Dolphins fans got to see the much-anticipated preseason debut of Tua Tagovailoa on Saturday, and the second-year quarterback didn’t disappoint against the Bears.
Until he did.
Tagovailoa, no longer in a quarterback competition with veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, is the clear starter for Miami, starting the game as the team’s unquestioned starter. He saw action in three drives against Chicago, who was breaking in a rookie of its own in Justin Fields.
MORE: Ryan Fitzpatrick was ‘floored’ by Dolphins’ decision to start Tua Tagovailoa: ‘I thought it was a joke at first’
Tagovailoa’s first drive didn’t last long, as he went 0 for 2 with a throwaway and dropped pass from tight end Adam Shaheen. He was considerably better after, completing his next eight passes for 99 yards. That included a 50-yard floater to tight end Mike Gesicki — his longest pass completion since he still played at Alabama:
That drive ultimately stalled at the 1-yard line, as Chicago’s defense put together a goal-line stand to limit the Dolphins to a field goal. Tagovailoa also made several throws into tight windows, such as this 14-yarder to Mack Hollins on third-and-8:
Unfortunately for Tagovailoa, his final pass of the day was an interception from the Bears’ 14-yard line; he had Shaheen open, but noticed him a second too late. By the time the ball arrived, Bears defensive back DeAndre Houston-Carston jumped the route for the pick.
In all, Tagovailoa finished the day completing 8 of 11 passes for 99 yards and the pick. It appears coach Brian Flores had him on a snap count, as he didn’t take the field for the remainder of the game, including in a two-minute situation at the end of the half. His backup, Jacoby Brissett, completed 6 of 10 passes for 67 yards and a touchdown (a 23-yard connection with running back Salvon Ahmed) through the end of the half and first drive of the third quarter.
Below are the reactions from Twitter — good, bad and “meh” — for Tagovailoa’s 2021 preseason debut:
Tua Tagovailoa with an impressive first quarter, completing eight passes on 10 attempts for 111 yards. The most important thing I’ve noticed? He just looks more comfortable handling the offense. #Dolphins
— Brandon Liguori (@BrandonRLiguori) August 14, 2021
Through two series Tua Tagovailoa is 3/5 with 58 yards (11.6 per pass) and a 100.4 rating.
The two incompletions were a drop and a throwaway.
— Travis Wingfield (@WingfieldNFL) August 14, 2021
Tua Tagovailoa is done.
8-for-12, 99 yards, INT.
Outside of the late throw for an INT, solid day.#Dolphins
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) August 14, 2021
Adam Shaheen was uncovered by Tua Tagovailoa was late to deliver the ball and DeAndre Houston-Carson got an interception in the end zone.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 14, 2021
On the other side of the ball, Tua Tagovailoa has looked extremely sharp.
— Joseph Herff (@JosephHerffNFL) August 14, 2021
Gotta say…Tua Tagovailoa looks way better so far today than he did at joint practices. Tua 7-for-9 for 96 yards after one quarter.
— Jeff Dickerson (@DickersonESPN) August 14, 2021
Close the book on Tua Tagovailoa: 8-for-12 for 99 yards and a costly pick in the end zone.
— Jeff Dickerson (@DickersonESPN) August 14, 2021
Go get the ball SHAHEEN!!!
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) August 14, 2021
Tua Tagovailoa showed what we’ve seen much of this offseason — more confidence, rhythm & aggressiveness with deep/tight-window balls that may lead to more TDs but also INTs like the one today.
Unfortunately Dolphins fans, OL/run game play also what we’ve seen. Needs improvement.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 14, 2021
Tua Tagovailoa more like Tua Turningtheballova
— Papa Urameshi (@OgUrameshi) August 14, 2021
Tua Tagovailoa’s day is done. 8 of 11 for 99 yards with a bunch of really good decisions … except his last.
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) August 14, 2021
This is the year. Tua Tagovailoa has improved so much under this new offense. He’s focused. He’s having fun. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a dark horse for MVP.
— Riley O’Brien (@Ri_S_OB) August 14, 2021
Tua Tagovailoa looked light years better than Jacoby Brissett has. Same offensive line as well
— Neal Driscoll (@NealDriscoll) August 14, 2021
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