The Miami Dolphins’ offense has been firing on all cylinders in the 2024 NFL season, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leading the charge.
But one of the new faces making an immediate impact on Miami’s attack is tight end Jonnu Smith, who has quickly found his groove with his new team after joining from Atlanta in the offseason. Smith, who has already racked up three touchdowns in the first half of the season, recently shared his admiration for two key figures in the Dolphins organization: Tagovailoa and defensive veteran Calais Campbell.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Smith spoke candidly about his new team and the leadership he’s encountered since arriving in Miami. In particular, he was full of praise for Tua Tagovailoa, whom he believes is more than deserving of his growing stature in the NFL. “Tua is who he is for a reason. He deserves all the credit in the world,” Smith said, adding, “We got the best quarterback on the planet. Excited to be in this system with him and just watch him go out there and make the plays.” Smith’s excitement for the Dolphins’ offensive scheme and the opportunity to play alongside Tagovailoa is clear, and it’s already paying dividends as the Dolphins push for a playoff berth.
Smith’s comments on Tagovailoa reflect the growing confidence within the Dolphins’ locker room as the team aims to build on its offensive firepower. Miami has been one of the league’s most explosive offenses this season, and much of that success is attributed to Tagovailoa’s precision passing and leadership. Smith’s presence adds another dynamic weapon to the team’s arsenal, and his ability to contribute both as a receiver and in the red zone makes him an important piece in Miami’s high-powered offense.
In addition to his support for Tagovailoa, Smith also expressed deep admiration for his veteran teammate, Calais Campbell. The two have quickly built a strong bond since Smith joined the Dolphins, with the tight end praising Campbell’s leadership and presence both on and off the field. “He’s like the LeBron James of the NFL as far as his age and his production,” Smith remarked, highlighting the defensive lineman’s ability to continue playing at a high level despite his experience. “One of my favorite teammates of all-time. The best leader I’ve been around. Good dude, good person, deserves everything that’s coming to him.”
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Smith’s comments about Campbell reveal a deep respect for the 37-year-old defensive force who has enjoyed a long and successful career in the NFL. Known for his disruptive play on the defensive line and his locker room leadership, Campbell is seen as a key figure in Miami’s defense, which has been performing well despite some ups and downs throughout the season. His influence and mentorship are valuable assets for a Dolphins team eager to make a deep playoff run.
On the field, Jonnu Smith has wasted little time making an impact for the Dolphins, contributing significantly to their offensive success. The 2024 season has already been a productive one for the tight end, as he’s caught three touchdown passes, including two in Miami’s 34-19 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11. Smith’s first touchdown as a Dolphin came during a road game against the Indianapolis Colts on October 20, marking an important milestone in his journey with Miami. His ability to get into the end zone has been a crucial factor in the Dolphins’ offensive versatility.
Smith’s best performance in terms of yardage came in Week 11 against the Raiders, where he finished with 101 receiving yards, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and create mismatches with defenders. In another standout performance, he recorded seven catches on seven targets for 96 yards in a Week 7 game against the Colts. These performances highlight Smith’s consistency and ability to be a reliable target in Miami’s potent offense.
Before joining the Dolphins, Smith played for several NFL teams, including the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, and Atlanta Falcons. His career trajectory has seen ups and downs, with his most productive years coming in Tennessee, where he played from 2017 to 2020. Smith had his best statistical season with the Titans in 2019, recording 439 yards and three touchdowns. After two seasons with the Patriots, Smith found a fresh start in Atlanta, where he was a solid contributor, registering 582 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2023.
Now in Miami, Smith seems to have found a perfect fit. With the Dolphins boasting one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses, Smith’s versatility has been a key asset. As a tight end capable of lining up in various positions and contributing as both a blocker and a receiver, Smith has been able to complement the team’s explosive passing attack led by Tagovailoa. His ability to operate in the middle of the field and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties has made him a valuable weapon in head coach Mike McDaniel’s innovative offensive system.
Smith’s rapport with Tagovailoa is also worth noting. The quarterback-tight end connection has already produced big plays, with Smith emerging as one of Tua’s favorite red-zone targets. As Miami’s offense continues to evolve, Smith’s role in the passing game will likely expand, making him an even more integral part of the Dolphins’ playoff push.
As the 2024 season progresses, Jonnu Smith’s contributions to the Dolphins will only grow more important. With his combination of athleticism, leadership, and ability to make plays, he’s already proven to be a valuable addition to the team. His admiration for Tagovailoa and Campbell speaks to the strong chemistry in the Dolphins’ locker room, and his on-field production suggests that Miami is in good hands as it looks to contend for the postseason.
In conclusion, Jonnu Smith’s positive influence on the Dolphins’ offense and locker room cannot be overstated. His admiration for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and defensive lineman Calais Campbell shows the strong bond that has developed between the players, which can only help Miami’s quest for a deep playoff run. As Smith continues to make his mark on the field, expect him to be a key contributor for the Dolphins in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title in 2024.