Newton argued that with such a substantial contract comes heightened expectations, suggesting that Tagovailoa has become too vocal rather than maintaining the quiet determination he showed during his Alabama days. Newton pointedly noted that Tagovailoa has exceptional offensive weapons at his disposal—”a Ferrari and a Lamborghini”—that many other quarterbacks would envy, implying he hasn’t maximized these advantages.

Tagovailoa responded to Newton’s critique with a defensive tone, challenging the notion that quarterbacking is easy when viewed from the sidelines. “Well, anybody can play quarterback in this league then. I want to see anybody on the streets come and play quarterback,” Tagovailoa stated, suggesting that it’s far easier to criticize with a “clicker” than to actually perform under game conditions. His response highlighted the disconnect between analysis and execution, as he emphasized, “I think it’s easy to do that. I think anybody can do that. I don’t think anybody can play quarterback.” While defending his position, Tagovailoa also acknowledged that his performance hasn’t met his own standards, showing a degree of self-awareness amid the criticism.

The statistics support the concerns about Tagovailoa’s performance this season. Through the first three games, he has thrown five touchdowns against four interceptions, with his quarterback rating ranking among the lowest in the NFL. These numbers represent a significant decline from his 2023 form when he led the league in passing yards. This drop-off is particularly concerning given the substantial financial investment the Dolphins have made in him, positioning him as one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. The criticism isn’t just about raw numbers but about the disconnect between his compensation and the team’s results, raising questions about whether he can justify his status as a franchise quarterback.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has attempted to provide a balanced perspective on Tagovailoa’s situation. While acknowledging that there are “opportunities that he needs to take advantage of,” McDaniel also praised his quarterback’s mental toughness during this difficult stretch. The coach highlighted Tagovailoa’s decision-making, noting that he has avoided many potential turnovers and has “answered the bell for 99% of the time.” McDaniel emphasized the psychological challenges of being a franchise quarterback during a losing streak, expressing appreciation for Tagovailoa’s focus on the upcoming game against the Jets rather than dwelling on past disappointments. This vote of confidence suggests the organization remains committed to their investment despite the rocky start.

The current struggles represent a significant turning point in Tagovailoa’s career trajectory. Since being selected 10th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, he has shown flashes of brilliance, culminating in leading the NFL in passing yards in 2023. That performance seemed to validate Miami’s belief in him as their franchise quarterback and led directly to his massive contract extension. However, the question now becomes whether that season was an anomaly or if the current struggles are the temporary setback. The pressure on Tagovailoa is compounded by the fact that the Dolphins have built an offensive system around his specific talents, featuring elite receivers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. When a team commits such resources to supporting a quarterback, both financially and in terms of personnel, the expectations naturally increase.

As the Dolphins prepare to face the also-winless New York Jets on Sunday, both the team and Tagovailoa stand at a critical juncture. A win could serve as a turning point, potentially igniting a turnaround that would quiet critics like Newton. A loss, however, would deepen concerns about Tagovailoa’s ability to lead the franchise forward and justify his enormous contract. The broader context of the AFC East division, with the Bills emerging as a perennial contender and the Jets looking to build around Aaron Rodgers, adds further pressure on Miami to establish themselves as competitive. For Tagovailoa personally, this period represents a test of resilience—can he weather the criticism, address his performance issues, and recapture the form that made him one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks? The answers to these questions will significantly shape both his legacy and the Dolphins’ fortunes in the coming years.