Tagovailoa’s passing game is the engine Miami hinges on; protection from Jackson and Paul is the fuel. With depth uncertainty on the edges, his performance could swing between precision rhythm and quicker, shorter reads under pressure.

Tua’s health undercuts or amplifies the Dolphins' pass-catchers. A healthy Tua maintains the downfield threat Hill and Waddle rely on, while injury concerns push the ceiling down and could shift Miami toward a more run-heavy approach or riskier game scripts.

Waller gives Tagovailoa a big, dependable option to pair with Hill and Waddle, potentially elevating timing routes and red-zone production as the offense gains a versatile safety-valve.

Tagovailoa faced early jitters in joint practices but rebounded in the Lions game, guiding the offense through a trim back to normalcy during the second session. His Week-of-practice arc showed resilience and a workable rhythm against upper-depth Detroit defenders, setting a hopeful tone for Week 1 command and timing on quick-hitting plays.

Tagovailoa faced a relentless Detroit defense in the joint practice, struggling with timing and decision-making as the Lions pressed at the line-of-scrimmage. The day underscored potential questions about rhythm and protection entering the season, impacting fantasy ceilings for the Dolphins’ passing game until timing returns.