Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains unfazed by the ongoing chatter about his performance. For him, the primary focus is on winning games, regardless of the narratives surrounding his abilities.
Tagovailoa and the Dolphins posted impressive offensive numbers against the New York Jets, scoring 30 points and accumulating 290 total yards, despite missing wide receiver Tyreek Hill due to an ankle injury.
It was the first game without Hill since his acquisition in the offseason, following a challenging loss to the Tennessee Titans where Hill’s early departure raised doubts about the team’s offensive capabilities.
However, Tagovailoa expressed confidence in his team’s resilience, emphasizing that the Dolphins are not solely reliant on any single player.
“It’s always tough when one of your best guys isn’t out there,” Tagovailoa remarked on Wednesday. “But none of us really care who’s on the field. We trust that we can get it done with whoever’s out there. That’s been our mindset.”
In their recent victory over the Jets, Tagovailoa showcased efficiency, completing 21 of 24 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown, sealing a season sweep against their division rivals.
His performance has also earned him significant recognition, leading all NFL players in Pro Bowl fan voting with 175,772 votes.
Despite the spotlight on him, Tagovailoa prefers to redirect attention to his teammates’ contributions, especially as the Dolphins maintain a solid 10-4 record.
“People want to make it about me, about Tyreek—go ahead, keep pushing it towards Tyreek,” Tagovailoa asserted. “I understand my role and the polarizing nature of being a quarterback in this league. Whether I’m praised or criticized, it doesn’t bother me. I don’t listen to it.”
Tagovailoa reiterated that winning games as a team is his top priority, regardless of the external narratives.
“At the end of the day, I’m here to do my job and help our team succeed,” Tagovailoa affirmed. “Whatever the narratives are, whether it’s positive or negative, I couldn’t care less. My focus remains on winning games and contributing to our goals as a team.”
Heading into their upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys, Hill’s availability remains uncertain after missing practice on Wednesday. Coach Mike McDaniel clarified that Hill’s absence from practice did not necessarily indicate his status for Sunday’s critical matchup. With a win, the Dolphins would secure a playoff berth for the second consecutive season.