Through four weeks of training camp action, the Miami Dolphins quarterback room still has a lot of questions to answer. Besides quarterback Tua Tagovailoa being the undisputed first-string game manager, the back up position is “neck-to-neck”, according to head coach Mike McDaniel.
Quarterbacks Mike White and Skylar Thompson have shown both pros and cons throughout this summer in camp. However, Miami’s past two preseason games have hinted at a possible change within the group and depth chart. In reality, it’s anyone’s game for the second-string spot. Potentially for a former Dolphins starter in free agency as well.
Rep Counts Favoring Thompson in Camp
Thompson throughout camp took advantage in reps over White. The third-year quarterback found himself in practice creating a lot of opportunities for the offense. Whether rolling to his left or right, Thompson looked comfortable passing on the move in play action.
In a practice ran in a walkthrough pace last week, Tagovailoa had nearly all of the reps in 11-on-11 work. Thompson was able to complete one, or two plays before practice was called for the day. This has been an example of White’s lack of opportunities in camp to show his abilities in the pocket.
Thompson Over White in Preseason Action
This trend of Thompson controlling snaps is also evident in Miami’s two preseason games this year. Thompson opened the first half as a starter in the Dolphins 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons Aug. 9, and went in the game after the first drive of Saturday’s 13-6 win over the Washington Commanders. The dual threat quarterback played all the way through the first half and exited the game late in the third quarter.
Throughout the past two preseason games, Thompson recorded 154 passing yards, a touchdown, an interception and a 47.% completion rating. Besides the poor selection from that pass, Thompson has been smart with the ball. The former seventh-round draft choice has stayed in the pocket without rushing a play all preseason.
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Thompson is doing much better analyzing the field and has shown confidence in his game throwing the deep ball. Still, a lot of things need to be improved on for him. Thompson at times will try to force darts in tight spaces for a completion. That’s how he suffered his only interception of the preseason. Thompson threw a play action pass into the middle of a heavily contested secondary to find a crossing receiver against Atlanta.
White Proving His Worth
White may haven’t had the most reps as of late in training camp, but the veteran entering his sixth year has shown composure in the pocket this preseason. Throughout the past two games, White trickled 142 passing yards and a 44.1% completion rating. 116 of them came from Miami’s game against Washington Saturday.
White hasn’t allowed himself to get picked off in camp, or this preseason by being cautious with the ball. Short pass plays have been the bread and butter this preseason for the backup quarterback of 2023. White’s biggest plays from this preseason have all come from connections with wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, who had two receptions for more than 15 yards off of passes by White Saturday.
The negatives from his play, however, this preseason has really been the lack of versatility. White isn’t known to travel outside of the pocket, or beyond the line of scrimmage for that matter. The Western Kentucky alum has been sacked on several occasions in joint practices and preseason games due to not running away in time.
White did threw the ball away when needed, but hasn’t ran with it at all throughout this summer. It’s especially harder when your opportunities are with lesser talent than Miami’s usual second-string guys. White ran some snaps in practice with members of the first team, but he’s been dealt with fourth-string guys on the depth chart in many offensive positions this preseason.
Balancing the Reps
McDaniel has done his best to give both Thompson and White opportunities to prove their position on the depth chart. White was named the second-string quarterback through two consecutive depth charts this preseason. Still, it’s too early to tell for the regular season. It’s all a progressive process, McDaniel said.
“We have been very intentional with our opportunities that we’ve given Skylar,” McDaniel said. “I think he’s made some plays, had some stuff that he knows he can get better at, and then, you’re trying to make sure that you can try to balance out the competition with some opportunities for Mike (White), but I think that it’s progressive. I’m not gray to throw people off the scent. It’s really a true belief that I have. You don’t try to determine how things are going to play out, you let people take control…”
As of now, Thompson and White are the only two options on the roster for the position behind Tagovailoa. However, an open free agency can easily tarnish both quarterbacks grip on the situation. The biggest name available on the market could do the trick. Especially if its a former Dolphin.
Potential Option From Free Agency
The NFL this offseason has seen a lot of former starting players test free agency, or leave a position destined for another generation. Former Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill can say he experienced both this summer. The 11-year veteran saw himself at the backend of a Tennessee quarterback room that had two potential stars in Malik Willis and Will Levis.
Midway through the 2023 season, Tannehill understood his time as the Titans starter was over and transitioned to a reserve role to mentor a then-rookie Levis. Tannehill played in 10 games in 2023 and finished with 1,616 passing yards. Last year also marked his first season with a negative touchdown-interception ratio. Tannehill had seven interceptions compared to his four touchdowns.
Tannehill is now considered to be one of the top free agents still available this summer with only one more game left this preseason. The former Dolphins quarterback could be a perfect fit in McDaniel’s yards-after-catch offense and support a Miami team with an injury history. Last season was Tagovailoa’s first year in the NFL without an injury.
From 2012 to 2018, Tannehill was the guy for the Dolphins. Miami drafted the former wide receiver in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Tannehill’s unique football history made him a receiver friendly quarterback with the ability to find route runners in stride. The former Pro Bowler finished his tenure with the Dolphins without making a playoff appearance. However, Tannehill was able to crack into the postseason with Tennessee.
That gained experience could help Tagovailoa, who has only appeared in one playoff game throughout four years. Of course, these are all hypotheticals. As of right now, Thompson and White will continue to battle for the second-string spot to the start of the regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium Sept. 8. The backup Miami Dolphins quarterback spot is one to keep an eye on.
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: Palm Beach Post
