Warren Sharp confirms Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa’s value in clutch time

The go-to NFL analytics expert Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis released a new stat measuring the most clutch quarterbacks in the league, and it accidentally showcased how clutch Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is in money time.

The stat is EPA (expected points added) when the quarterback’s team is down one score with less than seven minutes left in the fourth quarter since 2019, and the ranking did not have Tagovailoa in sight.

At first glance, a Dolphins fan would think, “Where is Tua?” The rankings have everyone and their mother listed, but Tagovailoa is nowhere to be found. It becomes a chance for fans who doubt the Dolphins quarterback to come out of the woodwork and take shots at him, and that’s what happened.

Seeing this, Sharp commented back and relayed some much-needed context. There’s a stipulation of 50+ dropbacks within the scenario to qualify for being ranked.

He then finished the comment by saying if they scaled back the minimum dropbacks to 35+, Tagovailoa would rank first.

Today was not the finest day for the anti-Tagovailoa account that got dunked on by Sharp, but it brings forth some hard evidence that the Dolphins quarterback does not flinch when the game is on the line.

The stat stems back to 2019, so this would include the offensive weapons Tagovailoa had at his disposal in his first two years before the Dolphins acquired Tyreek Hill and had Mike McDaniel calling plays.

With the contract deadlock the Dolphins and Tagovailoa are engaged in, this stat could merit the price tag that may ultimately get agreed upon.

You can point to his 2022 injury history or lack of playoff wins, but what you can’t say about Tagovailoa is that he isn’t clutch. If so, Warren Sharp may want to have a word with you.