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Miami Dolphins had a disappointing ending to the 2024 season. After being at the end of the playoffs, Dolphins’ evils have continued into the early part of the 2025 campaign.
Miami’s 0-3 start this season has further placed quarterback tua tagovailoa’s performance under the microscope. Former NFL QB-facing media personality Cam Newton is among those who have expressed criticism of Tagovailoa.
During one of last week’s episodes of ESPN’s “First Take”, Newton Tagovailoa quoted four-year-olds, $ 212.1 million contract extension under his criticism of the performance of the Pro Bowl signal call.
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Former NFL player Cam Newton looks at a submarine run before the run of the 148th Kentucky Derby in Churchill Downs on May 7, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Gunnar Word/Getty Images)
“Tagovailoa is doing more than Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, Matthew Stafford, Jayden Daniels. I said pocket? No, I put things in perspective here,” said Newton, 2015 NFL MVP, last week.
“In this case, it should be more money, more expectations. When I see Tua Tagovailoa this year, alone, I’ve heard him more than I’ve ever had. It’s not to say you can’t talk. I like quiet tua. Alabama tua. Chip on your shoulder tua. Not ‘is anyone to come in and watch movies.’
“What you get paid, what you are asked to do, what you have the ability for – from one quarterback to another, I look at the situation as come on, dawg. Especially when you have a Ferrari and a Lamborghini and other facilities that other quarterbacks want them to have.”
Newton’s comments were later brought to Tagovailoa’s attention, suggesting that he claim with much more challenging circumstances than educators can add credibility.
Dolphin’s’ Tua Tagovailoa draws setback to admit he ‘can’t do half’ of what Bills star Josh Allen can
“Well, someone can play quarterback in this league then. I want to see someone on the streets come and play quarterback,” Tagovailoa said. “Cam does his stuff with certainty, but I think it’s easier to be able to keep a click and talk about it that way or talk about what someone else is doing wrong when you don’t go out and have to do the same as them.”
Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton, Left, and Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa meet after their game at Hard Rock Stadium, November 28, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
“I think it’s easy to do that. I think someone can do it. I don’t think anyone can play quarterback.”
Tagovailoa also acknowledged that his level of performance has come well under the standard he is sticking to.
Throughout three games this season, Tagovailoa has thrown five touchdowns against four interceptions. His quarterback rating is among the bottom of the NFL.
While Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is aware that there is always room for improvement, he also welcomes Tagovailoa for his mental toughness during the team’s match on the field.
Miami Dolphins Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, right, with head coach Mike McDaniel at Lambeau Field, November 28, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
“The game with a franchise quarterback is never just still … There are opportunities that he needs to take advantage of,” McDaniel said. “There are also plenty of options to turn the ball over that he has not taken. He has really answered the clock in 99 percent of the time
“He is focused on being 1-0 against the New York Jets, which is why I know he is able to and I am excited to see his next opportunity that we work on all week because of just that, to be focused on the right things.”
Tagovailoa has had some notable results since he was prepared 10. Total in 2020. He was NFL’s passing leader in 2023.
The dolphins host the Winless New York Jets on Sunday.
