Stephen A. Smith lays out one key reason Dolphins made massive mistake doling out $212 million to Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa received one of the biggest wins of his life this offseason when the Miami Dolphins signed him to a $212 million contract. However, while the quarterback won the deal, the team lost. At least, that is what Stephen A. Smith appeared to indicate when laying out Tagovailoa's shortcomings in the NFL.
"[00:06:18] 1-6 versus winning teams last year, 10-1 versus a losing team. So as the competition elevates, he shrinks. That's number one. Number two, his record versus winning teams: 227 yards passing per game, eight touchdowns, seven interceptions. But against the losing teams: 293 yards, 22 touchdowns, just eight interceptions. [00:06:42]," he said on ESPN's First Take.
In short, Tagovailoa came up short against winning franchises but dominated losing franchises. As such, unless something changes, the Dolphins are set up to be a team with a playoff ceiling in early January.
Considering the vast majority of Super Bowl contenders entering the playoffs with a winning record, Tagovailoa is set to win a maximum of one game in every six playoff appearances.
If the Dolphins are willing to settle at that level, then their investment will be viewed as worthwhile. However, if the Dolphins are hoping to win the Super Bowl, it may end up feeling like a waste of money in the long run.
Tua Tagovailoa facing rough road after inking $212 million extension
Tua Tagovailoa was given lots of time to soak in his pay raise. However, it won't be long before the team asks Tagovailoa to deliver. The quarterback doesn't start the season with an easy schedule.
First, they need to face Trevor Lawrence, who has been a winning quarterback over the last two seasons. Then, they face Josh Allen, who has won the division every year since Tom Brady left it. The Dolphins then will travel across the entire country to face the Seattle Seahawks in their building.
Following that, they'll need to play a sneaky-loaded Titans roster and Will Levis, who could be playing hard with a chip on his shoulder built during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Put simply, the Dolphins' opening four games are made of teams that won't roll over, including potentially four teams that will have winning records by the end of September. If Tua Tagovailoa struggles against teams over .500, the Dolphins could be in for a rough starting stretch this season.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "First Take" and H/T Sportskeeda.