In the upcoming season, the Dolphins have shifted their focus from keeping quarterback Tua Tagovailoa healthy to making him more effective on the field. Coach Mike McDaniel emphasized the importance of making Tua “svelte” during a press conference on Tuesday.
McDaniel explained that last year, Tua was on a strength program rather than an offseason weight program. As a result, he became stronger but felt that he could reshape his body to be lighter on his feet. This led to a more focused approach to diet and caloric intake to maintain strength gains while improving agility.
While strength is essential for a quarterback’s performance, the issue of size and weight comes into play when considering both protection and speed. Finding the balance between being big enough to stay healthy and agile enough to perform at his best is crucial for Tua. The team is taking a calculated risk by emphasizing agility over pure strength in order to push through the one-and-done playoff ceiling.
The Dolphins are striving for more than just making the playoffs and exiting in the wild-card round. By focusing on Tua’s agility and effectiveness on the field, the team aims to achieve greater success in the upcoming season. This shift in strategy reflects a commitment to pushing beyond previous limitations and reaching new heights in performance.