MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is tired of being a focal point on debate shows with star receiver Tyreek Hill’s production being used against him.
It’s safe to say the Dolphins are a feisty bunch and Tagovailoa, also known as “Salty Tua,” when he chooses to answer his critics, has made his return just days before Miami’s Christmas Eve matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
McDaniel on Monday said he permitted his players “to tell all members of the media, with all due respect, to F off.”
McDaniel says he wants his team solely focused on the Cowboys, and not the Dolphins’ shortcomings after being unable to defeat teams with winning records (Eagles, Bills, Chiefs) this season.
While speaking with the media on Wednesday, Tagovailoa pushed back on the talking point that Hill, the NFL’s leading receiver in yards and touchdowns, is the reason why he’s had the most successful season of his young career.
“I understand that my platform and who I am in this league as a quarterback makes me — if you want polarizing, whether I’m the best, whether I’m the worst — like I could care less,” Tagovailoa said.
“I keep receipts,” said Tagovailoa. “Yeah, sure. I am only good with Tyreek? You’re right. That is the only time I’m at my best. You’re right. I’m only good when Jaylen [Waddle] is in,” he said.
“I could care less about it,” Tua added. “I don’t care. I really don’t. So, whatever it is, whatever you need on your show, take clips out of what I just said, do what you need to do like that. I’m just here to do my job, and my job is to help our guys win.”
Despite the criticisms, Tua was able to block out the noise that he would be ineffective without Hill (ankle) after finishing Sunday’s game by going 21-of-24 for 224 yards, highlighted by a 60-yard TD strike to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in a 30-0 win.
Tagovailoa told reporters Wednesday that he grew up rooting for the Cowboys but said “times have changed” and is looking forward to the challenge.
“That was my favorite team growing up. They played on primetime a lot in Hawaii,” Tagovailoa said. “I come from a family that are big Cowboys fans, but not anymore. Everyone’s Dolphins fans now.”
The Dolphins are 10-4, leading the AFC East by two games, and will look to clinch a playoff berth on Sunday’s Christmas Eve showdown against the (10-4) Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium.