Devlin fights to keep job as third- teamer
MIAMI GARDENS — Dolphins third- team quarterback Pat Devlin might have been auditioning for his job inThursday’spreseason finale against New Orleans at Sun Life Stadium and, unfortunately for Devlin, he struggled mightily.
Devlin, the third- year player from Delaware, was 16- for- 28 passing for 162 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions through three quarters. He missed tight end Dion Sims when he was open in the back of the end zone on fourth down from the Saints’ 1- yard line in the second quarter. Later in the quarter, Devlin threw an interception from the Saints’ 8- yard line.
There’s a chance the Dolphins only keep two quarterbacks on their 53- man roster this season. Other teams, most notably NewEngland, have gone the two- quarterback route the past few years. The Dolphins usually keep three quarterbacks, but if Devlin doesn’t showenough potential, he could be cut, or he could be cut and re- signed to the practice squad.
Coach Joe Philbin said the only reason to keep a third quarterback is if you think he could develop into a productive player.
“I think developmental is always theway to go there, if you can [ for] a third guy, someone you see as a light with, somebody that you think this guy can better and improve and develop into more than that,” he said.
“I don’t knowif you want to keep one just to have one. I think there has to be some compelling reason to keep one.”
If the Dolphins go with two quarterbacks, it would be starter Ryan Tannehill and backup Matt Moore. Devlin has played most of the last two games, while Moore didn’t play against Tampa Bay and wasn’t scheduled to play against NewOrleans.
Jerry getswork
Right guard was the only starter to start againstNewOrleans. He left the game early in the second quarter. Most likely the Dolphins decided Jerry, who missed about threeweeks of training camp with a left knee injury, needs thework.
There’s a good chance the Dolphins had a specific number of snaps for Jerry to play. Jerry made his preseason debut last week against Tampa Bay, playing one quarter.
None of the Dolphins’ other starters, aside fromthe specialists ( punterBrandon
kicker and deep snapper
played on Thursday. Fullback
who could be fighting for a job, started. Tight end
didn’t play, another indication
which is
he’s the undisputed starter.
Sims scoresTD
Tight end 8- yard touchdown reception in the first quarter marked the first touchdown by a Dolphins draftee, and the second by a rookie, during this preseason.
Of course, only two draftees, Sims, the fourth- round pick from Michigan State, and running back
a fifth- round pick, are likely to score touchdowns. The Dolphins went heavy on defense in the draft, selecting five defensive players among their nine picks. The only other offensive selection was right tackle
a third- round pick from Tennessee. Kicker
taken in the fifth round.
The other rookie with a touchdown is wide receiver
the undrafted rookie from Iowa who caught a 5- yard touchdown pass from Devlin against Dallas in the Hall of Fame game.