Tua downplays pressure following Dolphins' offseason additions

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is embracing heightened expectations after the offense added several key players this offseason.

"I think pressure is everywhere, especially in any professional industry," Tagovailoa said on "The Fish Tank" podcast, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. "You're either going to make use of this opportunity with the guys we have, or you're not. That's what it is. I'm looking forward to making use of this opportunity."

Miami's roster has undergone a significant transformation since the end of the 2021 season. The Dolphins added veteran talents such as Tyreek Hill, Terron Armstead, and Cedrick Wilson.

The fifth overall pick in the 2020 draft described the acquisitions as "exciting" but acknowledged that it's going to take work from the entire group to make those moves successful.

"We've got to do the most important thing why we're here, which is just (to) win games," Tagovailoa said.

Tagovailoa has led the Dolphins to a 13-8 record as a starter the past two seasons, but his inconsistent play and injuries have been a concern for the franchise. The 24-year-old threw for 2,653 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 67.8% completion rate in 2021.

The Dolphins, who were once linked to Deshaun Watson, have backed Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback entering his third season. One of his biggest endorsements came from new head coach Mike McDaniel, who Miami hired in February to replace Brian Flores.

"I'm really excited moving forward because (Tua) has some skills that I think are untapped," McDaniel said last month.

Tagovailoa complimented his new coach as well, saying he's "a person you can relate to in a lot of things," per Jackson.

With a brand-new supporting cast, the Dolphins will seek to improve on last season's 9-8 record and third-place finish in the AFC East.