Mike Gesicki, Tua Tagovailoa. (Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports)
Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki does his part to dunk all over the Tua Tagovailoa haters.
There is no doubt about who Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki wants to throw him the football this upcoming NFL season; it is Tua Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa was drafted No. 5 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft after an illustrious college career at Alabama. While the Dolphins nearly made the AFC Playoffs in his first year with the franchise, Tagovailoa split time with journeyman signal-caller Ryan Fitzpatrick. Of the three first-round quarterbacks who played last season, Tagovailoa was by far the least impressive of the trio.
Good luck trying to tell Gesicki that Tagovailoa is not the guy under center down in South Beach.
Miami Dolphins: Mike Gesicki crushes the Tua Tagovailoa haters in presser
This is a critical season for Tagovailoa in Miami. While the Dolphins did get themselves an excellent backup quarterback in native Floridian Jacoby Brissett, this is Tagovailoa’s year to prove he can be a starter in the NFL. Miami has the roster to compete for one of seven playoff spots in the AFC. Anything short of a postseason berth will be viewed as a massive disappointment for the team.
The good news for Miami is that they have drafted well under general manager Chris Grier and seem to have the right disciplinarian head coach in place in defensive-minded Brian Flores. The Dolphins can win a bunch of games playing great defense, complemented with a ball-control offense. However, Tagovailoa has to play better for Miami to go somewhere around 11-6 in 2021.
With this being his year to be the unquestioned starter, look for Tagovailoa to build on his rapport with Gesicki, as a trusted tight end usually ends up being any young quarterback’s safety valve. Also factor in Tagovailoa getting his former college teammate Jaylen Waddle to rifle the pigskin to in the slot and all over the gridiron. If Tagovailoa is the real deal, Miami should make the playoffs.
Having Gesicki all-in on his quarterback should be good news to Miami on the Tagovailoa front.