Brian Flores Expects Second Year Surge For Tua, Not Sophomore Slump

Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores seems happy with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's progress as the team heads into the second phase of their offseason program.

On "The Joe Rose Show," Flores said the quarterback has been more comfortable.

"More comfortable being in a huddle. Giving his cadence. Going through his communication," he said. "Those little things that nobody really talks about. He's said this. He's said he feels much more comfortable doing those things. I think having a year under his belt will really help him."

Flores said Monday he wasn't sure exactly how many veterans would be present for this voluntary week, which will include individual drills and on-field workouts, The Palm Beach Post reports.

The NFLPA discouraged players from attending the voluntary portion of the offseason last month.

Tagovailoa started nine games as a rookie, finishing with a 6-3 record, and Flores said he believes his quarterback is ready for another positive step.

"Tua is an important piece," Flores said, per the Post. "He’s been working hard this offseason. He knows where he needs to improve. We talk to him about the Year 1 to Year 2 jump. It’s a real thing."

Flores said he looked forward to seeing and working with Tagovailoa, and it turned out more than 70 Dolphins players voluntarily reported Monday.