The Kansas City Chiefs dominated the Miami Dolphins in a one-sided AFC Wild Card matchup on Saturday.
Andy Reid’s team beat the Dolphins 26-7 in freezing temperatures at Arrowhead Stadium to advance to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.
Mahomes and the Chiefs completely outplayed Tua and the DolphinsCredit: Getty
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa had a disappointing evening, completing just 20 of his 39 throws for 199 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Patrick Mahomes, meanwhile, completed 23 of his 41 pass attempts for 262 yards and a touchdown.
The two signal callers met at midfield after the game to shake hands and NFL mics picked up the exchange.
“Hey, hell of a season, dog,” Mahomes said to Tagovailoa as he shook his hand.
After that, Tua appeared to ask Mahomes for his jersey.
However, the Chiefs star responds saying he’d already promised another Miami player his game-worn jersey, but that he’d send Tua another one in the mail.
Fans caught wind of the interaction on social media and argued it was a “soft” look for Tua after being utterly outplayed.
“After the L, Tua asks Mahomes for his jersey…and he says I’ll mail you one. this is worst than any of his throws. Dolphins gotta move on,” one fan said.
The QB’s showed their mutual respect after the gameCredit: X@NFL
Mahomes told Tua he’d send him a jersey in the mailCredit: X@NFL
“Tua should go to fanatics.com
“Lmfao Tua gets blown out in a playoff game and his first response is to ask the opposing QB for his jersey. No competitiveness, no fire, kid is so soft,” a second said.
“Im done with Tua’s soft a**,” added another.
“Marino would never,” a fourth commented.
Tagovailoa actually led the NFL in passing yards in the regular season with with 4,624. He was also tied for fifth in passing touchdowns with 29, finished third in completion percentage (69.3%).
However, the 25-year-old came up short in another big game, adding to the notion that he’s simply not cut out for prime time.
Counting the Chiefs loss, the Dolphins went 1-6 vs. playoff teams this season, and, given Tua is now entering the final year of his rookie contract, decisions about his future will undoubtedly be had this offseason.
With that said, Tagovailoa still remains confident in his ability to lead the team.
“I don’t feel any pressure at all. I have full trust in myself,” he said post-game.
“I have full trust in what I’m capable of doing for our organisation, but outside of that we’re focusing on tonight and what happened, we’re going to simmer on this and see what we can do to get better from it.”
The Dolphins are now out of the playoffs while the Chiefs march on to the next round.
They will face the Bills on the road if Buffalo beat the Steelers on Monday.
However, if Pittsburgh win, the Chiefs will welcome C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans to Arrowhead.