How do Tua Tagovailoa's passing metrics compare to other starting QBs?
Entering into the 2021 NFL season, the Miami Dolphins will likely see their hopes and aspirations as a team defined by the performance of a few key players. Second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is looking to make a big jump after a challenging rookie season with the Dolphins. Yes, Tagovailoa posted a 6-3 record as the teams starter, but the sustainability of Miamis success from 2020 will be compromised if the young quarterback cant take a step forward. Theres plenty of room for improvement and optimism alike. The Dolphins are welcoming in a group of dynamic playmakers into the offense. The team added speedy receivers Will Fuller (free agency) and Jaylen Waddle (2021 draft) and also welcome back speedy receiver Albert Wilson from a COVID-19 opt-out in 2020. The early returns at Dolphins OTAs is that Wilson will be well positioned to make an impact. If those players and a few tinkered change along the offensive line click, Miami will be looking at a very competitive season in 2021. That is, of course, depending still on Tagovailoa. Thanks to fantasy football writer Sam Hoppen, we can see a comparative chart of how well each NFL starter ranked in a slew of analytical categories. And this chart paints a clear picture for where Tagovailoa can improve relative to league average:  Inspired by @minakimes & @Nate_Tice's conversation on what each QB needs to improve this season, I built an analytical profile for non-rookie starters looking at their on-target % and EPA/play for various stats and how they compare across the league (data from @SportsInfo_SIS). pic.twitter.com/8zSVat4oaX  Sam Hoppen (@SamHoppen) June 2, 2021  Accuracy figures to all levels of the field rank below average for Tagovailoa based on his 2020 play. But theres some optimism to be had here  Tagovailoa has openly stated that his throwing delivery this season feels more streamlined and effective. Theres less arm to his release now and more lower body since hes focused on added strength training as he gets further away from his devastating hip injury. Any sound throwing motion and delivery starts from the ground up, so Tagovailoas improved strength and health will allow him to be more consistent with his delivery and, hopefully, prompt even better accuracy to all levels of the field. Better health, better talent around him and more confidence in Year 2. If we see more green in Tagovailoas column at the end of the season, Miami will likely be in the hunt.