The 2019 Miami Dolphins quarterback competition has officially begun — if you ask young quarterback Josh Rosen. And now that the heat has been turned up and it is time to go to work, Dolphins fans will eagerly await the news of who has “won” the day.
Just don’t expect coach Brian Flores to make a speedy decision. He and each of the contenders involved in the Dolphins’ biggest positional battle weighed in on day one of Miami Dolphins training camp yesterday and offered their perspective.
Here’s what you need to know.
Brian Flores will take his sweet time
“I don’t have a concrete deadline — I would say that,” said Brian Flores when asked about what the timetable looks like for the Miami Dolphins to produce an answer to the number one question in South Florida — who will be Miami’s starting quarterback?
“I think we’re in the evaluation process from now and throughout. I think in this league, in the players that are in this league and how guys develop? Lightbulb goes off certain guys at certain points, there’s always opportunity for changes to be made. And that’s a good thing.”
Flores has already decreed that he wants to get a large body of work for both Rosen and Fitzpatrick before making a call on who gets the start — though inevitably someone has to run with the first team each day. Yesterday was Fitzpatrick.
Solid, consistent day from Ryan Fitzpatrick
No turnovers. Commanding respect of the huddle — this is where Fitzpatrick is going to shine. And on day one of Miami’s 2019 training camp, that’s exactly what Fitzpatrick did while running with the first team.
And Fitzpatrick showed good chemistry with wide receiver Kenny Stills throughout the session — a promising development for Stills’ production should Fitzpatrick secure the gig for opening day. For a gunslinger, the most important thing to note is that Fitzpatrick did not beat himself on day one.
Momentum building for Josh Rosen
A mishandled exchange, a miscommunication on a short throw and an interception in the red zone were red marks against Rosen early — but there’s nothing to worry about for those hoping Rosen win the job. Rosen himself will be the first to tell you that he started slow.
“I thought I had a slow start but thought I finished pretty strong,” said Rosen.
“I think it’s just getting used to everything. Teammates, offense, situations — all that stuff. As long as tomorrow is better than today, I should be good.”
Rosen did, indeed, finish strong. It will be interesting to see if Brian Flores rewards him by running him with the first team for today’s practice.
