LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter of a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
This definitely won’t be going over that well for the Miami Dolphins fan base.
The Miami Dolphins are trying to win and stay alive in the AFC playoff race. Well, they might be doing so without Tua Tagovailoa under center.
With nine minutes and a few seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Brian Flores elected to bench is starting quarterback again in favor of veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. It could be for a drive or it could be for the night.
If it’s the latter, he’ll finish against the Las Vegas Raiders 17-of-22 with 94 passing yards and red zone touchdown to Myles Gaskins. His average yards per throw will close out at 4.3.
Fitzpatrick might be bringing the Fitzmagic once again thanks to his arm. Currently, he’s 5-of-8 for 73 yards, including a nice 31-yard pass to tight end Mike Gesicki.
Not the first time Tua has been benched
This isn’t the first time Tagovailoa has been told to hit the pine. In Week 10, the former No.5 pick was taken out against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter as well. He finished in the Mile High City with 83 passing yards and a touchdown, seeing his average throw travel 4.2 passing yards.
Look familiar? The Broncos went on to win 20-13.
Tagovailoa is the future of the franchise without a doubt, but games like this are why it’s great to have a close backup. Fitzpatrick started the season under center, helping the team look like a playoff-caliber roster.
Let’s see if he can close this out with a victory for one final time in 2020.