In Tua Tagovailoa’s two years in the NFL, when he’s gotten a chance to lead the team, he hasn’t exactly had the best protection in front of him.
Miami’s offensive line in 2021, his first season as the presumptive starter, was one of the worst units in the league. Right tackle Jesse Davis, left tackle Liam Eichenberg and left guard Austin Jackson didn’t perform like NFL-caliber players. Center Michael Deiter missed time last season with an injury, which forced Greg Mancz and Austin Reiter into the group at times. The only big man up front to do their job consistently well was Robert Hunt at right guard.
The pressure not only led to poor rushing performances and injuries to the quarterback, but Tagovailoa also struggled with the pass rush. In Touchdown Wire’s piece finding the worst quarterback for every type of pass, Miami’s signal-caller was listed as the worst in the league when under pressure.
Here’s what Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar wrote about Tagovailoa:
“TuAnon revelers, unite! When pressured in 2021, Tagovailoa completed 49 of 104 passes for 606 yards, 356 air yards, three touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a passer rating of 43.2. Less than ideal when your offensive line allows 253 pressures — per Pro Football Focus, the most allowed by any front five in the league.”
With all of the non-physical pressure that Tagovailoa had on him last year to help carry an offense that left something to be desired from a talent perspective and also didn’t have a true offensive coordinator, it’s no surprise that Tagovailoa wasn’t confident in his play when the snap came.
In 2022, he’s set to play in a quarterback-friendly system under Mike McDaniel, who’s a well-respected offensive mind, and he has more talent around him on the offensive line and skill positions.
If Touchdown Wire runs this concept again next offseason, we shouldn’t see Tagovailoa’s name in this spot. Things should be easier for him.
