NFL reporters came away with a greater understanding of how offenses can often be called for pre-snap delay of game penalties, after failing a simple test of retention.
On Wednesday, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa proved how difficult it is to simply remember just one play in Mike McDaniel's offense.
The talented signal-caller offered reporters the opportunity to hear the play twice, but oddly the media contingent chose to hear it only once.
“I can give you guys a play and then if you guys want to repeat it after me, as if you guys were in the huddle, you guys can,” said Tagovailoa.
“All right, we’ve got ’North Right Clamp South Fox H Top Pass 38 Top Gun B XP Sweat.”
Football is hard 😅. Listen to Tua test the media on reciting back a simple play. (📸 Miami Dolphins) pic.twitter.com/Yf6YO8iK9Z
— Mike Cugno (@MikeCugnoCBS4) August 16, 2023
Immediately after calling out the elongated, tongue-twisting play, Tagovailoa asked if anyone could repeat the play back to him.
“That sounds like a false start to us,” one reporter comically shouted out.
The 25-year-old gun-slinger was able to deliver the poignant message that in addition to displaying on-field skill, simply calling plays in the huddle requires tremendous cerebral ability.
“Yes, sounds like a pre-snap penalty to me!” he said. “Oh my gosh. Oh my goodness.”
With a light-hearted moment, last season’s NFL passer rating leader, subtly taught us that simply re-calling pre-snap plays takes tremendous skill.
