One of the biggest limiting factor to the Miami Dolphins’ offense during the 2020 season was the lack of generated big plays down the field. It was an issue with both the running game and the passing game alike, but the ability to push the ball down the field was something Miami never really got the hang of once Tua Tagovailoa stepped onto the field. There was the deep shot against Cincinnati to Jakeem Grant that fell harmlessly to the ground after bouncing off Grant’s hands. The deep shot against Kansas City that Tagovailoa left short and was deflected into the air for his first career interception. The extended play chance just before half against the Chargers? It fell 6 inches short of a diving Grant.
We come bearing good news from Day 1 of 2021 Miami Dolphins training camp, everyone. Tua Tagovailoa dialed up the deep ball with success; nailing Albert Wilson behind the defense for a big play strike during the team’s first practice of training camp.
And we’re happy to report that the Dolphins have posted the video.
To: @IThinkISee12
From: @Tua pic.twitter.com/B3pu7yrlvP— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) July 28, 2021
Getting a handful of these type of plays to connect in 2021 will completely alter the way the Dolphins’ offense operates — and give the team much more consistency with their ability to push into the red zone and score touchdowns. Miami enjoyed a 400 point scoring season in 2020; one of their best in recent memory. But in order to become an offensive elite, that number must grow again by another 50, 75, 100 points. And those leaps and bounds are most easily found by pushing the ball down the field.
Between Wilson, Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle, Tagovailoa will have no shortage of speed to look for in his bid to craft a more explosive offense. And, as we saw in yesterday’s first look, the team is already working on getting the hang of it.