Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
So far, call it a split decision
Like Flores, players see the positives in Fitzpatrick-Rosen quarterback battle
Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores was expected to use Thursday’s final preseason game against the New Orleans Saints as the last evaluation to settle his starting quarterback competition before the season opener.
With a recent illness to 15-year veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, second-year prospect Josh Rosen will likely get the start while third-string quarterback Jake Rudock is expected to play the majority of the game.
Rosen’s performance could ultimately sway Flores, but don’t expect the first-time head coach to anoint his starter immediately following the game.
If Flores’ delay to do so already after a lengthy offseason, training camp and three preseason games is any indication, it shows he is truly tussling with the decision.
Fitzpatrick has led the competition throughout much of the offseason when Rosen was first acquired in an April trade from the Arizona Cardinals. But Rosen’s progress has trended upward significantly following the first week of training camp in late July.
Rosen has taken more snaps than Fitzpatrick during the preseason, with both quarterbacks showing flashes of brilliance and signs of needed improvement.
“I’m comfortable with either one,” receiver Albert Wilson said.
“I feel like I can speak for the team when I say they are comfortable with either one … Whichever one coach chooses, I know it’s going to be the best decision. We’re just ready to roll.”
Wilson’s sentiment is shared among a number of Dolphins players, who spoke on the condition of anonymity with the South Florida Sun Sentinel this week regarding the quarterback battle.
The players who were surveyed are largely undecided, like Flores, on whether Fitzpatrick or Rosen should start because their play has been comparable in recent weeks.
“It’s a tough decision because you can go [with] what you know [in Fitzpatrick] or what Rosen could be,” one player said. “He could put up 40 [points] in a heartbeat.”
“I think Rosen needs more time,” said another player, citing Fitzpatrick’s overall experience.
While one player is encouraged by Rosen’s upside and potential, he still believes Fitzpatrick should start. That player agrees with Flores’ quarterback philosophy, shared before the third preseason game, that there’s no reason to rush a younger quarterback’s development.
Citing Miami’s offensive-line issues, where the Dolphins are starting two rookie guards and Jesse Davis is learning a new position at right tackle, the player is concerned greatly about preserving Rosen’s confidence.
Instead of rattling Rosen early during the season, Fitzpatrick has the veteran savvy and demeanor to not be shaken by playing behind a developing offensive line, that player said.
“It depends what the coaches are looking for,” another player said, referring to what both quarterbacks could provide the Dolphins this season.
Fitzpatrick’s body of work speaks for itself, and he is coming off of his best season statistically despite being 36 years old. Fitzpatrick had the highest completion percentage (66.7%) of his career, yards per attempt (9.6) and quarterback rating (100.4) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season.
The Dolphins also need to further evaluate Rosen, the 2018 No. 10 overall pick, to see if he has the makeup and demeanor to channel his talent and solve the franchise’s longstanding problem at the position since Dan Marino retired in 2000.
“They’re both playing well, but I couldn’t tell you what the coaches are looking for,” said another player, who cited their performances during the second and third preseason games.
While Fitzpatrick had been solid during practices before playing the Jacksonville Jaguars’ vaunted defense last Thursday, he was only able to lead a touchdown drive to begin the second half against the Jags reserves.
That player was also impressed by Rosen’s 99-yard touchdown drive when Rosen entered the Jaguars game behind Fitzpatrick.
Wilson conveyed the overlying sentiment the players shared when asked about whether Fitzpatrick or Rosen should win the job before the regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 8.
“I don’t think anybody would be upset with either decision,” another player said.