Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik commended quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for his composure and professionalism despite facing significant difficulties last season. While Slowik refrained from confirming whether Tagovailoa will be the starting quarterback this year, he emphasized that the team is still early in its evaluation process.
“We’re going to try to push competition as often as we can at every single spot,”
Slowik said, as reported by ESPN.
“What I can say about Tua, just from being with him last year — I know last year was a difficult year for him without a doubt, for a lot of different reasons, and I think what jumped out to me was the grace he handled that with. The way he went about his daily routine through last season, even at the end of the year, the kind of person he was to everybody and to his teammates. I mean you can’t say enough about that, how good of a person he was and how he handled that situation.”
Slowik Reflects on the Complex Factors Behind Tagovailoa’s Struggles
Slowik acknowledged the complexity behind the quarterback’s tough year but was unable to single out a particular cause for Tagovailoa’s challenges. He highlighted the many overlapping issues that can affect a player’s performance and complimented Tagovailoa’s efforts to remain focused on what he could control throughout the season.
“It’s never as simple as one thing, ever,”
Slowik explained.
“It’s always a lot of different things that can go into it, and I could not pinpoint any specific area, not really. I just know it was very difficult year for him, and I know that everything he could control and how we went through the year, he did a phenomenal job of controlling those things.”
Additional NFL Developments: Joe Milton’s Frustration and Buffalo Bills Coaching Updates
Former Patriots quarterback Joe Milton voiced his disappointment following last season when then-head coach Jerod Mayo chose Drake Maye as the starter instead of making Milton the primary backup. Milton felt sidelined, particularly since veteran Jacoby Brissett remained the backup despite limited practice reps, which led Milton to request a trade. He was subsequently traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
“I think it would have been different when Jacoby was the starter—Drake was the backup, I was the emergency quarterback,”
Milton shared via Patriots Wire.
“When you move Drake up to start, what should Jacoby now do? He got his job took. [I should have moved up, too]. But you don’t do that. You keep him at the [No.] 2 because he’s the vet. But he’s not taking reps. It’s just me and Drake the only ones practicing, but he’s still the two. I just felt disrespected.”
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills announced staff updates, with head coach Joe Brady confirming the retention of running backs coach Kelly Skipper, tight ends coach Rob Boras, and assistant offensive line coach Austin Gund among others. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard outlined his vision for an aggressive, attacking defense focused on forcing offenses to react under pressure. Leonhard also praised safety Cole Bishop, expressing enthusiasm for the young player’s potential.
Implications for Tua Tagovailoa and Team Outlook
The Dolphins’ acknowledgment of Tua Tagovailoa’s professionalism despite a difficult season signals optimism for his ability to rebound. The coaching staff’s commitment to fostering competition at every position suggests that Tagovailoa’s performance this offseason will be critical to his retention as the starting quarterback. Given the complexities behind his struggles last year, the focus remains on how he can regain form and contribute to the team’s success moving forward. Meanwhile, developments around the league, including personnel changes and players’ frustrations, underscore the competitive and dynamic environment of the NFL as new seasons approach.
"Attacking defense. We are going to attack the football. We are going to force issues for the offense and make them counterpunch." — Jim Leonhard
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) February 5, 2026
"I was a very big fan of Cole (Bishop) coming out of college." — Jim Leonhard who said Bishop is the kind of safety he wanted to be, as well. Mentioned Bishop's versatility.
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) February 5, 2026
Joe Brady said he is retaining Kelly Skipper (RB coach), Rob Boras (tight ends), Austin Gund (assistant OL under Kromer) and Brady's right-hand man, DJ Mangas, among others.
Brady said the Bills are still working through details of positions, titles, etc.
— Lance Lysowski (@LLysowski) February 5, 2026
Patriots QB Drake Maye on his right shoulder:
"I'm not trying to lie to you guys when I say I'm feeling great."
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) February 5, 2026
