In his third NFL season, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been no stranger to criticism. Before Miami started the 2022 season, many in the NFL world felt the former Alabama product didn’t have the arm strength to last as a pro.
Now that the Dolphins have started 3-0, buoyed by a blossoming Tagovailoa no less, they’ve begun to open some eyes. One person, Thursday Night Football analyst and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, still isn’t quite a fan of Tagovailoa’s play. That might be an understatement.
In the pregame of Miami’s “darling” matchup with the Bengals (-3.5), the NFL legend said that the Dolphins’ passer essentially has to have a perfect, sparkling game every single time he plays.
Uh, alright?
According to Tony Gonzalez, Tua needs to throw 6 TDs and 470 yards consistently to be legit. Who does that!?!? pic.twitter.com/xRBMopYv82
— spydercane (@spydercane) September 30, 2022
“That’s what the great ones do now.”
No. No, they do not. Not every game, anyway.
Look, I’m not sold on Tagovailoa long-term just yet, either. But to expect the young quarterback to throw for 400-plus yards and six scores in every game is ludicrous and hyperbolic. I’d settle for a clean sheet and more than a few big plays downfield, but that’s just me. Though, I’m not the one setting the impossible bar for a young player trying to mature.
NFL fans couldn't believe Gonzalez's high standards for Tagovailoa's play
Look what Tua has to do to get Tony Gonzalez’s respect. Start 4-0, and keep throwing 6 touchdowns every game lmao tough crowd
— prince j. grimes (@pgprincej) September 29, 2022
So Tony Gonzalez thinks Tua needs to throw 6 TDs in a game again before he'll buy him as a legit star???
— Jesse Reed (@JesseReed78) September 29, 2022
Tony Gonzalez said he need to see tua throw for 300+ yards tonight to show that he’s legit Lmao
— Dre (@phinsforlife305) September 30, 2022
Bro tony Gonzalez is a bit over board. if Tua doesn’t have 300 yards it’s not good enough lol
— Vito 🐬🆙 (TUA+1-0) (@FinsFan2992) September 30, 2022
Tony Gonzalez sounds like such a hater right now. Talking about Tua needs to repeatedly throw for 470 yards and 6 TD’s to believe in him lol.
— Ian (@ianmccalister) September 29, 2022
Tony Gonzalez just said he wants to see Tua consistently throw for 460 yards and 6 touchdowns oh my lord😭
— Austin Mason (@A_Mace7) September 29, 2022
Tony Gonzalez just said he needs to see Tua have another 6 touchdown game before he takes him seriously 🤣🤣
— Prodigal Son 🇭🇹 (@RodnyeTheoc) September 29, 2022
Tony Gonzalez moving the goalposts for Tua is laughable
— Big Daddy Schnulls (@BigSchnulls) September 30, 2022
Is Tony Gonzalez ok? He said Tua need a ravens game
— bin🪐 (@channingbruss) September 30, 2022
Did Tony Gonzalez seriously just say he would buy into Tua if he regularly threw 400 yards 6TDs 🤯
— James Neville (@JamesNev1990) September 29, 2022
