2021 NFL Quarterback Power Rankings: How far ahead is Patrick Mahomes?

By Randy Gurzi | Jun 7, 2021

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 17: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks for an open receiver in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Arrowhead Stadium on January 17, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

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Miami Dolphins, NFL. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

28. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

Last season, Tua Tagovailoa was the victim of a lot of criticism. The rookie quarterback took over for Ryan Fitzpatrick who was playing some of the best ball of his life. Despite the success Fitz was having, the coaching staff seemed to have a clear plan in mind as they put the rookie in during the bye week which allowed him plenty of time to recover from a hip injury that ended his collegiate career at Alabama.

In nine starts, Tua was 6-3 for Miami but a lot of that credit went to the defense since he wasn’t really wowing anyone with his arm. He finished with 1,814 yards while completing 64.1 percent of his throws. He also had an 11-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

None of those numbers were bad and if averaged out over 16 starts, he would have finished with 3,225, 19 touchdowns and nine picks. The problem is, he was being compared to players such as Justin Herbert who threw for 4,336 yards and had 31 touchdowns in 15 starts, and Joe Burrow who had 2,688 yards and 13 touchdowns in 10 games.

Tua looked like a rookie and having other rookies look like veteran stars didn’t help him any. Miami has added some help for him in Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle but Tagovailoa has to show that he can get it done more consistently in 2021 to move up the rankings.

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