Miami Dolphins: 3 potential breakout players on offense
![LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Myles Gaskin #37 of the Miami Dolphins scores a touchdown in front of Trayvon Mullen #27 of the Las Vegas Raiders to take the lead in the fourth quarter of a game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Myles Gaskin #37 of the Miami Dolphins scores a touchdown in front of Trayvon Mullen #27 of the Las Vegas Raiders to take the lead in the fourth quarter of a game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c413e31dd7fba1aa0646ca831d4dde41b1d18b7e302615031d61bcbdeac26646.jpg)
Tua Tagovailoa:
The most obvious breakout candidate and the one that will be watched and monitored throughout the season is quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Much has been made about Tagovailoa’s rookie season. There were plenty of ups and downs between big wins and questionable benchings, but there is a laundry list of reasons why the quarterback endured the struggles that he did. Some have pointed to the lack of off-season conditioning and the recovery from hip surgery, and there was the glaring issue of a lack of weapons at his Tagovailoa’s disposal. The result was conservative play-calling that kept the rookie’s statistical output relatively low, which has caused cynics and doubters to be vocal with their skepticism this off-season.
But the coaching staff and front office have always maintained their loyalty and faith in Tagovailoa and did him right by their off-season additions. Much of the Dolphins’ 2021 draft capital was spent on weapons and protection for the second-year quarterback, including Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and Notre Dame offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg. Veteran big-play receiver Will Fuller was signed in free agency in hopes that he can stretch the field. The two leading receivers from last season, Devante Parker and Mike Gesicki, are a part of the returning arsenal.
With a new offensive coordinator and playbook, a full off-season workout regimen, and a stable of weapons at his disposal, there are plenty of reasons to believe that Tagovailoa can have a breakout season in 2021.