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Dolphins’ failed Tom Brady move leaves Tua Tagovailoa in awkward spot

Dolphins' failed Tom Brady move leaves Tua Tagovailoa in awkward spot

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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa signed autographs, posed for photos with fans and heard them serenade him with “Tua! Tua! Tua!” chants after training camp practice, while the NFL delivered its punishment to owner Stephen Ross for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton.

While Tagovailoa felt the love from the Dolphins’ fan base, the NFL’s ruling – stripping Miami of two draft picks while suspending Ross through Oct. 17 and fining him $1.5 million – was just another reminder how his own franchise hasn’t loved him the same. 

Whether it was Brady or Deshaun Watson, the Dolphins tried incessantly to land a big-fish quarterback to elevate their franchise. And since they failed, Tagovailoa must navigate his third NFL season, knowing he’s the quarterback Miami has settled on more than the one they covet.

“I’m still here. I’m blessed to be here,” Tagovailoa said Wednesday in another press conference in which he again had to address his team’s overtures despite his position as starting quarterback.

“If it has to do with support from the team, I think the team’s all in with me and the guys.”

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While this news can bring up some old, unwanted feelings for Tagovailoa – even though his approach is “don’t hear it, don’t see it” – it doesn’t change his mindset and what he must accomplish in 2022.

Tagovailoa must still prove he can stay healthy, deliver the football downfield to weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and help the Dolphins compete with the reigning AFC East champion Buffalo Bills while contending for a playoff berth.

And he must do his…

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