Two noticeable offseason gains for Tua Tagovailoa. And more notes from training camp
In addition to the jiu-jitsu training, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa added roughly 10 pounds during the offseason — the benefits of which are already being noticed by his coach and teammates during the first two weeks of training camp.
“I don’t know this to be facts, but it appears by my layman’s eye that he has more pitches in his arsenal, like he can layer stuff and drive it just with even more command than he’s already pretty adept at, considering his accuracy,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said before Thursday’s practice. “So I think it just overall helps him feel prepared and execute a lot of things and the residuals are apparent and various.”
It’s no secret the biggest key to the Dolphins’ success in 2023 relies on Tagovailoa staying on the field and being productive in Miami’s offense.
Tagovailoa took the aforementioned steps since last season when he missed five games, including the Dolphins’ loss to Buffalo in the playoffs due to two separate concussions.
“He really took his training on his body serious this offseason for a multitude of reasons, and I’ve seen various things, where he has a little more short-area explosiveness, where you’re able to manipulate yourself in the pocket at a more explosive rate,” McDaniel said.
The training to learn to effectively fall better and the added arm strength aren’t the only improvements Tagovailoa seems to be benefitting from in camp.
It has also made him more nimble and more versatile on his feet according to one teammate.
“I feel like he’s been able to utilize his legs a little bit more often, and not in the running aspect, but in settling down, getting his five-step and three-step [drops] and timing right,” Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert said. “I’ve been in this offense, and I like watching every little aspect possible. He seemed like he’s finding his way in regards to the timing and how to work his feet and his lower body and his rhythm and his hips.”
Mostert, a veteran of McDaniel’s offense from their shared time in San Francisco, knows the value of what a versatile and nimble Tagovailoa who could throw deep with accuracy could bring to the Dolphins’ passing game.
“I feel like he’s in a good stance right now,” Mostert said. “He’s doing what he needs to do out there and he’s delivering the ball in exceptional places.”
ADDING CORNERBACK DEPTH
According to a source, the Dolphins are planning to sign former Duke cornerback Mark Gilbert, who led the USFL in interceptions this past season. Gilbert, 26, recorded four interceptions while playing for the Pittsburgh Maulers and appeared in eight games in 2021 for the Detroit Lions, recording three tackles, one pass breakup and a forced fumble.
NEW ARRIVALS
Safety Myles Dorn and linebacker Mike Rose, whom the Dolphins signed late Wednesday night, each participated in his first practice with the team Thursday.
Dorn played 14 games for the Minnesota Vikings during the past two seasons and totaled five career special teams tackles (two solo). He spent this past offseason with the Carolina Panthers.
Rose played for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL this past spring, appearing in eight games with six starts and totaled 35 tackles (15 solo).
WHO’S HOT
▪ Andrew Van Ginkel recorded what likely would have been two sacks on pass rush situations in 11-on-11 drills. Van Ginkel recently drew praise from McDaniel before a recent practice and from general manager Chris Grier during a recent interview with SiriusXM.
▪ Cam Smith continued to impress Thursday, especially with a pass breakup during goal-to-go drills. Smith read the play well and broke up Skylar Thompson’s pass in the end zone intended for River Cracraft.
WHO’S NOT
The offense was called for at least five false start penalties during 11-on-11s as the Dolphins used officials during practice for the first time this training camp. Liam Eichenberg also gave up a sack during 11-on-11 drills to Zach Sieler on a pressure during a goal line situation.
NEXT PRACTICE
The Dolphins will hold their next practice on Friday at 10:45 a.m. The session is open to fans that are season ticket members only.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Arm wrestling competitions. He’s less prone to defeat,” — McDaniel said at first when asked about Tagovailoa’s bulked-up physique since entering training camp.
Miami Herald Sportswriter Barry Jackson contributed to this report.
This story was originally published August 3, 2023 at 3:30 PM.
