One thing that has become abundantly clear about the Miami Dolphins off-season is that the team must identify some new wide receivers to blend into the current group. Injuries and disappointing play have cost Miami some dynamic potential in the passing game, especially with rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa at the helm. And while the Dolphins have the luxury of having Ryan Fitzpatrick in their back pocket to serve as a “spark” from time to time, that’s not a sustainable model.
Why does Fitzpatrick work in certain places where Tagovailoa is not the way things are now? Fitzpatrick is more willing to fly close to the sun as a passerby, for better or for worse. Tight windows don’t phase him. He has mastered the mental side of the game – even though he is sometimes undisciplined in his performance. And while the floor for Miami is higher with Tagovailoa at the helm with his focus on ball security, Miami is sure to see their brightest flashes with a quarterback more willing to test coverage.
And that’s where the dolphins can help Tagovailoa the most in this low season: not only by targeting better pass catchers, but also by targeting a different kind of pass catcher. The dolphins need to take into account Tagovailoa’s preference to see his receiver utilize before throwing the football, and plan accordingly which receivers they’ll bring on the roster.
More players like DeVante Parker and Preston Williams, who most often let their reps win in the route? That is redundant and not to the strengths of Tagovailoa. The Dolphins need to find a wide receiver who will get their routes early and win at the scrimmage. Both explosive athletes and route technicians are eligible, but that change must be on the menu for the dolphins’ shopping list.
When it was reported that Miami Dolphins were switching to Tagovailoa mid-season to find out what they got in their rookie quarterback, those following the team scoffed at the idea. But frankly, it was true – just in a different kind of context. Miami has been evaluating Tagovailoa for the last half of this season, not to determine if he should be replaced, but rather how he plays and what the Dolphins need to do to install the best, most effective supporting cast around him.
They have their answer. Now it is almost time to act on this new information.