Simms: Tua Tagovailoa Lacks Skillset for Big-Time NFL Quarterback

Tua Tagovailoa's Performance Issues

• 💡 Struggles when the first read isn't there, leading to a "frozen state" or "complete shutdown" and an inability to make plays under pressure.
• 📉 His current season performance is poor, with him being identified as the "biggest problem" for the team despite being the highest-paid player.
• 🏈 Lacks the skillset to be a big-time starting quarterback, including insufficient arm strength for downfield throws and being a "below average athlete."

Coaching Challenges and Defensive Adjustments

• 🛠️ The Dolphins have been coaching around Tua's limitations for three years, but the league's defenses have now "caught up" to their offensive schemes.
• 🎯 Defenses have adapted to strategies that previously made Tua look good, such as leveraging Tyreek Hill's motion for short passes that resulted in long gains.

Long-Term Concerns and Career Outlook

• ⚠️ This fundamental flaw is considered uncoachable at this stage of his career (year six), suggesting it's a persistent issue.
• 🥶 Concerns about his ability to perform in cold weather games were a factor for the previous team management.
• 📊 While stats can be misleading, his performance in competitive game situations has been consistently poor for weeks.

Front Office Decisions and Financial Implications

• 💸 The decision to draft Tua over Justin Herbert and Jordan Love in 2020 was criticized, as was picking up his fifth-year option.
• 💰 The Dolphins are now "stuck" after giving Tua a market-level deal in the mid-$50 million range per year, with next year's $54 million fully guaranteed.