Our picks and predictions for the 2026 NFL season
Joe Rivera, Chris Bumbaca and Adam Kaufman break down their predictions for the 2026 NFL season on the latest episode of the Sports Seriously NFL Vodcast.
Boo-a Tagovailoa? Miami fans already have.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Miami Dolphins career ended unceremoniously. The 2020 No. 5 overall pick was released by the Dolphins earlier this offseason, ending a tenure that at times was explosive, and other times unstable.
Miami fans are clearly disappointed with the way the working relationship ended, if their cold reception in the Miami heat was any indication. As Tagovailoa and the Falcons took the field on Friday night, a smattering of boos broke out amongst those in attendance.
Tagovailoa’s exit from Miami was anything but copacetic. The veteran passer said he’d welcome a change of scenery as the season wrapped up, foreshadowing the end of his Dolphins career.
The Dolphins, though, remained on the hook for $55 million of Tagovailoa’s contract.
Tagovailoa signed with the Falcons on a one-year deal after Miami chose to release him, immediately entering a quarterback competition with 2024 No. 8 overall selection Michael Penix Jr. Through preseason, Tagovailoa hasn’t had the chance to perform much, tallying just 5 passing attempts (3 completions) for 22 yards vs. the Denver Broncos in Week 2.
When asked if he heard the boos from the fans, the quarterback made it clear that he heard them loud and clear, but took the boos in stride.
“Of course I did (hear the boos),” Tagovailoa said. “But, needless to say – being able to come back here, I’ve had six years here, and those were probably some of the best six years of my life, being able to play for Miami, being able to be in front of the crowd. Had a Pro Bowl here, had a good amount of accolades.
“So, regardless of the reaction, I love the city. We have a home out here, we still have our house and whatnot. But, it is what it is. I can’t change any of what they did and whatnot, but it was really cool to see a lot of the guys after the game, and talk to some of the guys during the game.”
Be he who laughs last, laughs loudest: Tagovailoa entered his taste of preseason action and performed well, completing 7-of-8 passes for 95 yards in the effort, but also lost a fumble.
The Falcons have yet to decide on a Week 1 starter, though Tua Tagovailoa may have the inside track.
Though Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared for game action, the 2024 first-round pick has not played in any of the preseason. That may give Tagovailoa all the wiggle room he needs to get another crack at a starting job.