MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Mike McDaniel has already seen improvement in Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as the two enter their third year together.

What’s impressed Miami’s coach the most has been Tagovailoa’s comfort with stepping into a leadership role.

“There’s certain guys that have an ‘it’ factor,” McDaniel said Wednesday. “You know when a team believes in their quarterback, quite honestly. And the appreciation for what his skills were (before), I think were strong, but nothing compared to the respect and regard his teammates have (now).”

Even if others haven’t always noticed, Tagovailoa said he’s always had it in him.

“I’ve had the ‘it’ factor,” Tagovailoa said ahead of Miami’s season opener. “I’ve had the ‘it’ factor since I was in high school and (going) into college and coming here. That’s how I’ve always viewed myself — as going out and competing, very nice, very cool, calm, collected. But like inside, just very competitive. So a lot of the guys know how I am, I guess it’s just only now showing that I’m becoming a little more vocal.”

Tagovailoa’s increased willingness to speak up was noticed during the offseason by his teammates, who have enjoyed following his lead, especially as he hopes to guide Miami to its first playoff win in 24 years.

His leadership has shown during practice, when he makes sure even walkthroughs are moving at the right pace and communicates his expectations.

“Tua has done a great job of over-communicating exactly what he wants as far as details and routes,” receiver Tyreek Hill said. “And Mike, our head coach, he has given him the keys to the car which is even more of a beautiful thing.”

Tagovailoa said he didn’t come into his fourth NFL season with the goal of being more vocal, but that’s the natural result of bringing more of his personality into the building.