The Miami Dolphins believe Tua Tagovailoa will be their franchise quarterback, leading them to greater success. Hence, they rewarded him with a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension last July. Tagovailoa made that deal worthwhile by completing a masterful opening weekend performance versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The former Alabama standout was the only quarterback to reach the 300-yard mark in Week 1 of the 2024 season. Tagovailoa tallied 23 completions for 338 yards and a touchdown while adding an 11-yard run. Tyreek Hill got most of Tagovailoa’s output with seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown.
Jaylen Waddle contributed five catches for 109 yards, while De’Von Achane had seven catches for 76 yards. Despite those impressive numbers, Tagovailoa and the Dolphins needed them all to edge the Jaguars 20-17.
Trailing by three heading into the fourth quarter, two Jason Sanders field goals brought Miami on top to start the season 1-0. However, they won’t be able to snatch the victory without Tagovailoa, who had 338 of Miami’s 400 total yards against Jacksonville.
The Dolphins can sustain their momentum with a Week 2 victory against their division rivals, the Buffalo Bills. Playing at home against the Bills should motivate Tagovailoa to maintain his hot start.
-Lance Fernandez