DAVIE, Fla. _ The Miami Dolphins' first practice without Ryan Fitzpatrick produced a subpar performance for the rest of the offense.
Chemistry between the quarterbacks, tights end and receivers is clearly becoming a problem for the Dolphins, considering how many passes were sprayed all over the field with no receiver in sight. Several errant passes also were nearly intercepted.
There were nearly half a dozen possible interceptions that were dropped by defenders on Friday, the first day Fitzpatrick, last year's MVP, was away from the team for personal reasons.
Tua Tagovailoa and his unit struggled in the early portion of 11-on-11s.
It is hard to say who was more at fault for the wayward passes thrown by Tagovailoa, including the pick-six interception by Breon Borders.
There was a rare back shoulder throw to Matt Cole and a 25-yard completion to Isaiah Ford, but it is obvious that Tagovailoa doesn't have a receiver unit as talented as what he had at Alabama.
The drop-off in talent appears to be a major problem, and so is Tagovailoa's seemingly slow mastery of Chan Gailey's offense _ which has kept the No. 5 pick from impressing onlookers.
Josh Rosen started well, but finished Friday's practice session poorly in the final 11-on-11 period.
Cornerback Trae Hayes intercepted a pass from Rosen in the middle of the field with no intended target in sight, indicating there was a communication issue _ which has been a running theme for the offense in the first week.
