Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel expresses confidence in Tua Tagovailoa’s play-calling despite turnovers

Tua Tagovailoa called his own play, and it worked, pleasing his head coach.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel discussed the play calling of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa following the team’s Week 5 victory. Tagovailoa was specifically credited for calling the play which led to the 69-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill.

 

“That is one of the moments in the story of his journey that is indicative of where he’s at,” said McDaniel. “All the discipline work he has done with mind, body, and soul to be in a moment like that and take the game in your own hands, that’s what you’re trying to build.”

Tagovailoa had a few rough moments against the New York Giants with two interceptions on poor decisions. The first came in the second quarter with the Dolphins at the opposing four-yard line. Tagovailoa tried to squeeze a pass into double coverage to Jaylen Waddle, which ended up being taken 102 yards the other way by safety Jason Pinnock for a pick-six.

The second came on the Dolphins’ second drive of the third quarter. Tagovailoa overshot Waddle on a short drag route which ended up in the hands of linebacker Bobby Okereke. Fortunately for Tagovailoa, Miami’s defense dominated the entire game, not allowing a single touchdown.

“The best way to separate yourself is to be able to come back from that and progress forward and not let other plays linger,” continued McDaniel. “There’s very few guys that can pull that off.”

Aside from the two interceptions, Tagovailoa had a very productive game, completing 22-of-30 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns. He still managed to post a 100.4 rating despite the turnovers. This shows that Tagovailoa is able to bounce back from his mistakes and not become conservative.

The talent of the Dolphins’ offense is becoming more imperative, especially with the continued emergence of De’Von Achane who went for over 100 yards on the ground yet again. McDaniel is showing no shortage of confidence in his quarterback to make his own decisions in this incredibly talented offense.