Read the full transcript from Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's Postgame press conference on November 30, 2025.
Q: What do you think needs to go better with the offensive execution in order for a game as this one not to be as close as it was at the end?
"Of course. It definitely starts with me, starts with my performance with how I distribute the ball, how I operate the guys. I would say that first. But I want to give our defense a lot of praise. I also want to give a big shout out to De'Von (Achane) crossing 1,000 yards, that's also big as well. Also, I want to shout out some of the friends I made at Joe DiMaggio (Children's Hospital) – Eric, Selena, I see you guys. Just saying what's up."
Q: Can you expand on just how much RB De'Von Achane has meant to this offense this year?
"Yeah. As I said in past interviews, he's so versatile. You can align him in the slot. You can align him in a receiver stance, in a running back position, you name it. Just the diversity that he gives our offense is what I think makes him very special, outside of the ability to run and catch."
Q: What was the struggle most of the day, especially second half, when the field goal was the only offense – what was the reason for it?
"I would say it reverts back to how I'm playing or how I'm operating for those guys. When I'm able to distribute the ball well, the operation is well and the run game helps with that. So as I said, that starts with me."
Q: How are you personally handling the momentum of this three-game win streak without being complacent?
"I don't think there's room for complacency in the NFL. There's no room for any team to get comfortable, especially towards the back stretch of the season. And for our team, we don't have any room for us to be enjoying too much. We got to dig ourselves out of this hole, but it feels good when you get to come off a bye week. A little rust here and there, but at the end of the day, you get a win, that's always good."
Q: What are you thinking as all that craziness is happening, two-point try going the other way, then the onside kick, they get the ball back. All you can do is watch and hope the defense gets a stop.
"Yeah, you hope they can (get the stop) and the beautiful thing is they did. They came through for us. Regardless of what that looks like, we won the game."
Q: Are you happy – in these three games, you're kind of efficient, not racking up big statistics the game isn't depending on you. Do you like this role?
"I like when we win. I think that's the main objective for what I'm supposed to do as I go out there to lead that offense – core one more point or however many more points than the opposing team. So regardless of what that looks like, whether the game is asking me to throw for a set amount of yards or however many touchdowns, I'm just more fascinated with the wins. So I'm glad we got a team win."
Q: I don't know if I remember the last time RB De'Von Achane didn't catch a pass in a single game. Only one target today. Was that something that New Orleans was doing to take him away in the passing game?
"I wouldn't say it was something that they were doing as much as it was going through the progression and just seeing the field in that sense."
Q: Have you seen a change in the confidence or vibes in the locker room, winning 4 of 5?
"For sure. Guys are always happy when you win, but just the camaraderie that we have in all three phases. The offense goes out there, we get three-and-out, and the defense is coming to uplift it, like 'we got you guys.' Then sort of vice versa, and also with special teams. It's always good when you can get into that rhythm and that flow as a team."
Q: Offensively you got back two starters in TE Darren Waller and T Austin Jackson. What did you see from them out there?
"Yeah, they were out there competing for us. I think they did a really good job. I wish I had one of those throws back with Darren, but outside of that, I think they played a great game."
Q: What do you think was the struggle getting WR Jaylen Waddle the ball?
"I think they were trying to take him away. I talked a little bit to (Saints Defensive Coordinator Brandon) Staley after the game and we had a little conversation about that as well. That was cool. He had some pretty cool words to say after as well."
Q: They took that pass into the end zone, that interception. Tell me what happened there.
"It was just a bad decision. That's all that was. I just got to be smart with the ball."
Q: What did you think of S Minkah Fitzpatrick's return, going the other way to get two points for the team?
"I mean that was a great play by Mink. Does it surprise me? No, I've seen him do that Alabama, and I've seen him do it with us in practice throughout training camp. So to be able to see his hard work show in tough and critical situations in the ballgame, that's who 'Mink' is."
