Tagovailoa Reflects on Coaching Changes as Dolphins Secure Preseason Win
- Tua Tagovailoa excels in his preseason debut for the Miami Dolphins.
- He throws a touchdown pass in his only series, helping the Dolphins secure a 13-6 victory over the Washington Commanders.
- Tagovailoa's performance demonstrates his potential and skills as a quarterback.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recently discussed the contrasting coaching styles of former head coach Brian Flores and current head coach Mike McDaniel. In an interview with Meadowlark Media, Tagovailoa revealed that he had to "train out" the negative criticism he received from Flores early in his career. He emphasized the psychological impact of constant negative feedback, stating that it can lead individuals to internalize those harsh assessments, regardless of their position or status. Under Flores, Tagovailoa posted a 13-8 record over two seasons, with 27 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, but the Dolphins failed to reach the playoffs. In contrast, since McDaniel took over in 2023, Tagovailoa has excelled, achieving a 19-11 record and throwing 54 touchdowns against 22 interceptions, leading the team to consecutive playoff appearances. Flores, now the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, has faced his own challenges, including a lawsuit against the NFL alleging racial discrimination in hiring practices. In a recent preseason game, Tagovailoa showcased his skills, completing all five of his passes for 51 yards and a touchdown, contributing to the Dolphins' 13-6 victory over the Washington Commanders. This performance came shortly after signing a four-year, $212 million extension. Coach McDaniel praised Tagovailoa's decision-making and execution, highlighting the team's overall performance. As the Dolphins prepare for their final preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they look to build on their momentum ahead of the regular season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 8.