NFL legend Mike Vick disagreed with Tyreek Hill’s suggestion that Miami Dolphins star Tua Tagovailoa is the most accurate quarterback in the league before suggesting he needs to ‘bulk up’ to avoid injury issues in 2023.
Last season, Tagovailoa - the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft - enjoyed the best year of his career to lead the NFL in passer rating (105.5). In doing so, he became the first Dolphins quarterback to achieve such a feat since franchise icon Dan Marino back in 1984.
Miami have made a number of exciting moves heading into the 2023 season, but the AFC East franchise’s championship hopes ultimately hinge on the health of their quarterback. If Tagovailoa is available all year, the Dolphins offensive firepower in Hill and fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle could overwhelm defences.
During Vick’s appearance on Hill’s ‘It Needed To Be Said’ podcast on the Vocal Podcast Network, the receiver reiterated his belief that Tagovailoa is the most accurate quarterback in the NFL - even more so that two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes. Vick appeared to agree with the sentiment before playing down the weight of the proclamation.
“I ain’t gonna say the most accurate, I’m just saying like his ball - he throw a catchable ball,” Vick told Hill. “He throw a real catchable ball.
“If you watch what he did in college… every ball was on the money. Soft, right where the receiver [was], in stride.”
The debate regarding Tagovailoa is less about his ability and more about his health concerns. Back in September, the 25-year-old was hospitalised due to a second head injury in as many games; just days after taking a scary hit to the head against the Buffalo Bills, the deeply concerning moment came when former Alabama star suffered a concussion against the Cincinnati Bengals.
As he laid on the pitch against the Bengals, Tagovailoa’s fingers displayed the ‘fencing response’ which usually signifies a serious neurological issue. Tagovailoa entered the concussion protocol once more after falling 26-20 to the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day as he appeared to bounce his head off the turf in the second half. He subsequently threw three interceptions in the loss and didn’t return to the field for the rest of the season.
Tagovailoa has since focused on methods that can help him avoid head injuries, incorporating Jiu-Jitsu techniques into his training regime to learn how to fall forward and protect his head in the pocket. Vick believes the quarterback simply needs to add some weight to his frame.
“I just think he’s got to bulk up a little bit,” Vick added. “Get a little bit bigger. Get stronger. As you grow into your man body, that’s what needs to happen.
“Ain’t nothing wrong with picking up another 10 pounds, 15 pounds… Don’t get hit. Don’t get knocked around.”
Tagovailoa’s health and availability is key to any Miami hopes of contenting for the Super Bowl. The Dolphins started 3-0 before Tagovailoa went down, losing their next three while their season spiralled down the stretch as head coach Mike McDaniel’s team suffered five successive losses between Week 13 and 17 to finish 9-8.
