Flores indicated he was willing to speak to Tagovailoa about the matter later. Tagovailoa said Monday he had not yet seen Flores’ comments.

Tagovailoa was asked why he thought Flores would bench starter Ryan Fitzpatrick for Tua, even though he did so in his rookie season in 2020, if Flores thought so negatively of the former Alabama star.

The timing was a bit odd considering Fitzpatrick was completing more than 70 percent of his passes at the time, having thrown for 1,535 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions in six games. The interception total was certainly high, but Miami had also won three of four games before Fitzpatrick’s substitution.

Tagovaioloa said Monday he had an idea why he was benched, but declined to reveal his theories.

“That’s a great question,” Tagovailoa said. “I’m not going to answer that honestly, but I think I know why. I’m not going to speculate on that or give anyone speculation. Whatever you want to think about, think that.”

“But other than that, I think it will just stay here in the organization.”

Tagovailoa echoed the idea that the relationship between quarterback and head coach is crucial, having previously praised what he and current Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel have accomplished in the two-plus years they spent together.

“It’s a quarterback-driven league,” Tagovailoa said. “I’m 100 percent convinced that (relationships are important). Without a good team, without a good quarterback, I don’t think you can do much in this league.”

“Sure, you can have a good defense. But there are really good offenses in this league, you have to score points and you have to find ways to do that. I definitely believe that.”