Tua Tagovailoa sits at No. 23 in HeyTC’s quarterback rankings, one spot above Carson Wentz at No. 24—both tagged with the dreaded “Delulu” label, signaling overhyped potential that’s yet to fully materialize. It’s a harsh reality for two quarterbacks who entered the NFL with sky-high expectations, only to be derailed by injuries, inconsistency, and fleeting moments of brilliance.
From draft-day promise to one playoff start apiece, their arcs mirror each other in ways that demand a closer look. Tua’s 2025 struggles echo Wentz’s post-peak slides, raising questions about whether he’s destined for a journeyman fate—or if he can rewrite the script.
Early Hype Set an Unforgiving Stage
The NFL loves a shiny new quarterback, and both Tua and Wentz arrived with fanfare that could wake a coma patient. The Eagles snagged Wentz second overall in 2016, banking on his rocket arm and small-school swagger from North Dakota State. Four years later, Miami bet big on Tua at fifth overall, dazzled by his Alabama-bred accuracy and cool-headed pocket presence. Both flashed early—Wentz carved up defenses with crisp throws in his rookie year, while Tua’s debut starts showed a knack for quick reads that had Dolphins fans dreaming of Dan Marino’s heir.
But the NFL isn’t kind to greenhorns. Wentz navigated a rebuilding Philly squad, scraping to a 7-9 record amid rookie mistakes. Tua faced his own chaos—coaching carousels and a shaky offensive line in Miami clipped his wings early. Sure, their debuts screamed potential, much like Peyton Manning’s rocky but promising Colts start. Yet, the whispers of fragility were already there—Wentz’s hits piled up, and Tua’s injury-prone frame raised red flags. High ceilings came with higher risks.
Breakout Years Sparked Dreams of Greatness
Every quarterback needs that one season to cement their name, and both delivered campaigns that had fans ready to etch their busts in Canton. Wentz’s 2017 was electric—11-2 as a starter, slicing defenses with pinpoint throws and red-zone heroics that nearly earned him MVP votes. Tua answered in 2023, piloting Miami’s high-octane attack with surgical precision, posting a Pro Bowl-worthy stat line that screamed superstar.
These weren’t just good years; they were era-defining for their teams. Wentz thrived in Doug Pederson’s system, much like Tua clicked in Mike McDaniel’s brainy play designs. Think Brett Favre torching the league in Green Bay’s mid-90s glory—structure unlocks talent. But here’s the rub: those peaks felt like lightning in a bottle. Wentz never recaptured 2017’s magic, and Tua’s follow-ups have been a mixed bag. Can you sustain elite play when the stars don’t align? That’s the question haunting both.
Injuries Carved a Brutal Divide
If talent wins games, health wins careers—and both have taken a beating. Wentz’s 2017 ACL tear snatched him from Philly’s Super Bowl run, a gut-punch that left Nick Foles hoisting the trophy. Back issues in 2018 and a 2019 playoff concussion piled on, costing him seasons of growth. Tua’s no stranger to the trainer’s table either—multiple concussions and nagging injuries sidelined him for chunks of 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024, stalling Miami’s momentum.
History’s littered with QBs undone by injuries—think Andrew Luck’s early exit or RGIII’s fall after a shredded knee. For Tua and Wentz, missed games meant missed reps, eroding rhythm and trust. Sure, they’ve shown grit, clawing back to flash their old selves—Tua’s 2023 resurgence, Wentz’s solid Indy stint. But the counterargument stings: No quarterback thrives playing part-time. Availability is the ultimate skill, and it’s been their Achilles’ heel.
Inconsistency Turned Promise Into Doubt
Post-peak, both quarterbacks hit skids that left fans groaning. Wentz’s 2020 was a disaster—more picks than highlights, with a completion rate that tanked Philly’s season. Tua’s 2025 start isn’t much prettier, with interceptions outpacing touchdowns and a 1-6 record dragging Miami down. Both shine in clean pockets but crumble when chaos hits, forcing throws that spark turnovers.
This isn’t new—guys like Kerry Collins or Tony Romo had similar hot-cold stretches, teasing greatness but never locking it in. Blame can spread: Miami’s porous line and Philly’s roster holes didn’t help. But let’s break it down—decision-making under pressure separates the elite from the erratic. Tua and Wentz have the tools but haven’t found the consistency. Could better coaching or protection flip the switch? Maybe. Until then, the “Delulu” tag fits.
The Numbers Tell the Tale
Here’s a snapshot, lean on stats, heavy on truth, courtesy of Pro Football Reference.
| Metric | Tua Tagovailoa | Carson Wentz |
|---|---|---|
| Draft Spot | 5th Overall | 2nd Overall |
| Completion % | 68.1% | 62.7% |
| Yards | 16,819 | 23,482 |
| TD/INT | 111/54 | 158/71 |
| Record | 38-30 | 47-48-1 |
| Playoff Starts | 1 | 1 |
| HeyTC Rank | 23 (Delulu) | 24 (Delulu) |
The overlap is uncanny, per HeyTC’s rankings. Both hit highs, crashed hard, and now fight to reclaim relevance. Can Tua dodge Wentz’s fate?
Playoff Failures Cement the Comparison
Quarterbacks are judged by January, and neither has much to show. Wentz’s lone playoff start in 2019 lasted mere snaps before a concussion sent him packing. Tua’s 2023 Wild Card flop wasn’t much better—inefficient and overmatched, extending Miami’s postseason drought.
Compare that to Tom Brady’s clutch gene or Patrick Mahomes’ annual heroics—playoffs demand a different beast. Injuries robbed Wentz of 2017’s glory, and Tua’s health battles curb his prep. Still, they’ve had shots. Why no breakthrough? Some point to team failings, but the greats elevate regardless. One deep run could change everything—think Eli Manning’s improbable Giants surge. For now, their postseason resumes are blank pages.
Wentz’s Journeyman Path Looms for Tua
When results fade, teams move on, and Wentz’s career shows the blueprint. After Philly, he bounced to Indy, Washington, L.A., Kansas City, and now Minnesota—carving out a role as a reliable backup but not a franchise face. Tua’s still Miami’s guy, but 2025’s struggles have trade rumors swirling. A 1-6 start doesn’t scream “long-term solution.”
This echoes QBs like Ryan Fitzpatrick or Case Keenum—talented wanderers who never anchored one team. Staying put could work if Miami rebuilds smart, ala Drew Brees with the Saints. But the NFL’s brutal: Lose too long, and you’re packing bags. Tua’s at that crossroads—stick or twist?
FAQs
Why do Tua’s 2023 and Wentz’s 2017 seasons feel so similar?
Both unleashed career-best numbers in systems that maximized their accuracy and quick reads. Tua’s Miami explosion and Wentz’s Philly dominance leaned on coaching and talent, but injuries and team issues halted the encore.
How have injuries specifically crushed their playoff hopes?
Wentz’s ACL tear and concussion cost him Philly’s Super Bowl and only start. Tua’s concussions slashed multiple seasons, sapping Miami’s rhythm. Staying on the field is non-negotiable for postseason glory.
Is Tua doomed to follow Wentz’s decline?
No. 23 in HeyTC’s rankings signals trouble, but Tua’s youth and Miami’s commitment offer a lifeline. Better protection and health could pivot him toward consistency, unlike Wentz’s journeyman slide.
Which past QBs share this boom-bust arc?
RGIII and Andrew Luck come to mind—skyrocketing early, then derailed by injuries and uneven play. Tua and Wentz fit this mold, where potential meets the NFL’s meat grinder.
Can Tua avoid Wentz’s wandering fate?
Miami’s faith gives Tua a shot to stabilize, but 2025’s 1-6 start tests patience. A fresh team could spark him, like Wentz’s resets, but a strong system and health are make-or-break.
AI-Assisted Content (AIAC): Human ideas, drafts, and final edits—enhanced by AI.
