The Miami Dolphins enter the new league year with a completely new coaching staff and a new front office decision maker. A new direction and era are upon us. This new direction starts with the Quarterback room. The Quarterback room will look drastically different than at the end of the 2018 season. At the end of the season, the room consisted of Ryan Tannehill, Brock Osweiler, David Fales, and Luke Falk. As mentioned, the new coaching staff and front office decision makers must key decisions when shaping this room. Based on an ESPN article, the Dolphins plan on fortifying the trenches and using the 2020 draft to find their franchise gut. Things can change, but for now, this is the approach. With that being said, attacking the position with the idea of maintaining cap flexibility, helping the young players grow while positioning the team for a top 10 pick, and keeping fans entertained is a tough task.
Dolphins Quarterback Decision Clouds Team
What Will the Quarterback Room Look Like?
Currently, the Dolphins have Ryan Tannehill, Luke Falk, andJake Rudockunder contract. Per Armando Saguaro, the Dolphins will likely move on from long-term starter Ryan Tannehill in the new league year. That would leave Luke Falk and Jake Rudock, both of whom combined have five career pass attempts. Even for a rebuilding team, going into the new year with either Falk or Rudock as a starter is unacceptable. It is a slap in the face to the fans who have stuck through 20 plus years of mediocrity. The NFL is a business, one of entertainment. No fan is going to be thrilled with those two players being QB1 and QB2. The Dolphins must address the quarterback position in both free agency and the middle rounds of the draft. Think of a cheap veteran like Ryan Fitzpatrick and a middle round rookie like Gardner Minshew for example.
Ticket Sales and Youth Development Are Still a Priority
Even if the team does not plan on competing for the playoffs, competing in games and not having a Nathan Peterman, Buffalo Bills experience is important. With ticket sales being a priority, as well as, youth development, the Quarterback position must be competent. While Luke Falk and Jake Rudock can develop over the offseason and show the ability to be competent, relying on that is a tough sell to the fan base. Using the example above, adding Fitzpatrick and Minshew allows for the team to have a veteran leader and another young player to develop. One decision that stumped Dolphin fans was the fact that the team has not drafted a Quarterback before the seventh round during the Tannehill era. Teams with more proven Quarterbacks have done it, it is part of the reason the team is in this situation.
Why is Adding a Veteran and Rookie Important?
Adding a veteran like Fitzpatrick will be key for a young team, especially in the learning department. It will allow young players to learn how to be a pro. It will allow young players to develop alongside someone who will allow them to show off their skill-base. Adding a developmental Quarterback will help the Dolphins in the long run. The last two seasons were failures in large part due to the backup Quarterback situation. Relying on past prime or overthought veterans is not a path to success. Developing a mid-round backup is a low-risk, high-reward decision. The Quarterback may never pan out, but it is better than not trying. If it does work out, then you have either a starter, a good backup option, or a potential trade piece.
Under new direction, the Dolphins must approach the Quarterback position in a new way than the previous regime, or they too will find themselves out of jobs in three years.
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