The Miami Dolphins have come a long way since losing seven of their first eight games of the 2021 season.
Since then, they’ve rattled off five straight wins and are just a couple of wins back of being in consideration for the playoffs. While the defense has gotten the most credit for the turnaround, as they should, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has had some solid performances as well.
However, Tagovailoa’s four straight games with a passer rating of at least 104 don’t have everyone buying in just yet. On ESPN’s “Keyshawn, JWill, and Max,” Keyshawn Johnson warned Miami to not fall for these performances.
“Look, whatever you do, don’t be a prisoner of the moment with Tua Tagovailoa at the quarterback spot,” Johnson said. “I know he’s played decent of late, but remember you had issue with him at the quarterback spot since you drafted him. You didn’t want to start him. You had [Ryan] Fitzpatrick. Then all of a sudden you made a play for Deshaun Watson. Don’t all of a sudden think that this is going to be the long-term answer and solution for you playing against the New York Giants.”
Johnson’s belief here is, essentially, that the Dolphins can’t change their mind on the quarterback position. Despite seeing quarterbacks struggle early in their careers and figure it out as they adjust to the level of competition at the NFL level, Johnson says that Miami should continue looking for the quarterback of the future.
It’s not clear whether or not Tagovailoa is the franchise guy yet. He might keep growing, or he might’ve already reached his ceiling. He’s started just 17 games in just under two seasons. That’s too soon to pull the plug.
