Tua: Rookie season was 'below average'

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was critical of his first full season in the NFL.

"I would describe my rookie season as below average," said Tagovailoa, according to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. "This past season wasn't up to my expectation that I have for myself. But there were a lot of things that I was able to learn from."

In his first pro campaign, Tagovailoa racked up 1,814 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions with a 64 completion percentage.

Miami selected Tagovailoa with the fifth overall selection in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Hawaiian was considered a steal based on his collegiate accomplishments. The Alabama alum won a national title as a freshman and almost secured a second as a sophomore.

Tagovailoa was named the starter after Week 5 last season. The Dolphins went 6-3 in games that he started. During the final stretch of the campaign, Tua was benched in favor of veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, including the team's Week 16 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders.

"Coach did what he thought was best for the team and it was what was best for the team," said Tagovailoa. "If I didn't have the relationship I have with my coaches and Fitz it would have been a little bit different."

Meanwhile, Miami has been discussed as possible trade destination for disgruntled Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Despite his name being mentioned in reports, Tagovailoa is focused on improving for the 2021 season.

"I have to control what I can control. Work hard. And do well next season."