Even though Ryan Fitzpatrick has moved on, his bond with Tua Tagovailoa still seems to be as strong as it was before. Despite the decision of the Miami Dolphins to bench Fitz for Tua midway through last year, Ryan Fitzpatrick had a lot of fond words for his former rookie teammate.
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Ryan Fitzpatrick signed a 1 year deal with the Washington Football Team earlier this month and is expected to lead the team as a starter.
The Miami Dolphins on the other hand have committed to developing their first-round pick at QB, Tua Tagovailoa. However, whether Tua can be deemed the “franchise quarterback” for years to come is still up for contention.
Picture a post-draft Dolphins offense that looks like this at the skill positions…
Tua Tagovailoa
DeVante Parker
Will Fuller
Devonta Smith/Ja’Marr Chase
Mike Gesicki
Najee Harris/Javonte Williams— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 18, 2021
Dolphins agree to deal with quarterback Jacoby Brissett, the new backup for Tua Tagovailoa https://t.co/yGKYE9otAW pic.twitter.com/XFTqkhGHBi
— South Florida Sun Sentinel (@SunSentinel) March 16, 2021
The addition of QB Jacoby Brissett to the team only added fuel to the hate. While the skepticism revolving around Tua may be making rounds, Ryan Fitzpatrick is a continued advocate for his former teammate’s star potential.
Ryan Fitzpatrick has high praise for Tua Tagovailoa
“It’s amazing how much criticism and different things have been thrown his way,” Fitzpatrick said of Tagovailoa during an appearance on The Ross Tucker Football Podcast. “It’s very difficult to play quarterback in the NFL. I think we keep forgetting that fact. The guy was a rookie last year and came in and went 6-3. We have to have a little bit of patience. I think he’s going to do great things.”
Ryan Fitzpatrick went on to highlight what he loves most about Tua Tagovailoa game. “The two things that really stick out to me about Tua is he has elite accuracy; that’s very important,” Fitzpatrick said during the episode. “…And he throws with anticipation and that is something you don’t see with quarterbacks coming from college to the NFL. I’m a huge Tua fan.”
“It’s amazing how much criticism has been thrown his way … very difficult to play QB in the NFL … he has ELITE accuracy and throws with anticipation … I think he’s going to do great.”
Ryan Fitzpatrick is not here for your @Tua takes.
Full episode: https://t.co/bXqtiGsISE pic.twitter.com/Qa0t86wy0d
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) March 23, 2021
“I’m looking forward to big things from him,” Fitzpatrick continued. “I think he’s going to do great. As far as being a leader or guys people can follow, he has all those qualities.”
Which Alabama QB are you taking?
🔁 Tua Tagovailoa
❤️ Mac Jones pic.twitter.com/qSirIzHbh8— PFF (@PFF) February 28, 2021
Until his hip injury during his junior season at Alabama, Tua Tagovailoa was considered a lock for the No.1 overall pick. And even after being injured, he still ended up as a top 5 pick. With an offseason to prepare and continuity with the same Offensive Co-ordinators, Tua could have a breakout season in 2021. Regardless, the Miami Dolphins will be a team to look out for.
