Tua Confirms Brian Flores was a Bad Head Coach

Tua Tagovailoa's career with the Miami Dolphins was... up and down. Actually, it was mostly down. There are many reasons why that was the case. The roster wasn't a competitive one, Tua was coming off a horrific hip injury, and the head coach did like the franchise quarterback. On Thursday Tua Tagovailoa, while being asked about his leadership, talked about his time under the previous regime. The short of it is Tua confirms Brian Flores was a bad head coach. Tua's exact quote is "... with how I was told I should have led. It just wasn't the way I felt comfortable with and so I didn't lead in that sense...". Here's a cut with the full context.

We've heard for years that good coaches don't fit players into their system, the fit their system to their players. The same would apply here, if not more so. Telling a player there is only one way for a quarterback to lead a team is one of the more ridiculous things I've heard recently. Tua is his own man and to be anything other than would be disingenuous on his part. Thankfully for Tua and us Dolphins fans, Brian Flores is gone and Mike McDaniel is in. On top of being one of the smartest minds to partner with a young quarterback, McDaniel has empowered Tua to be his own person and lead the way he sees appropriate. Just watch the first interaction between Tua and McDaniel.

This is how one gains respect and becomes a leader in the NFL. The days of "my way or the highway" are over. That is certainly true in some instances, but it's not the only rule to live by. McDaniel has shown not just Tua, but the entire roster what it means to be a leader. Be genuine to who you are and always have the best interest of your teammates. Is McDaniel goofy? Sure. Does he look like a traditional head coach? Probably not. But he looks out for his guys and wants them to succeed. This is what leadership looks like in 2023.

The Jonathan Taylor saga rolls on in Indianapolis. On Wednesday the Colts activated Taylor off the PUP list. And starts a 21-day window where Taylor has to return to the field. The Colts front office and ownership have been sending mixed messages this offseason. GM Chris Ballard has said he wants Taylor to play his entire career in Indianapolis. While owner Jim Irsay has said running backs don't have value in today's game, and doesn't want to pay big money to a back. There were 2 teams that reportedly entered trade discussions with the Colts for Taylor. They were the Dolphins and the Packers. But with De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert's start to the season, it seems unlikely the Fins will be in for Taylor again. As for the Packers, I think Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon is a nice 1-2 punch.

So who are the 4 teams that should trade for Jonathan Taylor? More on that in a minute (or just scroll down). I am circling in on true contenders to make the playoffs. Could the Chicago Bears use Jonathan Taylor? Hell yes. However that seems like a bad move considering the franchise is headed towards another tear down at the end of the season. That is unless Justin Fields has a miraculous turn around. This is not me reporting these teams are in for Jonathan Taylor. But they should be if they want to improve their chances of either making the playoffs or a deep run into February. Here are the 4 teams that should trade for Jonathan Taylor.

Nick Chubb going down for the season was a blow for the Browns. Bringing in Jonathan Taylor as a 1-year rental would give the Browns the pop and running back they lost with Chubb. If there is a back who can replicate Chubb's production, it is Jonathan Taylor.

Once again, JK Dobbins is done for the season. I feel terrible for the guy, but he just feel snake bitten at this point with all of the leg injuries. Justice Hill and Gus Edwards are fine fill ins, but Jonathan Taylor would add another element to an already really good offense.

The Buccaneers are 3-1, and have the inside track to the division with a road win against the Saints. Baker has been solid this season, and adding Jonathan Taylor to a solid passing attack would make Baker's life much easier. I think this is the first team on the list that can hand Taylor a big contract once they get him.

Kyren Williams has been good for the Rams this season. But the Rams are in a position most of us didn't think they would be in after the first month; 2-2. We know Rams GM Les Snead is not afraid to push his chips to the center of the table. Surrounding Matthew Stafford with Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Jonathan Taylor, and Tyler Higbee would give the Rams a shot at making a Wild Card.