DAVIE, Florida. Chris Grier, general manager of Miami, made it clear on Tuesday that Tua Tagovailoa is the starting quarterback of the Dolphins in 2021, and they are pleased with his progress amid speculation that they could be a candidate for another first quarter. to set up.
“Tua, we are very happy with. He is our starting quarterback,” Grier said. “He did a good job this year as a rookie without an off-season and the challenge of dealing with it all. Very happy with him and look forward to seeing how he progresses here [full] out of season next year. For us, we are not really talking about concept strategy right now. ‘
Grier, along with coach Brian Flores, for the Dolphins’ season finale, said a few minutes later that they appreciate competition at every position, but he reiterates that Tagovailoa is their man at QB.
“We want to be clear that Tua is our starter, and we are very pleased with its development so far,” Grier said.
Tagovailoa is 6-3 as a starter and throws 11 passes and five interceptions. Questions about the team’s quarterback situation arose as a result of a rocky end to the season, which resulted in Tagovailoa being replaced twice by veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick in the fourth quarter. Tagovailoa also threw three interceptions in Sunday’s final for the Buffalo Bills.
But the Dolphins believe that a full off-season will help Tagovailoa improve some of his rookie struggles, and that improving the roster, especially in the receiver and running back, could help his overall efficiency.
The Dolphins hold the No. 3 and 18 picks in the NFL Draft 2021. Neither Grier nor Flores wanted to discuss much draft strategy in January, but it looks like their top priorities will be building around Tagovailoa and improving their position to close the gap between them. and reduce the AFC East champion Bills.
Tagovailoa, who spoke after Sunday’s loss, said he learned a lot during his rookie season and that he hopes a full off-season will lead to him taking the next step as a player. He put a cap on his 2020 season on Tuesday with an Instagram message, in which he thanked Dolphins fans, and expressed his joy at playing with his teammates and giving a message that ‘roses will bloom again. ‘
Flores also announced that he expects all of his assistant coaches to be in 2021, which will hamper sudden changes such as someone being appointed by another team. This includes the return for offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, who came under criticism for having a Conservative offense when Tagovailoa was the QB.
Flores said he believes the offense dynamics between Gailey and Tagovailoa will improve over time with more communication and ease.
As for Fitzpatrick, it is unclear whether the 38-year-old veteran wants to return for a 17th NFL season. He will be an unrestricted free agent in March, and Flores said the Dolphins need to undergo a full evaluation before determining whether Fitzpatrick or any of their other independent agents will be offered a contract to return in 2021.