Tua’s response isn’t being received well. Stephen A. Smith, a well-known sports analyst from ESPN, has recently shown his frustration with Tua Tagovailoa’s comment about 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton. Stephen questioned Cam on Tua’s words in a video that has now been circulating on X, saying,

 “Why is he talking about you like you are me? Or Joe or somebody that hasn’t played the game?”

Well, for a quick recap of what has transpired throughout the week, the battle of words first began when Cam Newton criticised Tua’s game play on ESPN’s “First Take” last Monday. He had addressed how Tagivailoa’s season 2025 performance isn’t that great compared to the money he is receiving. Questioning his credibility as a QB for Team Dolphins.

In response, Tua Tagovailoa responded during a press conference on Thursday, addressing Cam’s statement with,

“Anybody can criticize, I don’t think anybody can play quarterback.” 

There’s a lot more to the story, but the core issue that made Stephen lose it is the sheer fact that the comments came from Tua Tagovailoa for Cam Newton. Newton is far from a newcomer; he’s a veteran former NFL quarterback who spent eleven seasons in the league, highlighted by a dominant 15−1 run with the Carolina Panthers. He’s practically a legend for his dual-threat play, holding the NFL record for rushing touchdowns by a QB and sitting third in rushing yards. For Stephen, that experience is exactly why his comments are so infuriating.

Evaluating Tua Tagovailoa’s performance this season amid the comment war

Looking into Miami Dolphins stats for this season, things aren’t looking good. The team currently stands at a record of 0-3-0 in the AFC East Division, incurring their losses to the Indianapolis Colts during their week 1 game. New England Patriots during their week 2 game in their homeland, and their loss to the Buffalo Bills, in week 3. 

Now the Dolphins will be facing the New York Jets in week 4, who also have not recorded a single win this season. Tua has said that he and the team are working on bettering their performance to change the stats. But whilst doing so, he has also talked about his own performance.

“I haven’t played anywhere near the standard that I’ve played in years past, and knowing the standards that I can play to,” he added, “It starts with me, with the offense getting our guys going and the defense feeding off of that. I wouldn’t say I’ve been playing my best football yet.”

Cam Newton and the crew at ESPN’s “First Take” just couldn’t ignore Tua Tagovailoa’s recent comments. The thing is, it’s not really about how Tua is playing right now this season. It’s more about looking back at the past year of his performance, and honestly, the film just isn’t backing him up.

Cam Newton to give Tua Tagovailoa the benefit of doubt with his Jets game next week

Tagovailoa’s gameplay this season has been concerning, with his passing yardage being an average of 191.7, along with tossing four interceptions. This has been his lowest recorded stat since his rookie year. But on the other hand, he has been accurate, completing a high 69.7% of his passes and throwing five touchdowns. So when Tua fired back at his critic, specifically Cam, saying,

 “Cam is doing his thing for sure, but I think it’s easier to be able to hold a clicker and talk about it that way or talk about what someone else is doing wrong when you’re not going out and having to do the same as them,” It struck Sten A. Smith’s nerve. 

Stephen jumped in to defend Cam, reminding everyone that Newton isn’t just a talking head. Cam had a stellar, 11-year playing career where he “starred and excelled.” Smith essentially argued that calling a former MVP like Cam a mere “clicker” who never faced pressure was a massive stretch and simply inaccurate.

But what’s interesting to note here is that Newton said that he didn’t take Tua’s comments personally, but he said that he is willing to give the Dolphins QB the benefit of the doubt.

Cam said, “Maybe I’m delusional, but I’m having a hard time believing that he was referring to me. I just think he was talking, in general,” 

Tua gets a chance to prove his capability next week on Monday. The Dolphins face the Jets to secure their first win of this season.