Any day now, the Miami Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa might attain an settlement on a long-term deal. Or, possibly they’ll stay at an deadlock, casting a shadow over the 2024 NFL season. No matter occurs, I believe this must be mentioned — loud and proudly:
THE EXPECTATIONS FOR THE 2024 MIAMI DOLPHINS DO NOT CHANGE, WITH OR WITHOUT A TUA TAGOVAILOA CONTRACT EXTENSION!
I’m sorry, but it surely doesn’t.
We know that the Miami Dolphins are among the many most explosive offenses in NFL historical past. We see how different groups replicate Mike McDaniel’s offense — with most groups adapting one type or one other of the ‘cheat movement’ Miami made well-known by mid-season. There’s even a teaching tree being began, and for the primary time in a very long time, gamers need to go to Miami — for greater than only one final payday; now, it’s for a possibility at a ring! And but, none of that issues.
No, significantly, it doesn’t matter (it does!) — at the least not as a lot because it ought to to a dude who has been bleeding aqua and orange for the higher a part of 30 years, and I do know there are lots of others on the market, too. The stats are glorious, and successful regular-season video games is enjoyable, too. Numerous enjoyable! And let’s not faux like all of us didn’t like to see Tua Tagovailoa’s identify on the prime of the league in passing yards, QB ranking, and all these different fancy stats. His development over the primary 4 seasons has been spectacular to look at. The DOLPHINS have been equally as spectacular to look at. However moreover good vibes and better expectations, what does any of that actually imply if the crew turns right into a pumpkin within the ultimate weeks of the season and finally will get eradicated on Tremendous Wildcard Weekend?
Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
Certain, accidents performed a component, and the crew performed on the highway at Winterfell vs. the defending Super Bowl Champions and the best quarterback of all time, Patrick Mahomes. However to say it wasn’t a disappointing month to finish the season — exterior of the playoff-clinching win vs. the Dallas Cowboys — could be an understatement.
(Observe: I perceive the Dolphins had an obscene quantity of accidents. However for the sake of the article, I’ve to stay steadfast in my beliefs! Oh yeah, and please try the newest episode of One other Dolphins Podcast and subscribe if you happen to haven’t already. 🙂 )
So once more, sure, it’s unimaginable that for the primary time in a very long time, the Dolphins have a YOUNG head coach who seems, by all accounts, to be an offensive MASTERMIND. We lengthy dreamed of the day when Miami would have a quarterback who might do the issues Tua Tagovailoa can. And it’s SO SICK to have two explosive, playmaking extensive receivers in Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Hell, ODELL BECKHAM JR. is lastly on the crew, and let’s not neglect Jonnu Smith (the perfect tight finish in years).
AND THEN there’s the operating again room, which is led by veteran Raheem Mostert — who led the league in touchdowns final 12 months — and De’Von Achane — who averaged almost 8 yards per carry and proved to be able to doing issues different backs can’t. Oh yeah, they simply drafted Jaylen Wright out of Tennessee. And that’s simply on the offensive facet of the soccer.
One might argue that the protection is each bit as spectacular with guys like Jalen Ramsey, Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Zach Sieler, Calais Campbell, Kendall Fuller, David Lengthy Jr., Jordan Poyer, Jordyn Brooks, Kader Kohou, and I believe I nearly named the complete unit.
So, I get it — and I perceive why Tagovailoa needs to receives a commission. Simply as I admittedly perceive what reservations Miami may need. However let’s put all of that apart for a second and tackle the elephant within the room.
It’s been 24 years because the Dolphins have received a playoff sport. That has to alter this season. In reality, I’d go a step additional and say they need to win the division after a late-season collapse and years of proof that this crew isn’t the identical on the highway.
These previous couple of years have been like a film; how that film ends wants to alter in 2024 — with or with no long-term extension for QB1.
What are your expectations for Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins in 2024? Do you agree that it’s playoffs or bust? Ought to the crew attain a long-term deal earlier than the beginning of the common season? Tell us within the feedback part beneath!
(P.S. I consider the Dolphins can pay Tua Tagovailoa earlier than the beginning of the common season.)
