Dolphins coach explains decision to start Tua Tagovailoa, bench Ryan Fitzpatrick
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The Miami Dolphins are 3-3 after six weeks of play in the NFL, and head coach Brian Flores made the public decision this week that rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa would be the starter when the Dolphins host the Los Angeles Rams on November 1, replacing Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick had some nice moments this season, but threw two interceptions in the Dolphins’ 24-0 win over the New York Jets on Sunday. Tagovailoa got his first real game action in the win, completing both his pass attempts for a total of nine yards. Flores explained the decision when speaking to the media early this week.
“We feel like that’s the best thing for the team,” said Flores. “I’m confident in all our players, including Tua.
“I think he’s practiced well. He works hard in meetings and walkthroughs. I think he’s got a good rapport with his teammates. Every week we go out to win, so I’m confident, if we prepare the right way, if he prepares the way he’s been preparing, I’m confident we’ll go out there and have good results.”
The former Alabama star and No. 5 overall pick will have a bye week to prepare for his first career start.
“I think he’s gotten more comfortable,” continued Flores. “But accuracy, decision-making, all those things have been good in practice. But again practice is very different from games.
“We’re going to do everything we can from a meeting, a walkthrough, a practice standpoint to get him ready to play in a game and, obviously, we’re comfortable and confident that he’ll be able to be competitive in those games when the time comes. But there’s a lot that leads up to that. And also I should say again it’s not just one person. We’re going to need contributions from really everyone.”
There may be more Alabama fans than ever watching Miami Dolphins football in early November when Tua takes the field, and if his All-American performances at Alabama can translate in any way to the NFL, it could be a very successful debut.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Lucas is a digital reporter for 104.5 The Zone in Nashville, and a high school play-by-play broadcaster. Lucas has been covering SEC football for Saturday Down South since 2018.
