Miami Dolphins: Where Does Tua Tagovailoa Need To Improve?

The Miami Dolphins oddly saw Tua Tagovailoa in a regular-season game before ever stepping on the field in the preseason. After a year of waiting, #1 finally trotted out to the field in aqua and white for Miami. With most of his starters out, Tua still was able to show some growth from last season. Looking back on the game here are the biggest takeaways so far:

Strengths

So far, Tua looked a bit more comfortable under center for the Miami Dolphins so far. He had a little less chaotic demeanor and seemed like he was in control of the offense. That’s not to say that he was perfect, but if that control continues to grow and develop fans will have little to worry about. He found his open receivers and more importantly got in work with his tight ends. The Dolphins have struggled with red-zone scoring and getting his bigger-bodied receivers involved is a must within the 20-yard striking distance.

More NFL: Miami Dolphins – Reasons To Be Optimistic Before the Regular Season

Weaknesses

While Tagovailoa can make a ton of throws, some of which Ryan Fitzpatrick admitted he could not, there’s something about his passes that feels like they’re in slow motion. He’s got power behind his throws because he can put it deep downfield to a receiver in stride. However, every single one of his passes hangs in the air a bit too long. Timing will be the main reason for his success and his failure. If he can come in and have every play work right in rhythm he’ll be okay. If not, that’s where you’ll see the interceptions like you did today.

Tua didn’t make a bad throw, he read the play right, he just didn’t fire it in for his receiver in the endzone. Quarterbacks coach Charlie Frye needs to find out what Tua can improve on to get a little more zip on his passes. A cheating defender who gets an early jump on passes will cause mistakes to happen with passes that are floated out.

We all know it’s only week 1 of the preseason but there’s still enough to take away in terms of a play style. Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins looked good but there’s reason to go back to the clipboard. Will they make the necessary adjustments before their next game with the Atlanta Falcons?