With rumors persisting regarding a potential Deshaun Watson-to-Miami trade, Dolphins coach Brian Flores has made it clear where he stands on the matter. In a “brief but poignant” address to the team, Flores acknowledged the trade rumors and reiterated that Tua Tagovailoa is “our quarterback,” per ESPN’s Jeff Darlington (on Twitter).
As the reporter notes, this information “isn’t intended to dispute recent reporting” regarding the Watson trade rumors. Rather, “it is a reflection of the moment,” with the head coach making it clear that Tagovailoa is the team’s intended starter moving forward. Darlington also speculates that Flores will continue “to echo a similar sentiment in the weeks to come.”
It was only earlier today that we heard Dolphins owner Stephen Ross “really wants” Watson in Miami. However, the Dolphins front office continues to balk at the trade price, and some pundits believe the organization may be angling to acquire the QB while his value is low amid legal uncertainty. On the flip side, other reporters noted that Ross believes in Tagovailoa and “doesn’t force football decisions.”
Flores said on Monday that the team wanted “high character throughout the building,” which many interpreted as him throwing cold water on the Watson speculation. Today’s private endorsement of Tagovailoa only reinforces that the head coach is a proponent of moving forward with the former Alabama star.
It’s entirely possible that Ross wants him because he’s an accuser rapist, not in spite of it.
Flores seems to be doing everything he can without getting fired to subtly say “are you out of your *&#&#@% mind?” to him.
So who is lying – the reporter who tweeted out Miami’s interest in Watson, or Flores?
I would say neither.
These statements are nuanced and everyone is being really careful with their words.
The reporter said that the Phins are “leading”… Then we later hear that no one else is interested except Phili (Watson doesn’t want to go there) and also that nothing is close.
So, in essence, Miami kicked the tires on Watson and Houston probably leaked the rest to the press to see if anyone else would bite.
Flores said “he’s our guy” but never said that they didn’t talk to Houston.
This is also a media created controversy that turned a mole hill into a mountain.
Stephen Ross probably said he really wanted Dan Marino but then someone had to remind him that Dan had retired more than 20 years ago.
You’re getting Biden and Ross confused.
If Ross forces a trade for Watson — meaning Miami has no QB until the civil cases are settled — do you think Flores might resign?
If everyone who had an idiot above them in the company hierarchy resigned, the unemployment lines would have no end.
When you draft a player, ANY player that high you certainly have to act as if: He’s my guy”. Nobody wants to admit to a draft until its final. So they go with him until he proves to be an asset or a bust.
As for Watson? The shield has no luster anymore. The protection of shield with a snicker in the front office as they destroyed the NFL allure to many fans of the past. So if they want to bring in Watson it sure doesn’t change the joke this league is! If Jeffery Dahmer could catch anything other than little boys he’d be playing somewhere on Sundays too!
If any organization can ruin a quarterback, it’s the Miami Dolphins. Ever since Shula left it’s been a joke except for Brad Pennington. The Dolphins went hard after Tua , and sang praises when they drafted him. Coming off a major surgery that would end most pro athletes career, he bounced back. No camp, didn’t start, didn’t really know Gailey’s playbook, rookie laden offensive line, and a turnstile of receivers.. Oh and let’s throw you in midway through the season as a rookie. NOW that he has had a full season to train and build relationships with his WR and O-Line they want to help his mental development by throwing all this Deshawn Watson stuff in his face right before the season starts. Are the Miami Dolphin’s just DUMB or what? They can’t even give this kid a shot before they want to give away the farm for a guy that has 22 civil cases against him.. This just stinks.
Most of this is media driven click bait garbage. No one in their right mind would trade for Watson in his current situation. It would be an absolute PR nightmare. And this is the year for Tua to have his chance to really step up. Flores knows that…even if the owner is clueless.