Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores wasn't happy with how the Tua Tagovailoa news leaked. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Flores: Starting Tua Tagovailoa is what's best for Dolphins

Ryan Fitzpatrick is out as the Miami Dolphins starting quarterback, but that may not necessarily be a bad thing with Tua Tagovailoa in the wings. 

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores confirmed Wednesday that Tagovailoa will be the team's starting quarterback moving forward. Miami feels that starting the rookie quarterback is what's best for the franchise, citing Tagovailoa's performance in all team events, including practices. 

"He's gotten more comfortable -- accuracy, decision-making have been good in practice. ... We're comfortable and confident that he'll be able to compete in those games when that time comes," Flores said, according to ESPN.

With Miami sitting second in the AFC East, ahead of the New England Patriots, Tagovailoa will have the opportunity to do something special -- get the Dolphins into the postseason for the first time since 2016 and just the third time since 2008. 

With both Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, who were drafted ahead of Tagovailoa, proving their worth over the first six weeks of the season, it's no surprise Flores is ready to see what his rookie is made of. 

Tagovailoa was a star in college for the Alabama Crimson Tide. In his junior season, he completed 71.4% of passes for 2,840 yards and 33 touchdowns against three interceptions before suffering a season-ending hip injury that hurt his draft stock. 

If he can replicate the success he found in college, he'll surely be just fine as a starting quarterback at football's highest level. 

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