The Miami Dolphins are on track to not only make the NFL playoffs early, but also to claim their first division win since 2008. The explosive offense has spread fear and terror several times this season. Nevertheless, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has to put up with criticism again and again.
Especially after the bitter defeat against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, voices became louder again that Tua would primarily benefit from his offensive playmakers. Tyreek Hill was injured against the Titans and was only able to play around half of all the snaps.
The faltering Dolphins offense against the Titans was also blamed on this fact. For Tua Tagovailoa, however, there is no direct connection. “Of course it’s always hard when one of the best players is out,” said the quarterback. “But for me, it doesn’t matter who’s out there. At the end of the day, we all have the confidence that we can get it done, no matter who it is.”
Meanwhile, Tua is left cold by the criticism that his playmakers are the reason for the good numbers. “I understand that my platform and who I am as a quarterback in this league makes me polarizing. Whether I’m the best or the worst, I don’t care at all. I don’t listen to it,” said the playmaker.
“I’m the worst football player, if that’s what you want. I don’t care. I really don’t care. So whatever it is, whatever you need in your show, take clips from what I just said “Do it. Do what you have to do. I’m just here to do my job and my job is to help our guys win games,” Tua’s only interest is the team’s success.
Dolphins on the verge of their first division win since 2008
And success is there! After ten wins in 14 games, the Dolphins have one foot in the playoffs and could also win the AFC East for the first time since 2008.
They recently got back on the road to success with a 30-0 win over the New York Jets. Tua threw for 224 yards and completed a strong 21 of 24 passes. And that was without Tyreek Hill, who was out against the Jets.
The star receiver is still questionable for the Christmas weekend when the Dolphins take on the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve (10:25 p.m. live on RTL).