Tua Tagovailoa Shuts Down “Should Have Drafted Justin Herbert” Taunts After Dominating Chargers Alongside Tyreek Hill

The Miami Dolphins recorded a thunderous 36-34 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1 of the 2023 season. The win was cemented by 25-year-old Tua Tagovailoa’s four-yard pass to wide receiver Tyreek Hill in the right corner of the end zone, with just 1:45 left on the clock. 

Tua Tagovailoa’s additional skillset which he acquired over the offseason has contributed heavily to his improved landing abilities. His stellar performance during the opening match-up has successfully put to rest a longstanding debate that pits the young Dolphin’s quarterback against the Los Angeles Chargers’  Justin Herbert which finds its root in their 2020 NFL Draft selections. 

Tagovailoa rises above drafting taunts 

Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert have long been connected through their selections in the 2020 NFL Draft which saw Tagovailoa being chosen as the fifth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins, while Herbert being the next pick at sixth, going to the Los Angeles Chargers. Many questioned Tagovailoa’s credibility as an impactful player even before he played his first match. Herbert supported by numbers was deemed a better pick regardless of Tua’s rookie years studded by numerous wins. 

However, Tagovailoa coupled with Dolphins’ wide receiver Tyreek Hill became a fore to be reconded with following their Sunday showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hill had an outstanding game, securing 11 receptions for 215 yards and scoring two touchdowns. This marked his first 200-yard game with Miami and the third of his career. Tua Tagovailoa, in his first game since December 25, matched this impressive performance by completing 28 of 45 passes for 466 yards and three touchdowns. 

Tua’s troublesome 2022 season pushed him to make some career definitive choices and learn a few new skills over the offseason, which has clearly made all the difference. 

Tua’s transformative new safety skill

The young quarterback has an injury-prone NFL history marked by numerous serious concussions which almost pushed him to the point of bidding football goodbye. “It’s my health. It’s my body. And I feel like this is what’s best for me and my family.” Tagovailoa had stated prior to honing a new skill with the goal of improving his landing. 

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After consultations with his family and medical professionals, Tua decided against retirement. Instead, he dedicated his entire offseason to jiu-jitsu training sessions, aiming to reduce the chances of head injuries and improve collision-induced landing. 

Tagovailoa’s injury experiences prompted substantial changes in the NFL’s concussion protocols in conjunction with the NFL Players Association, which resulted in a remarkable 52% improvement in player safety. 

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