Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains unfazed by the discourse surrounding his skills, emphasizing that his primary concern is the team’s success. Despite the absence of wide receiver Tyreek Hill due to an ankle injury, Tagovailoa led the Dolphins to a 30-point, 290-yard performance against the New York Jets’ defense. This game marked the first without Hill, who was acquired as an All-Pro last offseason.
Following criticism after a previous loss to the Tennessee Titans, where Hill’s injury limited his participation, doubts were raised about the Dolphins’ offensive prowess without the league’s top receiver. However, Tagovailoa, the NFL’s leading passer, expressed unwavering confidence in his team’s abilities, irrespective of Hill’s presence.
Acknowledging the challenge of playing without a key player, Tagovailoa stated, “None of us really cares who’s out there or who’s not. At the end of the day, whoever’s in there, we all trust that we can get it done with those people.” He highlighted the team’s resilient mindset, drawing parallels to his absence in the previous year and emphasizing the collective trust among the players.
In the latest victory against the Jets, Tagovailoa showcased efficiency with 21 completions on 24 attempts, totaling 224 yards and securing a touchdown. With 175,772 fan votes, he leads all NFL players in Pro Bowl voting, a recognition he appreciates despite feeling uneasy about the spotlight.
Tagovailoa welcomed the narrative focusing on his supporting cast, particularly Tyreek Hill, and dismissed concerns about individual assessments. “Whether I’m the best, whether I’m the worst, I [couldn’t] care less. I don’t listen to it,” he asserted, emphasizing his commitment to the team’s success.
As the Dolphins prepare for a crucial game against the Dallas Cowboys, Hill’s absence from Wednesday’s practice is not indicative of his availability, according to coach Mike McDaniel. A victory this week would secure the Dolphins a playoff berth for the second consecutive season, a goal Tagovailoa is focused on achieving with his team.
