The Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has not been playing at the level of someone who will be paid $53.1 million starting this season. But amidst criticism of it, he has a fiery response.The one-time Pro Bowler has been underwhelming ever since beginning a four-year, $212.4-million extension that he signed in 2024, completing only 575 yards on 62 completions in 89 attempts and throwing just one more touchdown (5) than interceptions (4). And last Friday on ESPN's First Take, 2015 MVP Cam Newton had these harsh words about his underperformance relative to his reputation and current contract:“I look at the situation like, 'Come on dawg.' Especially when you've got a Ferrari and a Lamborghini and other amenities that other quarterbacks wish they had."On Thursday, Tagovailoa was asked about these comments during practice for this coming Monday's game against the New York Jets. He decried such ”armchair quarterbacking” calling actually playing the position on the field harder than imagined:“I think it’s easier to be able to hold a clicker and talk about it that way, or talk about what someone else is doing wrong when you’re not going out and having to do the same as them ...I think anybody can do that. I don’t think anybody can play quarterback.”Tua Tagovailoa discusses rough start, injury history as Dolphins prepare for JetsOf course, that is not to say that Tua Tagovailoa did not acknowledge his ongoing struggles. In fact, he was very blunt about not playing "anywhere near my standard" on Thursday. He added:“Every game we have opportunities to take advantage of. It’s just about seeing it right, going about that process in the right way.”Not helping his case is his injury history. His concussion episodes have been the subject of many takes, but he has also hurt his ankles, dating back to when he was at Alabama, and he can still feel "residuals".This has led Tagovailoa to have to balance making big plays and protecting himself – a “tough” act to do given the fast yet punishing nature of football:“Whether I’m going to dive or slide or whatever that looks like to get a first down or try to manage the style of play, where ‘OK, is this one where I go for it? Do I or do I not?’ That’s kinda what I’m getting to with the split decisions.”Kickoff for the Jets-Dolphins game is at 7:15 pm ET on ESPN.