Expectations won’t change for Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins

Any day now, the Miami Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could reach an agreement on a long-term deal. Or, maybe they’ll remain at an impasse, casting a shadow over the 2024 NFL season. Whatever happens, I think this needs to be said — loud and proudly:

THE EXPECTATIONS FOR THE 2024 MIAMI DOLPHINS DO NOT CHANGE, WITH OR WITHOUT A TUA TAGOVAILOA CONTRACT EXTENSION!

I’m sorry, but it doesn’t.

We know that the Miami Dolphins are among the most explosive offenses in NFL history. We see how other teams replicate Mike McDaniel’s offense — with most teams adapting one form or another of the ‘cheat motion’ Miami made famous by mid-season. There’s even a coaching tree being started, and for the first time in a long time, players want to go to Miami — for more than just one last payday; now, it’s for an opportunity at a ring! And yet, none of that matters.

No, seriously, it doesn’t matter (it does!) — at least not as much as it should to a dude who has been bleeding aqua and orange for the better part of 30 years, and I know there are many others out there, too. The stats are excellent, and winning regular-season games is fun, too. A lot of fun! And let’s not pretend like we all didn’t love to see Tua Tagovailoa’s name at the top of the league in passing yards, QB rating, and all those other fancy stats. His growth over the first four seasons has been impressive to watch. The DOLPHINS have been equally as impressive to watch. But besides good vibes and higher expectations, what does any of that really mean if the team turns into a pumpkin in the final weeks of the season and ultimately gets eliminated on Super Wildcard Weekend?

Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

Sure, injuries played a part, and the team played on the road at Winterfell vs. the defending Super Bowl Champions and the greatest quarterback of all time, Patrick Mahomes. But to say it wasn’t a disappointing month to end the season — outside of the playoff-clinching win vs. the Dallas Cowboys — would be an understatement.

(Note: I understand the Dolphins had an obscene amount of injuries. But for the sake of the article, I have to remain steadfast in my beliefs! Oh yeah, and please check out the latest episode of Another Dolphins Podcast and subscribe if you haven’t already. 🙂 )

So again, yes, it’s incredible that for the first time in a long time, the Dolphins have a YOUNG head coach who appears, by all accounts, to be an offensive MASTERMIND. We long dreamed of the day when Miami would have a quarterback who could do the things Tua Tagovailoa can. And it’s SO SICK to have two explosive, playmaking wide receivers in Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Hell, ODELL BECKHAM JR. is finally on the team, and let’s not forget Jonnu Smith (the best tight end in years).

AND THEN there’s the running back room, which is led by veteran Raheem Mostert — who led the league in touchdowns last year — and De’Von Achane — who averaged nearly 8 yards per carry and proved to be capable of doing things other backs can’t. Oh yeah, they just drafted Jaylen Wright out of Tennessee. And that’s just on the offensive side of the football.

One could argue that the defense is every bit as impressive with guys like Jalen Ramsey, Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Zach Sieler, Calais Campbell, Kendall Fuller, David Long Jr., Jordan Poyer, Jordyn Brooks, Kader Kohou, and I think I just about named the entire unit.

So, I get it — and I understand why Tagovailoa wants to get paid. Just as I admittedly understand what reservations Miami might have. But let’s put all of that aside for a second and address the elephant in the room.

It’s been 24 years since the Dolphins have won a playoff game. That has to change this season. In fact, I’d go a step further and say they have to win the division after a late-season collapse and years of proof that this team isn’t the same on the road.

These last few years have been like a movie; how that movie ends needs to change in 2024 — with or without a long-term extension for QB1.

What are your expectations for Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins in 2024? Do you agree that it’s playoffs or bust? Should the team reach a long-term deal before the start of the regular season? Let us know in the comments section below!

(P.S. I believe the Dolphins will pay Tua Tagovailoa before the start of the regular season.)