The Miami Dolphins‘ 2024 season? Yeah, it did not go how fans were hoping. And a big reason for that? Tua Tagovailoa‘s absence from the team when they needed him most. Injuries happen, sure, but losing Tua completely threw Miami’s offense off its rhythm. The star QB is literally the engine that makes this team go and Dolphins wide receiver Braxton Berrios made sure to let everyone know just how much they need him.

During an interview at Super Bowl 59 Radio Row, Berrios made it crystal clear—without Tua, their offense just doesn’t hit the same. He hyped Tua’s insane accuracy and timing, saying, “Tua with his timing and his accuracy, he’s second to none… it makes the offense tick when you have a quarterback who can put it on the spot like that.” The Dolphins’ star has that QB1 energy, and without him, his team was struggling hard.

And yeah, the numbers back it up. When Tua Tagovailoa was out, Miami’s offense was straight-up lost, averaging only 10 points per game. They could barely move the ball, let alone put up serious points. But when he came back? The whole vibe shifted. The Dolphins started scoring over 24.1 points a game and looked like a playoff team. It’s not rocket science—this one is the difference-maker.

Head coach Mike McDaniel knows what’s up too. He’s made it clear that keeping Tua healthy is the team’s biggest priority. “I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned is, for me as a head coach, it’s absolutely imperative that I control the controllables,” McDaniel said. He also made it clear that Tua’s career and well-being come first, adding, “His career is his, and that’s something that I really, really, really wish… I totally understand it, and it’s not misplaced.”

And Tua Tagovailoa might just be too locked in. During a recent gaming stream, he casually dropped a comment, “Dad, I love this game and I’ll die on the field for this game.” Yeah… that’s a little concerning. We love the passion, but with his injury history, fans are wondering if he’s putting way too much on the line.

At the end of the day, the Dolphins are nothing without Tua. Hey, it’s not me saying that, it’s Berrios. He’s the guy, plain and simple. As long as he’s on the field, Miami’s got a legit shot. But if he keeps pushing himself to the absolute limit? Well, that’s a whole different conversation. One thing’s for sure—Miami better protect this man at all costs.

Miami cuts 3 players and shakes things up

The Miami Dolphins just made some big moves, officially releasing cornerback Kendall Fuller, running back Raheem Mostert, and tight end Durham Smythe. This isn’t just any roster adjustment—it’s a sign that Miami is looking to shake things up and get younger. The biggest shock? Smythe’s release. He was the longest-tenured player on the team, so seeing him go definitely feels like the end of an era.

Fuller was solid last season, starting 11 games and racking up 50 tackles with seven pass deflections. But Miami wants some younger players in the secondary. Mostert, a Pro Bowler in 2023, just didn’t have the same juice last season—he only put up 278 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. With De’Von Achane stepping up in a big way (1,499 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns). Mostert became the odd man out. Smythe’s release is another interesting one—he wasn’t flashy, but his blocking and experience made him a reliable piece in the offense. Cutting him suggests Miami is looking for a more dynamic option at tight end.

Now that these guys are free agents. They don’t have to wait for the official free agency period in March to sign somewhere new. Fuller could easily find a spot on a team that needs a veteran corner—maybe the Steelers or Colts? Mostert still has speed, so a team like the Ravens or Bills that loves a running-back-by-committee approach could be a great fit. And Smythe? He’s a solid depth piece for any team that values blocking tight ends. These moves also clear about $5 million in cap space for Miami, so expect them to be active in free agency.

At the end of the day, Miami is making it clear they’re going younger and faster. The next few weeks should be interesting as they fill these gaps and try to build a roster that can actually compete in the AFC.