Things got so bad for Tua Tagovailoa last year that he had a rough time looking at himself in the mirror – literally.
CBS reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala said during the Dolphins’ 30-15 win over the Texans on Sunday that Tagovailoa’s confidence (or lack thereof) last season reached a point where he would look in the mirror and ask himself, “Do I suck?”
The 8-3 Miami Dolphins have drastically improved from their 9-8 2021 campaign. Much of their success could be attributed to the play of the former fifth overall pick. Tagovailoa has thrown 19 touchdowns with only three interceptions this season for a 115.7 QB rating in nine games this season. Last season, in 13 games he had 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a 90.1 QB rating.
Kinkhabwala added that Miami’s first year head coach Mike McDaniel “put together a 700-play tape to show him how good he actually is.” Part of Tagovailoa’s struggles in 2021 could be attributed to injuries and a rocky relationship with ex-head coach Brian Flores and it would seem McDaniel has bolstered his QB’s confidence by showing how much he believes in him.
“Well, I thought it was cool,” Tagovailoa revealed when he was asked about the highlight tape after the game. “I think anyone here can attest to someone believing in them and how that changes how they see themselves but also things around them, so perspective. But it was awesome. There’s a lot of details that entail me sitting down with him and other things as well, but it’s awesome. It’s really cool.”
McDaniel was quick to credit Tagovailoa’s resurgence to both his pure talent and willingness to listen.
“To his credit, he’s really listened, taken the coaching that he’s good,” McDaniel said. “[He] said ‘OK, coach, I believe you.’ And I think you guys have seen the residuals up close and personal for a while.”
