Forcing Tagovailoa to hold the ball for a beat isn’t a new game plan. Every team’s goal is to restrict his first look. Sunday, the Colts executed with aplomb. New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo confused the QB with droppers, and Miami’s belabored offensive line became a sieve.
Miami’s offense didn’t generate more than 44 yards on any drive until a 65-yard garbage-time TD possession in the final quarter.
Tagovailoa threw two ghastly interceptions, fumbled once, had just 114 yards and one touchdown on 14-of-23 passes.
Colts edge rusher Laiatu Latu snagged one of the interceptions when he dropped into coverage, completely fooling the QB who appeared not to see the 6-foot-5, 265-pound defensive end. After the game, Latu echoed Howard’s comments on getting to Tua.
“You could just tell with the big eyes and him getting flustered,” he said of Tagovailoa.
Given the O-line issues, the play-calling questions, and the lack of explosives, things could get darker for Tagovailoa in Miami as they face division rivals, New England, Buffalo and New York the next three weeks.