By: Jaymin Stamper and Kayla Morton
Ryan Fitzpatrick has been named the Miami Dolphins’ week one starting quarterback according to head coach Brian Flores. The announcement came after Miami’s final preseason game Thursday. The Dolphins now become the eighth different NFL team that Fitzpatrick will start a game for.
“It’s clear that Ryan Fitzpatrick is leading the way. He has done that in a lot of ways from leadership, to production on the field, to meeting rooms and walk-throughs,” Flores said on July 30.
No hints that a starter would be named Thursday
Despite what was clear to Flores nearly one month ago, the competition between Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen went down to the wire. It ultimately went in favor of the bearded one. Both Fitzpatrick and Rosen did not play Thursday, and Fitzpatrick had the least amount of playing time out of Rosen and third-string QB Jake Rudock during preseason.
Prior to Miami’s preseason game today, Flores told the media that the organization had not yet chosen a starter.
“As an organization, we have to do what we think is best for the team. You go with one; here’s the good, here’s the bad. You go with the other; here’s the good, here’s the bad. Well, what’s best for the entire unit?” Flores said.
Dolphins’ QBs in preseason
Fitzpatrick finished the preseason 17-for-32 for 186 yards and one touchdown during his appearances in the exhibition games. Comparatively, Rosen finished 28-for-45 for 352 yards and one interception. Stats aren’t everything though, as Flores referenced earlier this preseason. He said that Fitzpatrick had a better understanding of how the offense was ran, and clearly things haven’t changed since that point with the team officially going with him now to begin the regular season. For what it’s worth, Rudock went 34-for-48 for 366 yards with three TDs and one INT. Rudock is currently fighting for a roster spot in the latest 53-man roster team prediction (via espn.com).
What’s next?
Is Fitzpatrick the long-term answer at quarterback for the Dolphins? No. But he is the answer for the here and now. Rosen will undoubtedly get his opportunity sooner or later (without a doubt at some point this season), but for now Dolphins fans have to put their trust into the fitzmagic.
Miami will open its season at home against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. The Dolphins also have three of their first four games at home to begin the regular season.
– Jaymin Stamper is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @StamperSports Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.
– Kayla Morton is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @mortonsalt74 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.
