The Miami Dolphins, on paper, feel like a team that should be a consistent playoff threat and potentially even make a Super Bowl run. However, one major concern that has been plaguing them is the health of the quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa.
Relatively undersized at 6-foot-1, Tagovailoa has had to deal with various injuries throughout the years. In particular, his concussion-related problems have put a major question mark on his long-term viability. According to an NFL legend, the problem stems from Tagovailoa’s style of play.
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Through the first three seasons of his career, the Alabama recruit had suited up in 10, 13, and 13 games, respectively. However, in 2023, he flipped the script, staying healthy the entire year and putting up 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns.
For once, it felt like the injury bug wasn’t a concern for the Dolphins’ quarterback anymore. Unfortunately, the problems resurfaced in 2024, as he suited up in just 11 games due to another concussion.
The severity of the incident even led some to believe that a premature retirement was in play. Ultimately, Tagovailoa returned, and Miami narrowly missed out on a playoff berth. Going into next season, his health is once again a major talking point.
The latest person to voice his opinion was one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Steve Young. A two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion, he was a key piece of the San Francisco 49ers’ success in the 1990s.
During an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Young let his feelings be known. “Know when the journey’s over. There’s a real talent, sophistication, and maturity. You can attack, you can still make plays.”
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But there is one condition. “You’re going to have to do it, you’re going to have to end it earlier.” For Young, the injury concerns of Tagovailoa come as a result of his willingness to be the hero, without taking the necessary precautions.
Instead, he showed the example of someone like Josh Allen, who, despite having a penchant for playing the hero himself, can stave off injuries by being smart with his body. As a result, Young has one improvement he wants the former Pro Bowler to make.
“If you’re not going to attack the line of scrimmage, if you’re not going to give that threat, you will not be in the Super Bowl. So he has to figure out a way to present that threat without putting himself at greater risk.”
With an above-average defense and one of the best collections of skill-position players in the league, featuring Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, the bar for Miami should be much higher than the three playoff appearances in the past 15 years.
The solution, though, is in the hands of its quarterback.