The current debate among Miami Dolphins fans isn’t likely one that will be resolved any time soon. When should the Dolphins be ready to insert quarterback Tua Tagovailoa into the starting lineup? Some fans are eager to see the team’s new franchise quarterback as soon as possible, while other fans would very much prefer if the Dolphins opted to handle their new franchise signal caller with an abundance of caution.
One thing we do know is that the Dolphins are not going to subject themselves to the court of public opinion for the right answer to this dilemma — and instead they’ll allow their medical professionals to give the “all clear” when it is appropriate for Tagovailoa to be eligible to take the field and then assess his performance in the offense.
The deck certainly seems stacked against him early on as a rookie, however — given that veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has a year of sweat equity in the Dolphins’ organization with coach Brian Flores and has played five seasons under the team’s new offensive coordinator, Chan Gailey. Those hurdles aren’t insurmountable, but they’re definitely a challenge and present an unenviable mountain to climb if Tagovailoa hopes to convince the coaching staff he’s capable of taking over the role sooner rather than later.
But the good news is that the Dolphins are apparently receptive to the idea. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported yesterday that the team’s management isn’t averse to putting Tagovailoa on the field in year one — if he earns it.
“One person who spoke to the Dolphins’ front office came away with the impression that while it’s likely Fitzpatrick will begin the season as the starter, Miami isn’t opposed to playing Tagovailoa as a rookie if he earns the opportunity at some point this season,” wrote Jackson.
This might seem like common sense, but never the less Miami drafted Tagovailoa to be the team’s answer in the long-haul, not just for the here and now. So for Miami to seemingly be receptive to letting the best man play this season falls in line with what we already knew about Dolphins coach Brian Flores. He’s going to let the competition bring out the best of all involved and then choose which talent gives his team the best chance to win.