Cowboys had unique way of preparing to face Tua Tagovailoa

Sep 11, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) watches prior throwing the football during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys will have their hands full on Sunday trying to keep up with all the blazing speed the Miami Dolphins have on offense, but they clearly are not underestimating the opposing quarterback, either.

Tua Tagovailoa is viewed by many as a system quarterback who simply puts the ball into the hands of playmakers like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert. According to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, the Cowboys view Tua Tagovailoa as a dynamic player in his own right who can beat you multiple ways.

Glazer said on Sunday that the Cowboys prepared for Tagovailoa in practice by using both of their backup quarterbacks to emulate how Tua gets the ball out quickly but can also extend plays with his legs. Primary backup Cooper Rush focused on the quick release stuff, while third-string QB Trey Lance tried to help his teammates prepare Tagovailoa’s mobility.

How did the Cowboys go about planning to face Tua Tagovailoa this week? @JayGlazer on their unique approach 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/axC4agepKf

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 24, 2023

“They said, look, the things that Tua does is he gets the ball faster out of his hands than any other quarterback in the league,” Glazer said. “So, they used Cooper Rush (to simulate) those plays. But then they used Trey Lance for the plays that (Tagovailoa) extends plays and uses his legs to keep those plays going. So, they used two guys just to help prepare for Tua.”

Tagovailoa recently had a strong message for his critics. A lot of people try to take credit away from the former Alabama star and give it to Hill and head coach Mike McDaniel, but it sounds like the Cowboys know Tagovailoa creates plenty of problems for defenses on his own.