NFL
Miami Dolphins expecting more from quarterback Tagovailoa
Ryan Fitzpatrick anticipates a much improved Tua Tagovailoa in his second season with the Dolphins in Miami.
Miami Dolphins veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick said the franchise believe in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as he predicted an improved 2021 season amid doubts over his future.
Dolphins need more from Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa – selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 draft – experienced a challenging rookie season in the NFL, headlined by a costly letdown in the regular-season finale.
The 22-year-old completed 35 of 58 passes for 361 yards, an average of 6.2 yards per attempt, for a touchdown and three interceptions as Miami's playoff hopes were dashed by the Buffalo Bills.
That performance came after Tagovailoa was benched for Fitzpatrick the week prior against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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There have been reports claiming the Dolphins could part with Tagovailoa in a bid to acquire disgruntled Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.
But Fitzpatrick anticipates a much improved Tagovailoa in his second season with the Dolphins in Miami.
"Everything is going to be a little more comfortable this year," Fitzpatrick told ESPN on Thursday. "Playing in the league is going to be a little more familiar, your routine through the week and on road games.
"He's no longer trying to figure out where the grocery store is, where he's going to live or what car he's going to drive. All that stuff is figured out. He can solely focus on being an NFL QB.
"To have an offseason, to have repetitions, to have some sense of continuity with [co-offensive coordinators] George Godsey and Eric Studesville in his ear calling the plays and working with him.
"All that stuff points to him having a much better season this year and continuing to progress as a quarterback. That's the most important thing for him -- progression.
"They drafted him in the top five for a reason, with his skill set and what he can do. There are very few people on this planet who can do that. For them to be fully bought in and believe in him, he's going to do the same thing.
"He's going to buy into what they're coaching and I think good results are going to come from it."
In 10 appearances in the 2020 season, Tagovailoa had 186 completions for 1,814 yards at 64.14 per cent, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.