Tua Tagovailoa has been steering the Miami Dolphins’ ship from the quarterback position for the past five seasons, amassing some solid numbers along the way, like 15,760 yards and 101 touchdowns with a completion rate of 72.9%. His time in Miami has brought a sense of stability but not the game-changing prowess that can take the Dolphins to the next level. With the challenge of 45 interceptions and 113 sacks hanging over him, not to mention struggles under playoff pressure highlighted by a tough outing against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he completed just 51.3% of his throws for 199 yards and a single touchdown, questions naturally arise about the future.
Diving deeper into Tagovailoa’s game, he’s proven to be more of a game manager, rather than a game-changer. While he’s occasionally able to sidestep incoming pressure, he doesn’t possess the kind of dual-threat capabilities to break free and make plays on the run. It’s within Mike McDaniel’s offensive system that Tagovailoa’s strengths are maximized, hiding some of the inefficiencies with a scheme focused on short routes and quick reads. While effective against weaker defenses, the limitations become glaring when the competition ramps up, leading to concerns that this formula might not be enough to secure a championship ring for Miami.
Enter Jalen Milroe—a product of powerhouse Alabama, like Tagovailoa before him. Milroe brings a cerebral approach to the game, using savvy techniques like pump fakes and strategic eye movements to manipulate defenses, setting up his receivers for success. His college stat line boasts 2,834 yards and 16 touchdowns through the air paired with 11 interceptions, but what stands out is his ability to contribute on the ground. Milroe’s athleticism translated to 879 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns over 150 attempts, bringing a dynamic dimension to his play that could invigorate Miami’s playbook.
Milroe’s rush threat could mesh perfectly with Miami’s reliance on RPOs and play-action, disguising plays more effectively for increased efficiency. But he’s not a one-trick pony; Milroe can stretch the field with his arm strength, showing good anticipation which allows him to lead receivers and manage pressure. While his stock experienced some ups and downs, notably with inconsistency in the Senior Bowl, the raw potential is undeniable.
The Dolphins are at a juncture where the quest for a franchise quarterback looms large. If they are to pull the trigger and aim for the next echelon of NFL stardom, Jalen Milroe presents as a compelling future prospect—an athlete who might just provide the spark Miami needs, in contrast to the steadiness but ceiling-limited presence of Tagovailoa. The decision on who takes the reins next could shape the Dolphins’ journey for seasons to come.
