The Miami Dolphins missed the playoffs for the second straight season despite finishing with another winning record.
Their Week 18 victory over the division rival New England Patriots improved their standing to 9-8, which is already a monumental achievement.
At one point, the Dolphins were 1-7, making their postseason chances inconceivable.
But winning eight of their last nine games allowed them to save their campaign from disappointment.
However, the turnaround wasn’t enough to save Brian Flores’ job after the team let him go.
There’s a possibility that more dominoes will fall, and the quarterback position might be subject to change too.
Miami’s top brass must look at the big picture before making their next move because they have a guy that’s blossoming under center.
Give Tua Tagovailoa More Opportunities
Staying put at quarterback will be the best decision for the Dolphins.
After all, Tua Tagovailoa was a primary contributor during the season’s hot finish.
During their six-game winning streak, the sophomore from Alabama had games with completion percentages of 73.1, 73.2, 81.8, and 87.1 percent.
He displayed more confidence during the second half of the season by finishing with a passer rating of 100 or better in four straight games.
Tua rediscovered his connection with Jaylen Waddle, helping the wide receiver break Anquan Boldin’s record for most receptions by a rookie in a single season.
Tagovailoa’s mobility also helped them escape rough situations caused by their problematic offensive line.
That said, the Dolphins must not make the mistake of trading him away.
He’s growing with the team, and pulling the rug from underneath him will bring more turmoil to the franchise.
Building the pieces around Tagovailoa and Waddle lets them thrive even more.
Likewise, getting another quarterback via free agency or the draft won’t guarantee solutions.
Fix What Is Truly Broken
The Dolphins were one of the favored teams to land Deshaun Watson, but the talks for acquiring the Pro Bowl quarterback fizzled.
But now that Flores isn’t there anymore, Watson might not choose Miami anymore because of their internal turmoil.
Yes, the fine weather and the beach shore can only do much.
However, stability is the foremost consideration for a free agent choosing a new team.
Unfortunately, the Dolphins do not look like a well-facilitated franchise because of that shocking development.
Who in the right mind would fire a coach that flipped their fortunes on the fly?
Whatever the reasons are, it seems that the Dolphins are not getting their act together.
Such a predicament is not attractive in the eyes of Watson, Russell Wilson, or Aaron Rodgers, who might be on the move next year.
Meanwhile, there are no all-world quarterback prospects in the 2022 draft.
Therefore, the Dolphins should stick to their guns at quarterback.
Tagovailoa is a viable starter, while Jacoby Brissett is an able backup.
If the team needs anything, they can explore getting a running back because they ranked 30th in rushing yards per game at 92.2.
Getting another receiver that will line up alongside Waddle will make their offense more explosive.
Regardless of their changes, a quarterback must be the least of their concern.
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