The Miami Dolphins have already announced that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be inactive for Sunday’s matchup with the New York Jets, as he’s still in concussion protocol following the hit he took against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4.
In Tagovailoa’s place will be veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who’s no stranger to stepping up to fill in for a starter. Bridgewater had that same opportunity during his time with the New Orleans Saints when Drew Brees was forced to miss five games in 2019. The former Louisville Cardinal led the Saints to a 5-0 record, keeping them on track for their eventual division title.
Now, Bridgewater will get his first prolonged shot to run Mike McDaniel’s offense, and he may have most of Miami’s weapons around him, including Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Mike Gesicki, Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds.
While Tagovailoa has been successful so far in 2022, there are still some who believe that the Dolphins will run better with Bridgewater in. Former Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles is one of them.
“I actually think Teddy Bridgewater is a better fit for the offense than Tua was, in my personal opinion,” Coles said on the 33rd Team Jets Podcast. “He can actually get the ball further down the field than Tua can. So, it’s gonna be a little bit of a tougher task than the Pittsburgh Steelers offense you were dealing with.”
So far this season, Taogvailoa is fifth in air yards per attempt (5.6) and Bridgewater is ninth (5.0).
The arm strength conversation isn’t one that’s going to disappear until Tagovailoa consistently proves that he can hit those deep shots. Unfortunately, the underthrow to Hill that resulted in an interception is one of the last plays in minds.
Now, Bridgewater will have an opportunity to prove them right this weekend.
