One thing that has become quite clear about the Miami Dolphins off-season is that the team will need to identify some new wide receivers to join the current group. Unimpressive injuries and moves cost Miami some dynamic potential in the passing game, especially with newcomer defender Tua Tagovailoa at the controls. And while the Dolphins have the luxury of having Ryan Fitzpatrick in their back pocket to serve as a “spark” from time to time, this is not a sustainable model.
Why does Fitzpatrick work in certain places where Tagovailoa doesn’t work as things are today? Fitzpatrick is more willing to fly close to the sun, for better or worse, like a passerby. Closed windows do not affect you. He dominates the mental side of the game – even though he is sometimes undisciplined in its execution. And while the floor for Miami is higher with Tagovailoa in charge with his attention to the safety of the ball, Miami certainly sees its brightest flashes with a quarterback more willing to test coverage.
And that’s where the Dolphins can help Tagovailoa to the full in this off-season: not only targeting the best pass catchers, but also a different kind of pass catcher. Dolphins should note how Tagovailoa’s preference is to see their receiver leveraged before he throws the football and plan according to which receivers they bring into the squad.
More players like DeVante Parker and Preston Williams, who most often win their reps at the end of the course? This is redundant and not for Tagovailoa’s strengths. Dolphins need to find a wide receiver to win their routes at the beginning and on the scrimmage line. Explosive athletes and route technicians can be considered, but this change should be on the Dolphins shopping list menu.
When it was indicated that the Miami Dolphins were making the transition to the middle of the Tagovailoa season, in order to find out what they have in their rookie quarterback, those who followed the team scoffed at the idea. But in all honesty, it was true – just in a different kind of context. Miami spent the last half of this season evaluating Tagovailoa not to determine if he needs to be replaced, but how he plays and what the Dolphins need to do to install the best and most effective support cast around him.
They have their answer. Now it’s almost time to start acting on the basis of this new information.