3 Main takeaways from Miami Dolphins vs Detroit Lions week 8

Tua Tagovailoa is really that dude:

For the first 2 years of his career, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Tua and had a lot of criticism for him including his lack of leadership, confidence, athleticism, arm strength, and DAWG mentality. Tua has improved a lot but I still stand by the criticisms of the first 2 years because I still think they were true.

Tua’s turbulent relationship with Brian Flores caused Tua to disconnect and not give it his all, which is why the lack of leadership, confidence, and dawg mentality wasn’t there. And if you’re not buying in mentally you won’t buy in physically with training.

This explains the physical limitations, although the hip injury was also a big factor.

But ever since the Miami Dolphins decided to revamp the offense and build around Tua he has been able to buy into the team again and give it his all. A coach that believes in him, a top 3 WR that wants to see him win, and a locker room that buys into him as a leader.

I call this, the Mike McDaniel effect. And what is the result?

Tua Tagovailoa has broken out of his shell and turned into an extraordinary leader, his body language is night and day, his confidence is contagious and that is something you want to see from a QB.

Tua buying in also helped him train and prepare harder than he has ever been, he’s shown more mobility, athleticism, and arm strength than ever before. But there is one trait about Tua that I thought he would never get, the fire.

Tagovailoa is trucking through defenders, running for first downs, taking deep shots, and throwing over the middle with confidence. In week 8 Tagovailoa helped the Dolphins rally back from 2 scores down vs the Lions.

Tua Tagovailoa vs the Lions – By the Numbers:

• 382 Yards passing
• 19 Yards rushing
• 80% Completion
• 3 TDs
• 0 INT
• 138.7 Passer rating

All stats courtesy of espn.com

“That’s not impressive he only beat the Lions!”

Yeah, Tua was so unimpressive that he rallied his team from two scores down against an NFL team in their home stadium. See how silly that sounds?

Some of my favorite throws from Tua Tagovailoa vs the Lions:

Honorable mention – Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill:

I’ll be breaking down my favorite improvements from Tua Tagovailoa’s game this week, make sure to follow me on Twitter @3rdnJuan so you don’t miss it.

Also, check out how my predictions did for the Lions game: