‘Foregone conclusion’ Tua Tagovailoa expected to start Week 1

Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman has reportedly heard that former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is expected to earn the starting QB job.

After Tua Tagovailoa was selected No. 5 overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2020 NFL draft, there were plenty of questions surrounding his role on the team for his rookie season.

Some believed he would sit for a season, especially since Ryan Fitzpatrick is on the final year of his contract. However, others believe there is a chance he sees some playing time late in the season. After all, a common theme throughout the Dolphins fanbase is the fear of Tagovailoa re-injuring himself.

The most recent scenario has been proposed by Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman. He claims everyone he has spoken to is positive that the rookie will beat Fitzpatrick for the starting job before Week 1 of the 2020 NFL regular season.

It is an idea that has recently been brought to light by Miami reporters, and is no longer an outlandish thought.

Dolphins Wire’s Kyle Crabbs discussed why this might not be the case, not because of Tagovailoa’s lack of talent or playing ability, but because of Fitzpatrick’s experience.

“It shouldn’t be considered a surprise if Tagovailoa’s experience in a quick game offense with a lot of RPO concepts yields him the starting gig; but it does feel a bit premature to suggest it is a foregone conclusion that Tagovailoa will pass Fitzpatrick by Week 1. To suggest as much would be greatly underselling Fitzpatrick’s sweat equity with the coaching staff in 2019 and his half a decade of play under new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. Between those factors and Fitzpatrick’s savvy play under pressure that can help mitigate leaks along the offensive line, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest Miami could stick with Fitzpatrick to start the season.”

Will Tagovailoa start the season under center, or on the sidelines with a playbook in his hands? There’s plenty of time until then for him to make his case.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on all things Tua Tagovailoa as he makes his way through his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins.