Jaylen Waddle reveals Tua Tagovailoa’s inspiring message before game-winner
Jan 9, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) reacts after running with the football for a first down against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Tua Tagovailoa’s leadership is just fine, according to one of his top targets.
Tagovailoa oversaw an improbable comeback by the Miami Dolphins during Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens. Down 28-7 in the second quarter and 35-14 to start the fourth, Tagovailoa brought Miami back from the dead. He threw four touchdown passes in the final frame (including the go-ahead score to Jaylen Waddle with 14 seconds left) as the Dolphins won 42-38.
TUA TO WADDLE. @MIAMIDOLPHINS LEAD.
📺: #MIAvsBAL on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/LqzAxQaA7Q pic.twitter.com/Em9iy53QIS— NFL (@NFL) September 18, 2022
After the unbelievable victory, Waddle revealed the inspiring message that Tagovailoa had before throwing the final touchdown pass to him.
[He told us in the huddle,] ‘It’s either us or them,'” said Waddle, per Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald. “I felt that. It got me going.”
Though Tagovailoa threw two first-half interceptions, the third-year QB was absolutely magnificent down the stretch. He fed both Waddle and fellow star receiver Tyreek Hill for a combined 22 receptions, 361 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. Tagovailoa also hit tight end Mike Gesicki and receiver River Cracraft for touchdowns of their own, finishing with a total of 469 yards passing and six TDs.
As for Tagovailoa’s qualities as a leader, he has faced criticism in the recent past over that much. But in the year of our Lord 2022, the former top-five pick is definitely giving off franchise quarterback energy for Miami.
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