There is growing unease within NFL circles about Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s ability to execute effectively during critical late-game situations. According to an anonymous NFL executive speaking to Mike Sando of The Athletic, while Tagovailoa may show moderate production overall, his reliability when the game is on the line raises serious doubts.
He is probably a 2 on the production, but if the game is on the line, I’d be scared to death if he were my quarterback,
the executive said. —NFL Executive
Ranking Reflects Skepticism from Coaches and Executives
Tagovailoa was placed 17th among all quarterbacks, categorized within Tier 3 in a recent survey of 50 NFL coaches and executives conducted by Sando. This ranking signals a notable lack of confidence relative to his peers. The survey highlighted concerns about his performance in close contests, particularly in the final quarter where execution is critical.
Limited Playmaking Off Script and Dependence on the Running Game
Several NFL insiders point out that Tagovailoa’s struggles arise from a lack of effective off-script plays alongside a heavy dependence on a strong running attack. A defensive coach involved in the survey noted that without a complementary rushing game to distract defenses, Tagovailoa’s accuracy and decision-making on deeper routes become less effective.
It is the off-script plays that he doesn’t have,
the coach said, via Sando.
And if it is not paired with the run game to draw the under coverage, then you don’t get full utilization of his accuracy on the second and third level.
Statistical Evidence Highlights Four-Quarter Disparities
Statistical records show that Tagovailoa’s fourth-quarter performance lags behind earlier periods in games. Across his five NFL seasons, he has engineered 10 game-winning drives, but his passer rating in the fourth quarter stands at 93.1 — the lowest of any quarter. Furthermore, his 14 interceptions thrown in the final quarter are the highest among all quarters, despite fewer pass attempts in that timeframe, according to Pro Football Reference data.
Overall Impact on Miami’s Success Remains Noticeable
Despite concerns about his clutch performance, Tagovailoa’s presence has a clear impact on the Dolphins’ overall success. Miami posted a 6-5 record in games he started last season, compared to a 2-4 record in the contests he missed. This suggests that while there are late-game execution issues, he remains an essential component of the team’s offense.
Challenges Ahead for Tagovailoa in High-Pressure Situations
The doubts regarding Tua Tagovailoa late-game execution reflect broader challenges he faces in commanding Miami’s offense without strong playcalling versatility or a reliable rushing attack in crunch time. As the Dolphins aim to improve their competitiveness, addressing these late-quarter weaknesses will be crucial. With the NFL coaching and executive community closely scrutinizing his ability to perform under pressure, the upcoming seasons may define his trajectory as a franchise quarterback.