Tagovailoa getting adjusted to Fangio defense, other observations from Dolphins minicamp
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sounded exasperated as he recalled his first encounter with a Vic Fangio-led defense.
Making his fourth career start against the Denver Broncos in 2020, Tagovailoa was befuddled by Fangio’s elaborate schemes and disguises. He completed 11 of 20 passes for 83 yards, one touchdown and was sacked six times before being benched for Ryan Fitzpatrick.
“I was getting hit a lot,” Tagovailoa said Wednesday, after the second day of mandatory minicamp. “I was getting confused, where to go. I think what [Fango] does a really good job with his guys is holding shell in the back end. They do a really good job holding shell and being able to disguise their coverages in that sense.
“There are so many nuances to what they do and how they run their defense. So many coverages. It’s not just one. There is a knock-off of, like, six-in-one coverage. You’ve got to know what they’re doing and if you don’t, they’ll make you pay.”
Head coach Mike McDaniel said an unintended consequence of hiring Fangio to lead the defense has been the impact on the offense, sharpening execution in team drills during the offseason workout program. That includes Tagovailoa, who has had early-career struggles against the scheme.
The defense is built on limiting explosive pass plays, an area in which the Dolphins offense thrived in 2022. And even with wide receiver Tyreek Hill sidelined from team drills with what McDaniel called “some minor stuff,” Tagovailoa has kept the offense afloat, bypassing downfield passes for quicker completions.
On Wednesday, this meant finding fullback Alec Ingold multiple times, including for an intermediate completion near the sideline.
The results aren’t flashy but as defenses — including their own — attempt to curtail the duo of Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Ingold and others could emerge as effective counters underneath.
Other highlights from Day 2 of mandatory minicamp:
▪ The best pass of practice came from quarterback Skylar Thompson, who lofted a pass about 20 yards downfield over multiple defenders and into the hands of undrafted rookie wide receiver Daewood Davis for a likely long touchdown.
▪ Cornerback Justin Bethel intercepted quarterback Mike White in 11-on-11 work, leaping in front of wide receiver River Cracraft.
▪ Defensive tackle Raekwon Davis had a pressure and likely sack of Tagovailoa in 11-on-11 drills.
▪ Undrafted rookie linebacker Garrett Nelson was active, with at least one likely sack, a tackle for loss and additional pressures.
▪ Wide receiver Erik Ezukanma caught multiple passes in team drills, including one for at least a 20-yard gain.
Attendance report
Starting center Connor Williams was absent from minicamp for the second consecutive day, as was second-year wide receiver Braylon Sanders. The reason for Sanders’ absence is unknown.
Offensive linemen Geron Christian and Cedric Ogbuehi were seen at practice after being absent from Tuesday’s session.
A host of veterans continued to sit out team drills, including Hill, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, left tackle Terron Armstead and outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips.
Preseason time change
The NFL on Wednesday announced the full preseason schedule and kickoff for Miami’s road game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 19 has moved from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This story was originally published June 7, 2023 at 2:22 PM.
