Tua Tagovailoa blames concussion for Dolphins' season struggles

In the 2023 NFL season, Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, has been a standout player, leading the league in passing yards. However, he recently addressed the team's disappointing record of 5-7, attributing part of the poor start to his previous month-long absence due to a concussion. Tagovailoa expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that the team's performance does not reflect their True character. His own struggles, including being sacked multiple times, and missing games due to injury contributed to the Dolphins' challenging season. The team has historically struggled in cold weather conditions, compounding their difficulties with several games in lower temperatures still to come. Furthermore, Tagovailoa highlighted the need for mental and physical fortitude among the players. He referenced criticisms from former Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott, who described the team's mentality as 'soft.' In light of this, Coach Mike McDaniel stated that while he expects the team to receive criticism when results fall short, he uses game tape to evaluate the players’ toughness and effort. McDaniel noted instances of unpreparedness, such as missed tackles due to poor technique, but believed that the team's effort was not lacking. As the Dolphins maneuver through this trying season, they have made strategic adjustments, including signing players to bolster their roster. With the pressure mounting and more games in harsh weather conditions ahead, the Dolphins are at a crossroads and must prove their resilience to overcome the challenges they face. In summary, Tagovailoa's acknowledgment of his impact on the team's struggles, combined with the team’s need to improve both mentally and physically, underscores the pressing challenges ahead for the Dolphins as they aim to redefine their season.