Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is set to return to the Miami Dolphins starting lineup on Sunday vs. the Arizona Cardinals after getting through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
His return has sparked some intense debate as to whether or not he should continue his career given the number of concussions he has already suffered in his career.
Tagovailoa and the Dolphins, however, remain defiant that it is the right call.
There is just one change the Dolphins coaching staff and players would like to see.
They want him to slide more.
Tagovailoa plays a relentless style that at times is equal parts reckless and fearless. The Dolphins would like him to pull that back a little bit.
Head coach Mike McDaniel said this week that he has spoken to Tagovailoa about his importance to the organization and how much they need him on the field. McDaniel would like to see Tagovailoa throw the ball away and slide a little more often instead of taking unnecessary hits.
Running back Raheem Mostert also shared a similar opinion.
“We’ve been talking to him ever since his injury. I’ve been telling him, ‘Hey, you need to work on sliding,’” Mostert said. “And we all joke around and laugh, but on a serious note, he knows that he has to protect himself a little bit better and moving forward, only he can control those things.”
There is one thing Tagovailoa could do in an effort to minimize the risk, and that is wearing one of the Guardian Caps. He has, to this point, completely refused to even consider it and quickly dismissed the idea as his own personal choice.
Given his concussion history, young age and playing style it all creates a very concerning picture of where his career — and life after football — could go. It is hard to imagine a player who has played a certain way for so long can just abruptly change playing styles, and as long as he puts himself on the field, there is a chance he could end up leaving another game with another concussion.
The Dolphins offense has certainly missed him over the past few weeks and has been one of the worst in the NFL for the season. Getting their quarterback back in the starting lineup should help that. They just need to make sure they can protect him and he can protect himself.
