After the Miami Dolphins’ 2021 season ended, owner Stephen Ross expressed his confidence in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Despite firing coach Brian Flores, Ross believed in Tagovailoa’s potential and thought the new head coach would work well with him. Fast forward to 2023, when Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing yards, and the Dolphins signed him to a massive four-year contract extension worth $212.4 million.
With this new deal, expectations soared. Ross predicted that the Dolphins would be Super Bowl contenders in 2024, citing their strong roster and high hopes. However, there’s one major hurdle: Miami hasn’t won a postseason game since 2000. Every other NFL team has achieved at least one playoff win since then.
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier acknowledged this drought, saying, “We don’t shy away from it.” Coach Mike McDaniel has also addressed the issue, emphasizing that every team wants to win the Super Bowl. As the quarterback, Tagovailoa is under pressure to end this playoff futility. His massive contract only adds to the expectation that he can deliver.
McDaniel praised Tagovailoa’s work ethic, saying, “Tua sets high standards for himself every day.” He emphasized that Tagovailoa must bring his best game every time, especially as the highest-paid player on the team. McDaniel believes that internal expectations are more important than external ones, as they lead to better results.
In simpler terms, the Dolphins are counting on Tagovailoa to lead them to victory. With his new contract, he’s under pressure to perform. Coach McDaniel thinks Tagovailoa has the right mindset to succeed, but it’s time for the team to deliver. They’ve got the talent and the drive; now they need to win.
Let’s break it down further. Ross’s vote of confidence in Tagovailoa was a significant moment. Despite the coaching change, Ross believed in his quarterback’s potential. This faith was rewarded when Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing yards in 2023.
The contract extension was a no-brainer. Tagovailoa had proven himself as a top quarterback, and the Dolphins wanted to keep him long-term. However, this deal comes with high expectations. The Dolphins need to win, and win big.
Ross’s prediction of a Super Bowl contender in 2024 is ambitious. The team has the talent, but they need to stay healthy and avoid injuries. If they can do that, they might just make a deep playoff run.
But there’s that pesky playoff drought. It’s been over two decades since the Dolphins last won a postseason game. Every other team has achieved this feat at least once since then. It’s time for Miami to step up.
Grier and McDaniel acknowledge the pressure. They know the team needs to win, and they’re working towards that goal. Tagovailoa is the key, and his contract extension only adds to the expectation.
In conclusion, the Dolphins are all-in on Tagovailoa. They believe he’s the quarterback to lead them to victory, and they’re willing to pay top dollar for his services. With this faith comes high expectations. It’s time for Tagovailoa and the Dolphins to deliver.
