NFL HC Shades Tua's Stats, Style: 'All That S--t Ain't Going to Help You' in Playoffs

One anonymous NFL head coach hasn't been impressed with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's regular-season production and is looking for him to take the next step in the playoffs.

"I put him right in the middle of that Tier 2 stack," the head coach told Mike Sando of The Athletic. "You have basically got a guy who is a perfect fit for Mike McDaniel. He is going to throw for 4,500 yards and a gazillion touchdowns, and statistically, it's going to be hard to deny. But, kind of like with Kyle Shanahan's quarterbacks, what are you going to do when it's the [playoffs] against the Chiefs and it's a two-minute drive and play-action and all that s--t ain't going to help you?"

Tagovailoa is coming off a strong 2023 season, earning the first Pro Bowl nod of his career and leading the Dolphins to a commendable 11-6 record. He led the league with 4,624 passing yards, adding 29 touchdowns compared to 14 interceptions.

Miami averaged over 401 yards per game as a team, the highest mark in the NFL. Head coach Mike McDaniel prioritized speed around Tagovailoa, allowing players such as star wideout Tyreek Hill and running back De'Von Achane to rack up yards with the ball in their hands.

The Dolphins ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild card round of the playoffs. Tagovailoa only completed 51.3 percent of his throws for 199 yards, recording a touchdown and an interception.

Still, Miami rewarded the signal-caller with a four-year extension worth $212.4 million on July 26.

Tagovailoa will look to help the Dolphins earn three straight playoff appearances for the first time since 2001 when the team's regular season kicks off against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 8.