Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Jim Rassol / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tua Tagovailoa rips into critics who say his teammates carry him

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 12/21/23

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is having an MVP-caliber season, but there are still some who question how much of his head-turning year he owes to his supporting cast.

Tagovailoa’s running back Raheem Mostert ranks third in the NFL in rushing (966 yards) and first in total touchdowns (20). His receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle rank first and 16th, respectively, in receiving yards (1,546 and 946) and fourth and 19th, respectively, in receptions (97 and 71).

But just because he has some of the top playmakers in the league, Tagovailoa says that doesn’t take away from anything he’s done this year.

“Everyone wants to make this about me, about Tyreek — please, keep pushing it to Tyreek, make it about Tyreek,” Tagovailoa told reporters on Wednesday. “… At the end of the day, I really don't care ... I keep receipts. … All the narratives about it, sure — I am only good with Tyreek in, you're right. That is the only time that I'm at my best. You're right. I'm only good when Jaylen [Waddle]'s in. ... I'm only as good as Raheem Mostert allows me to be.”

Tagovailoa leads the league in passing yards (3,921) and ranks second in completion percentage (71) and passer rating (106) and fifth in touchdowns (25).

TOP 5 PRO BOWL VOTE GETTERS

Tua Tagovailoa 175,772
Christian McCaffrey 131,108
Brock Purdy 120,909
CJ Stroud 113,490
George Kittle 109,107

Who's getting snubbed? pic.twitter.com/nyZcJIFI1m
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) December 20, 2023

He’s also already surpassed all of his 2022 stats, despite playing in just one more game. He’s averaging more passing yards per game with a higher completion percentage and a higher passer rating than the season before.

The Dolphins are one of just two teams to average more than 400 yards per game this season and one of three teams to score more than 30 points per game.

They also lead the league in total offense (414.1 yards per game) and scoring offense (31.5 points per game), and Tagovailoa seems to be just fine getting none of the credit.

“That's what the narrative needs to be and we're able to win games and go where we want to go as a team,” Tagovailoa said. “… Whatever it is, whatever you need on your show, take clips out of what I just said. Do it. Do what you need to do. I'm just here to do my job, and my job is to help our guys win.”

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