What’s Going On With Tua Tagovailoa? Dolphins Win, But QB Concerns Linger
The Miami Dolphins walked away with a 21-17 win over the New Orleans Saints, improving to 5-7 after a rocky 1-6 start. That’s the good news.
The bad news? Their quarterback-Tua Tagovailoa-isn’t looking like the same player who once had Miami thinking long-term franchise cornerstone.
Let’s be clear: the Dolphins got the win. And there were several bright spots.
De’Von Achane looked explosive again. Minkah Fitzpatrick was all over the field.
Chop Robinson showed flashes, and Jordyn Brooks made key plays. But the biggest storyline coming out of this game-and really, this season-is Tua’s continued regression.
The Tape Doesn’t Lie
Mike McDaniel and his staff are big believers in what the film shows, and right now, that tape paints a concerning picture. Tua’s mobility, once a subtle but key strength, seems to have vanished.
He’s not scrambling, not stepping up, and certainly not extending plays like he used to. Whether it’s lingering effects from past injuries or just wear and tear at age 27, the pocket presence that once helped him thrive is fading.
And it’s not just about not running-he’s not even avoiding sacks the way he used to. There’s a noticeable hesitation, a stiffness to his movement that wasn’t there before. When a quarterback starts playing like he’s trying to avoid contact at all costs, that hesitation can ripple through the entire offense.
Life Without Tyreek
The absence of Tyreek Hill didn’t just shrink the playbook-it changed the entire dynamic of Miami’s offense. Without Hill stretching the field and drawing attention, defenses are sitting on routes, and Tua’s margin for error has shrunk. Jaylen Waddle can do some of the same things, but Hill’s presence made everything easier for everyone-not just Tua.
Tua doesn’t have a cannon for an arm. That’s never been his game.
He’s a rhythm passer who thrives on timing and anticipation. Hill gave him windows.
Without him, the Dolphins are leaning more on the run game and spreading targets around. But the deep shots?
They’re not hitting like they used to.
Flashes of the Old Tua
There were a few moments that reminded us of what Tua can do when he's locked in. Early in the game, he handled a low snap from Aaron Brewer with composure, picked it up, and hit Malik Washington for a 19-yard gain. That’s the kind of poise you want to see.
Later, he delivered a 21-yard strike to Greg Dulcich-tight window, good velocity, perfect placement. He also used a pump fake to free up Waddle for a 22-yard gain, threading the needle under pressure. That was vintage Tua: smart, decisive, and accurate.
But those moments were the exception, not the norm.
Too Many Misses
The inconsistency was glaring. He overthrew Cedrick Wilson Jr. on a rollout-a throw he usually nails.
He misfired to De’Von Achane in the red zone. He was just off on a throw to Julian Hill.
And then there were the near-picks-two of them, both intended for Waddle, both the kind of decisions that make you hold your breath.
Then came the actual interception. A deep ball to Waddle into double coverage that hung in the air like a punt.
That throw had no business being made. It was a poor read and a poor decision.
Tua now leads the NFL in interceptions, and that’s a stat you simply can’t ignore. When your game is built on precision and efficiency, turnovers are backbreakers.
He had Darren Waller open in the back of the end zone for a touchdown and missed him-just a bit high and a bit long. That’s a throw Tua usually makes in his sleep. But this season, it’s been a different story.
What’s Really Going On?
Tua’s game has always been about anticipation, timing, and accuracy. When he’s in rhythm, he can be deadly.
But right now, the rhythm is off. The mechanics look shaky.
The confidence seems shaken. And the decision-making?
It’s just not there consistently.
Is he hurt? Is it mental?
Is the offense adjusting to life without Hill? Probably a bit of everything.
But the result is clear: the Dolphins are winning in spite of Tua right now, not because of him.
And that’s a tough place to be for a team still trying to figure out if they’ve got their long-term answer at quarterback.
The Bottom Line
With five games left, the Dolphins need more from Tua. A lot more. If this team wants to stay in the playoff picture-or even just build momentum into next year-Tagovailoa has to find his game again.
Right now, he looks like a quarterback struggling to trust his body, his reads, and sometimes even his teammates. And while he’s still capable of making a few "wow" throws, the consistency just isn’t there.
At this point, the question isn’t whether Tua can win you a game. It’s whether he can stop being the reason you lose one.