Key Takeaways:
– NFL analyst, Chris Simms, ranks Miami Dolphins’ quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, outside of the top 15 in his latest QB rankings.
– Tagovailoa made significant achievements in 2023, leading the NFL in yardage.
– Simms argues Tagovailoa struggles in tough and gritty games.
– Despite a potential lucrative contract extension, Tagovailoa’s recognition among the NFL community may depend on his future performances.
In the world of the National Football League, the road to recognition and respect is a rugged trail, etched with harsh analysis and grueling comparisons. This is a reality Miami Dolphins’ quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, is presently facing, despite a career-best season in 2023.
Controversy Over Tagovailoa’s Ranking
Former NFL quarterback and current NBC Sports analyst, Chris Simms, released the final segment of his annual top 40 QB ranking on June 10. Notably, Tagovailoa landed outside the top 15, ranking 18th overall. This position places Tagovailoa in the lower half of the league, a shocking placement considering his recent sterling performances.
Tagovailoa’s 2023 campaign was stamped by 4,624 passing yards, a playoff berth, and 29 passing touchdowns. The quarterback’s performance led the NFL in yardage and even edged past Patrick Mahomes II, a two-time MVP, by over 400 passing yards and two passing touchdowns.
Bewilderment grew as Tagovailoa was positioned behind less accomplished players including Jared Goff, Trevor Lawrence, and Baker Mayfield. Particularly notable is that Simms ranked Mayfield, already traded and released before 30, three spots higher than Tagovailoa.
Simms Justifies His Rating Choice
Simms delved into the reasoning behind his controversial ranking on the “Chris Simms Unbuttoned” podcast on May 30. Beginning with positive remarks, he outlined key strengths of Tagovailoa’s game such as swift decision-making, quick release, accuracy, field vision, and natural and fluid throwing. Despite this, Simms believes that Tagovailoa unravels when confronted with grittier, more challenging gameplay.
The analyst argues that since Tagovailoa’s arm strength relies on anticipation, this becomes a weakness when faced with a strong defense, citing games against the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs as instances of this weakness on display.
Respect Beyond Salary?
Even with rumors of the Dolphins looking to cement Tagovailoa with a lucrative extension to his current contract, the mounting question is whether such a financial commitment will earn him the respect he seeks within the NFL community.
The New York Giants’ investment in Daniel Jones, with a then-substantial $40 million contract per year in 2023, was met with widespread criticism. As a result, paying Tagovailoa a proposed $53 million per year might not necessarily translate into real respect from fans, analysts, and the wider sport fraternity.
Ultimately, the onus seems to lie on Tagovailoa to disprove the narratives raised by Simms and fellow pundits. To be truly acknowledged, he would need to not only maintain his impressive form and tackle top teams effectively but also clutch win pivotal points in crucial moments.
If Tagovailoa can successfully meet these benchmarks, he may eventually garner the due respect from the NFL community. Only time will tell whether Tagovailoa has the grit and tenacity to rise above the critics and solidify his spot among the greats of American football.