Tua Tagovailoa’s game struggles linked to past injuries (Image via: Getty Images) Darren Waller joined the Miami Dolphins this season and immediately noticed something striking about his new quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. During practice, Waller saw a level of anticipation and accuracy that few players ever witness firsthand. During game days, the performance of Tua is mostly not at the level he displays at practice times. Such situations leave everyone wondering what’s holding him back.The difference between his practice brilliance and in-game execution has sparked questions about Tagovailoa’s future with the Dolphins. Waller believes he has some insight into the issue, pointing specifically to the lingering effects of past head injuries. Even though Tua’s arm talent and football IQ remain at an elite level, the trauma from previous concussions could still be affecting how he reads defenses, makes decisions, and performs when facing oncoming pressure during games.
How head injuries might be limiting Tua Tagovailoa’s full potential
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Speaking on Johnny Manziel’s podcast, Waller described what he saw during Dolphins practices. “I’m watching this man throw darts every practice. I had never seen the anticipation and the accuracy out there,” Waller said. He emphasized that the skills are still intact, but translating that to live-game scenarios seems hindered, potentially due to the trauma stored in Tua’s body from past injuries. “I think there could be some trauma still stored in his body from what he’s gone through with the head injuries,” Waller further added.Waller pointed out that Tua tries to make plays in games and attempts to pull the trigger under pressure. Yet, it seems his system sometimes won’t allow it. “I think if there’s a way for him to find some healing in that regard, I think the skill set is still there,” Waller noted. This insight highlights the delicate balance between a quarterback’s physical health and mental readiness, particularly after significant head trauma.Inconsistencies shown by Tua have already affected the organizational decisions of the Dolphins. His performance over the last two years led to the departure of the team’s head coach, Mike McDaniel. This has left the future of the quarterback at the team uncertain. Since the team has a significant amount of money to pay Tua, the next head coach must assess his physical and mental condition.Waller’s observations underline a crucial point that talent alone may not be enough for Tua Tagovailoa to reach his potential again. Addressing the after-effects of head injuries and rebuilding confidence could be the key for the Dolphins to unlock the quarterback’s full capabilities. Finding a coach who understands these issues could significantly impact Miami’s competitiveness in the coming seasons.