Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
‘Big week’ in Fins QB derby
Rosen has been making good progress, could see first-team reps against the Bucs
Josh Rosen’s time to practice and play with the first-team offense will come at some point during the Miami Dolphins preseason.
But Dolphins coach Brian Flores insists he does not have to see Rosen perform with the first-team offense, or against first-team defenses, to conduct a proper assessment of his young quarterback before the regular-season opener.
“Quarterbacking and decisionmaking — I think you can get a good evaluation of decision-making regardless of who’s on the field,” Flores said during a conference call over the weekend, while being peppered with questions about when Rosen will play with the starters following Miami’s first preseason game last week.
“If you want to see if he can make a tight throw into tight coverage against a good corner, that’s one thing. If you want to see if he’ll force a ball into double coverage whether it’s against a first , second team or third team — if you see a quarterback doing that, he’s getting a bad evaluation.
“That’s how I see the game at the quarterback position,” Flores continued. “I guess other people see it differently, but that’s how I see it.”
While accessing Rosen’s performance with the first-team offense seems like a natural progression for the Dolphins and their starting quarterback competition, Flores is trying to manage the reins on the battle between Rosen and veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick as Miami enters the second week of the preseason.
Flores said “there may be an opportunity where [Rosen] plays with some of those guys who we call first-teamers” this week as the Dolphins travel to Tampa Bay, joining the Buccaneers for joint practices on Tuesday and Wednesday before their preseason game on Friday at 7:30 p.m. inside Raymond James Stadium.
Both Fitzpatrick and Rosen could utilize this practice week in
Tampa to try to seize the quarterback job before Miami’s third preseason game (Aug. 22 vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars), which NFL teams typically like to use as a dress rehearsal of sorts for the regular season.
Miami will open the season hosting the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. inside Hard Rock Stadium.
“This week’s a big week for sure,” Flores said, regarding the competition.
Rosen had the lion share of snaps at quarterback during the Dolphins preseason opener, playing with the second-team offense during the second and third quarters of Miami’s 34-27 win over the Atlanta Falcons last Thursday.
Rosen did not throw a touchdown, but he led two scoring drives, which ended in touchdown runs for running backs Kalen Ballage and Mark Walton. Rosen also had an interception. He completed 13-of-20 passes for 191 yards — with four completions for 92 yards going to undrafted rookie receiver Preston Williams.
“I feel substantially better now than I did two weeks ago [when training camp began], but like I said, I’ve got a long ways to go,” Rosen said.
“The way Fitz (Ryan Fitzpatrick) in our meeting room can break down a defense and how quickly he can make comments on where everyone is, where the ball should go, is pretty impressive, and I think if I can kind of hedge that gunslinger attitude a little bit and put a little bit more thought into it, I think I could develop pretty nicely.”
While Rosen’s stock has risen during training camp, Fitzpatrick has managed to hold a steady lead in the quarterback battle.
During the preseason opener, Fitzpatrick played in two series during the first quarter. He led a scoring drive, a field goal for kicker Jason Sanders, in his first series, which also featured completions to wide receiver DeVante Parker and tight end Mike Gesicki (who lined up outside like a receiver).
Fitzpatrick was also pressured on a number of snaps, with rookie left guard Michael Deiter and rookie right guard Shaq Calhoun in the lineup, and career right tackle Jordan Mills out of position starting in place of standout left tackle Laremy Tunsil on the offensive line.
During both drives, Fitzpatrick needed to tuck the football on two third-down plays.
While Fitzparick was able to convert a third-and-2 play on his first drive with a quick run, he was unable to escape the Falcons’ pressure on a third-and-6 play during his second drive.
“The first one — it was a shorter third-and-2, 3, 4 — whatever it was and there was nobody standing there, so I decided to waltz to get the first down,” Fitzpatrick said with a laugh.
“The second one, I wish I would have been able to do something with that ball, because we had some guys. We have got a lot of talent on the outside and a lot of guys that if I get the ball to them, they can do some good things. … I think it’s going to be a fun offense to be in this year with all the talent we have.”
Rosen has taken advantage of his opportunities with the Dolphins’ talent on the second-team offense, particularly Williams and receiver Brice Butler, who spent some time last season with Rosen in Arizona.
But seeing Rosen perform behind the first-team offensive line, and throwing to first-team skillposition players like running back Kenyan Drake, wide receivers Kenny Stills and Parker, and Gesicki could give Miami a better glimpse of what could be in store for their offense this season.
“I think you have to make the most of your opportunities wherever they lie, wherever they are. I think it’s that way in life. I guess that’s why I don’t spend too much time thinking about first team or second team,” Flores reiterated of his stance.
“I watch it, but I like to see guys be productive, period. If you’re not — whether it’s first team, second team, or third team — then that’s a problem. If you are productive, then I’m taking notice of that as well.”