Rosen takes Sunday’s benching in stride
But that title might not hold much weight with Fitzpatrick providing constant competition — and fourth-quarter results — like he did against the Redskins.
“Josh will continue to be the starter, and, again, if we feel like we need a spark and Fitz has to go in, we’ll continue to do that,” Flores said.
Fitzpatrick entered the game in the fourth quarter, and provided the Dolphins with a taste of ‘Fitzmagic’ that nearly ended in Miami’s first win of the season.
Fitzpatrick led two touchdown drives, including Miami’s first points of the second half of any game this season. His second touchdown, an 11-yard strike to DeVante Parker with six seconds remaining, put the Dolphins in position to nearly pull off their first victory of the season.
But on the Dolphins’ ensuing two-point play, running back Kenyan Drake dropped Fitzpatrick’s pass as he was inching toward the line of scrimmage before being met by a blockade of Redskins defenders.
Fitzpatrick completed 12-of-18 passes in relief of Rosen, throwing for 132 yards and finishing with a 106.7 passer rating.
“It was fun. I mean that whole fourth quarter was fun just to be out there. I think there was a lot of confidence on that last drive,” Fitzpatrick said. “I thought the guys, when I got in there, it was just a good feeling in the huddle. Guys played hard for me.”
Rosen, who had a 32.9 passer rating against the Redskins, took his benching in stride.
While he was not content with his performance, he left encouraged about his team’s performance overall.
“I mean I think as a team, this is a step in the right direction. Personally, I may not say the same; but I mean, that’s just sort of take it on the chin and continue to improve.
“It was obviously a disappointment for me, but we almost came close to our first team win, which is awesome regardless of who is behind center. I’m a Dolphin first and foremost and that was good; but I mean I’ve definitely got to get better personally.”
Howard, Grant out
Standout Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard missed his first game of the season on Sunday.
Howard, a Pro Bowler who was limited during Dolphins practices this past week, is dealing with a knee injury that has lingered since last season.
Howard signed a five-year, $76.5 million extension that made him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL earlier this year, and has a large role to play in Miami’s extensive rebuilding process.
The Dolphins also held out receiver and return specialist Jakeem Grant, who received a new four-year, $24 million deal before the season. Grant has been dealing with a hamstring injury in recent weeks, and missed his second straight game. …
Dolphins linebackers Raekwon McMillan and Vince Biegel each got their first start of the season in Miami’s first game following its bye last week.
The moves paid off. McMillan led all Dolphins players with nine combined tackles while Biegel finished the game with five tackles and a team-leading two quarterback hits.
The Dolphins defense also started an undrafted rookie as Nik Needham at cornerback in place of Howard. …
On offense, running back Mark Walton got the start ahead of Kenyan Drake and Kalen Ballage.
Walton made the most of his opportunity, leading Miami with 75 yards of offense (32 on six carries, and 43 as a pass catcher on five receptions). …
At left tackle, veteran newcomer J’Marcus Webb started for the second straight game. …
Dolphins center Daniel Kilgore (right leg), defensive end Avery Moss (right ankle) and defensive back Ken Webster (leg) each left Sunday’s game with injuries. …
Cornerback Johnson Bademosi, rookie running backs Myles Gaskin and Chandler Cox, and offensive linemen Chris Reed and Keaton Sutherland were also inactive for the Dolphins against the Redskins.