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QB A = Fitzpatrick
QB B = Tua
These numbers are extrapolated over 14 games. The following thread is context.
QB B = Tua
These numbers are extrapolated over 14 games. The following thread is context.
Fitzpatrick's numbers are the combined average of his seasons under Chan Gailey (as HC and OC). Buffalo 2010-12, and New York 2015-16. Fitz averaged 14 games played in those years, and his numbers are reflective of that.
Tua's numbers have been extrapolated over 14 starts.
Tua's numbers have been extrapolated over 14 starts.
These numbers reflect some obvious things, IMO. Tua doesn't push the ball downfield as much as Fitz. He's got a propensity to hold the ball longer at times and take sacks (been doing that since 'Bama). Fitz is a gunslinger and unafraid to throw into traffic or 50/50 balls (INTS)
Tua's more careful, and as a result has a much better TD:INT ratio (FWIW, it's better than both Burrow and Herbert as well).
One thing I'd call out is that Tua is doing this as a rookie. Fitzpatrick had started 23 games in the NFL before ever playing for Gailey. Fitz's numbers are from his 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, and 12th seasons in the NFL. Tua's a rookie.
Tua's doing all of this under strange circumstances. No offseason program, truncated training camp. We know those. He's also played with multiple OL combinations in front of him. We know his weapons aren't great. Outside of 11 and 88, who else starts across the league?
Chan Gailey certainly seems to be more conservative in his play-calling with Tua than Fitz.
There's also things that only 16 years of NFL battles will teach you. Fitz has that knowledge. Tua doesn't. That's not an excuse for Tua; he needs to trust himself more.
There's also things that only 16 years of NFL battles will teach you. Fitz has that knowledge. Tua doesn't. That's not an excuse for Tua; he needs to trust himself more.
As for the benchings against Denver and Las Vegas. If 2019 taught us anything as Dolfans, it's that Brian Flores wants to win above all else.
I can't really think of a precedent for this, but what's wrong with turning to a grizzled vet before a game slips away from you?
I can't really think of a precedent for this, but what's wrong with turning to a grizzled vet before a game slips away from you?
It'd be one thing to stick with Tua if you're in Week 2 or Week 6, but the incidence last night was Week 16 in the midst of playoff push. As Flo said himself, it's taking out a starting pitcher & putting in a closer. Not saying Fitz is Marino Rivera, but you get the point. I hope
The only parallel that I can think of that's even in the same neighborhood is what Lloyd Carr did with Drew Henson and Tom Brady at Michigan, but Flores is doing it in reverse so to speak.
That aside. Tua saw this happen with he and Jalen Hurts at Alabama. Tua WAS the closer and delivered a National Championship. Jalen handled it in stride, and now so is Tua. Coach Flo managed to win without upsetting the applecart here. I think everyone needs to appreciate that.
Above all for Tua, if he's doing what he's doing with a leaky OL, a subpar set of weapons, an OC who doesn't want to open it up for him and push a bad spot in a playoff push, etc. If Tua's doing all that, shouldn't we be more excited for what's to come?
Clearly Brian Flores isn't afraid to make changes when necessary. He fired Chad O'Shea and let Patrick Graham walk. He promoted Josh Boyer - a home run. Chan Gailey hasn't been as great, but I think what he's done is give Tua a base to grow from.
Chris Grier's done a great job of assembling resources. Miami have $35M in cap space with $15M+ to rollover. They have a boatload of picks again. They can provide more of a supporting cast for Tua. That will come in time. For now, it's onto Buffalo. #FinsUp 
Also, congrats to @Jobber73 and @WingfieldNFL for being the first to figure out that the QBs were Fitz and Tua! Well done.
