NEW ORLEANS _ Brian Flores has finally named his starting quarterback.
Wily veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, 36, is excited for the opportunity, with his eighth NFL team entering his 15th NFL season.
Confident second-year prospect Josh Rosen, 22, insists he is also excited for his new role during his first season with the Miami Dolphins franchise.
"I think it's only (a matter of) time this team is mine," Rosen said after Flores announced his final decision following Miami's 16-13 win over the New Orleans Saints in the preseason finale at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome Thursday night.
"But until then, I'm going to be as supportive of a backup as I can and push (Fitzpatrick) along the way."
Flores _ citing a better, complete body of work since this offseason _ anointed Fitzpatrick over Rosen as Miami's QB for the Sept. 8 regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium.
The announcement may have helped divert attention from recent trade rumors festering about standout left tackle Laremy Tunsil, arguably the Dolphins' best player and general manager Chris Grier's best draft pick to date.
Fitzpatrick signed with the Dolphins two days after the franchise traded away former starter Ryan Tannehill in March after seven seasons with the team. He signed _ before Rosen was acquired _ with the intention of winning the job.
And Fitzpatrick is ecstatic his work throughout the preseason has paid off.
"I'm excited to get out there and lead this team and do the best I can out there," said Fitzpatrick, who did not dress for the preseason finale, watching from the sidelines like most of the Dolphins starters.
Added Flores: "We felt like this was the best move for the team, going into the season."
Rosen trailed in the quarterback battle since he was first acquired from the Arizona Cardinals in an April trade. Since the second week of training camp, however, Rosen gained significant ground in the competition in training camp and the preseason.
When Rosen worked with the first-team offense in Tampa during the second week of the preseason and in relief of Fitzpatrick during the third preseason game last week, Flores was rightfully critical of his young player's performance.
Flores challenged Rosen to improve his body language and on-field demeanor, while adding Rosen needs to get rid of the football faster, and have better decision making regarding throwing risky passes while trying to avoid sacks.
Flores also shared a hypothetical quarterback philosophy in recent weeks, where he said a young quarterback like Rosen should spend some time on the bench to absorb the offense, while developing a hunger and gratitude to have such an opportunity to be a starting NFL quarterback.
"I think he'll get there _ I do. I really do," Flores said of Rosen. "That's a conversation we had. When? I don't know. A lot of that is up to him. He knows that. No knock on him, but he's work extremely hard.
"But I think he'll get there. He's a talented player and we're excited about him."
Added Rosen: "I wouldn't say it's a setback or hurdle to cross over. It's just part of the journey."
Rosen, while disappointed he did not win the starting job, did acknowledge that "trial by fire didn't work great for me last year." After all, he was 3-10 as a starter with the Cardinals as a rookie.
Another season of that could be damaging for Rosen's development.
Instead of rattling Rosen early during the season, playing behind a developing offensive line, Flores seems to want to bring him along _ if time and injuries are on his side.
While Rosen marinates on the bench, Flores believes Fitzpatrick has the veteran savvy and demeanor to navigate the Dolphins offense despite its glaring deficiencies on the offensive line.
Flores believes Rosen has improved greatly since joining the Dolphins.
Rosen sees the progress he's making, too.
It will be only a matter of time when he takes the reins of Miami's starting quarterback job.
If he performs well, it will only be a matter of time before the Dolphins franchise is his, too.
"I think I'm a substantially better quarterback than I was three weeks ago, and a way better quarterback than I was a year ago," Rosen said.
"I think on this progression, I think the future will be pretty bright. I'm excited."
