Dolphins HC Brian Flores Not Concerned by Playbook Comment Made by QB Tua Tagovailoa

Tua Tagovailoa endured a rough rookie season in 2020. The quarterback from Alabama showed flashes of brilliance but failed to convince many to be the Miami Dolphins’ QB1.

Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores himself seemed to lack confidence in the QB. Last season, Flores called upon veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to pull the team out of trouble when the going got tough. 

And that thought seems to be amplified by Tua’s recent comments about struggling with the playbook. The QB recently said that he didn’t know the playbook “really, really good” during his rookie year.

Tua is set to be the Dolphins’ QB1 in 2021. And to douse the fire, Flores dismissed the comments made by his team’s starting QB.

Flores has faith Tua Tagovailoa will get better

Speaking to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Flores said he could understand his quarterback’s struggles last year.

“Honestly, I just think he’s comparing last year to where he is right now — and I get it. I understand that,” Flores said.

READ MORE – ‘He earned the right’ – Urban Meyer on why Trevor Lawrence deserved to be the #1 pick in 2021 NFL Draft

Flores who’s been around in the league long enough further said that the QB reflecting on his position since last year is a good thing.  

“I think he’s thinking about where he is right now versus that time a year ago, just reflecting. and that’s good because this time of year is about reflection, and where you are now versus six months ago,”  he added.

Flores even went on to compare Tua’s train of thought to his during his first year as head coach of the Dolphins.

“I remember being a first-year position coach and going into next season saying ‘I should have been better last year, I’m better now,” Flores said. “We all understand where he’s coming from.”

READ MORE – Buccaneers’ Shaq Barrett Sounds the Key Differentiator Between Tom Brady & Peyton Manning

Part of Tua’s struggles in his rookie season can be attributed to the lack of elite offensive targets to aim at. But the Dolphins have tried to address that by drafting wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and signing free agent Will Fuller. 

While these additions should aid in improving Tua’s output for 2021, the quarterback will need to step up his game to dispel the doubters. Something that Flores and Dolphins will hope for as they look to make it back to the postseason for the first time in five years.