As the Miami Dolphins began their 2020 training camp, all eyes were on rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Miami Dolphins’ first pick in this year’s draft has created quite a buzz since his selection back in April. It won’t be all that long before the former Alabama star finds himself under center.
The Dolphins entered training camp with three quarterbacks – Tagovailoa, Josh Rosen, and veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. The position battle is expected to come down to the grizzly Fitzpatrick and Tagovailoa.
Fitzpatrick entered his 16th NFL season. He is expected to be a bridge to the inevitable quarterback of the future, Tagovailoa. When that happens is the million dollar question.
Last season, the Dolphins brought in Rosen to be the starter, but it didn’t exactly pan out. Fitzpatrick would end up leading Miami to a 5-4 finish after the Dolphins began the 2019 season 0-7. The Harvard graduate understands his place with Miami and is prepared to be the starter and is also prepared to concede, at some point, to his young mentee.
While many wanted it to be Tua Time from the onset of the 2020 season, Fitzpatrick had a slight edge over Tagovailoa heading into training camp. Fitz has worked with new Miami offensive coordinator Chan Gailey in the past. The two spent five seasons together in Buffalo and with the New York Jets.
Still, Tagovailoa will become the Dolphins starter at some point. He’s simply too talented. One of the drawbacks for Tua and the other Miami rookies is the lack of repetitions they have received prior to camp. In a normal season, the Dolphin newcomers would’ve had the benefit of organized team activities (OTAs) and mini-camp. Essential to get somewhat acclimated to the Miami system of offense/defense.
With the coronavirus pandemic putting an end to those offseason activities, Tua has had to prepare himself without the luxury of team activities. Now that the Dolphins are in camp, he has the benefit of working with a 15-year NFL veteran in Fitzpatrick.
With Tagovailoa’s work ethic and the mentorship of Fitzpatrick, it won’t be long before it’s Tua Time!