As the Miami Dolphins prepare for their Christmas Day home showdown with the Green Bay Packers (FOX, 1 p.m.), FloridaBet.com decided to assess where Tua Tagovailoa ranks among the game’s great left-handed quarterbacks.
In the 12 games he has played this season, Tagovailoa, still only 24, has completed 243 of 375 passes (64.8% completion percentage) for 3,238 yards, 24 touchdowns and just five interceptions for a quarterback rating of 107.8.
While we wait for the state to untangle legislation and get Florida sports betting legal, FloridaBet.com took a look at this season’s stats for Tagovailoa and compared them to the high-water season marks for several great southpaw slingers during their storied careers.
Tua 2022 Stats vs. Other Lefty Stars
Keep in mind this is what Tua has accomplished with three games to go, as compared to the highest number these stars had for a full season throughout their careers. The best in each category is noted in boldface.
As you can see, with just this uncompleted season, Tua stacks up quite nicely in the rankings.
In fact, at his current pace for the next three games, Tagovailoa would finish with 30 touchdowns, good for second on this list, and a little more than 4,000 yards.
Rare air, indeed. And, again, Tua is only 24 and has been banged up with a concussion and other injuries this year.
Adding some perspective, Young and Stabler are the only lefties to win a Super Bowl title. Esiason did start in Super Bowl XXIII, where he lost to Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers on a historic game-winning drive, 20-16.
Huge Playoff Push Starts Sunday
If the NFL regular season ended today, the Dolphins playoff chances (8-6, 2nd AFC East) would see them be the seventh and final seed in the AFC playoffs, resulting in a trip to play the second-seeded Kansas City Chiefs.
Fortunately for Miami, there are still three games left in season, starting with Green Bay (6-8, 3rd NFC North) on Sunday. The Packers also are fighting to stay alive in the NFC playoff picture.
There are no Florida sports betting apps, but nationally at BetMGM Sportsbook Wednesday afternoon, the Dolphins are a 4-point and -200 moneyline favorite over the Packers (+165). The over/under point total for the game at 49.5.
After winning five straight, the Dolphins have lost their last three games by 16, 6 and 3 points, respectively. They are in desperate need of a win with a trip to face the New England Patriots on New Year’s Day and a home game against the New York Jets during the last week of the season on Jan. 8.
Dolphins Futures Market
At BetMGM Sportsbook, Miami is listed at +2000 to capture the AFC and the Dolphins Super Bowl odds are +3500. They have even longer odds at +5000 to capture the AFC East division, where they sit three games back of the Buffalo Bills with three games remaining.
