Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa addresses claim that he was in 'panic mode' in loss to Colts

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa insists he wasn't panicking in a Week 1 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, despite what a former teammate says. 

Following the 33-8 blowout, Colts cornerback Xavien Howard — who played with the QB from 2020-23 — said they took away Tagovailoa's first read throughout the game, sending the QB into "panic mode." 

Tua Tagovailoa addresses Xavien Howard's comment

Tagovailoa indicated the comment won't affect his relationship with four-time Pro Bowler Howard, but he disagrees with it.

"I got to talk to [Howard] after the game, still got a lot of respect for him," the QB told the media Wednesday. "If you looked at the games I have performed and done well, it's also when I'm getting off my first read and progressing and going through the progressions."  

Tagovailoa has a 38-25 regular-season record in six seasons with the Dolphins and has completed 1,401-of-2,060 passes (68%) for 15,620 yards, 101 touchdown passes and 46 interceptions. He wouldn't have posted the solid stats if he didn't know how defenses work.

Still, it's safe to say he looked frazzled in the blowout against Indianapolis, where he threw two interceptions and lost a fumble.

"You could just tell with the big eyes and him getting flustered," Indianapolis second-year defensive end Laiatu Latu said postgame.

Some of the Dolphins' dysfunction isn't helping the rattled QB. Questions about whether No. 1 wide receiver Tyreek Hill wants to stay in Miami remain. CBS cameras spotted the WR yelling at an assistant coach during Sunday's loss, highlighting how his relationship with the team may not be salvageable. 

Still, Tagovailoa must play much better than he did against the Colts. On Wednesday, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel didn't mince words about his performance, saying, "It was less than desirable."

Tagovailoa said he and other players held a meeting ahead of Sunday's home game against the New England Patriots. Perhaps that'll help him find answers, which he needs to stop looking panicked.