{"id":185834,"date":"2024-08-19T11:45:30","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T15:45:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=185834"},"modified":"2024-08-18T16:30:49","modified_gmt":"2024-08-18T20:30:49","slug":"miami-dolphins-tight-contest-at-backup-quarterback-and-its-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/08\/19\/miami-dolphins-tight-contest-at-backup-quarterback-and-its-options\/","title":{"rendered":"Miami\u2019s Tight Contest at Backup Quarterback and Its Options"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u201cneck-to-neck\u201d, according to head coach Mike McDaniel<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quarterbacks Mike White and Skylar Thompson have shown both pros and cons throughout this summer in camp. However, Miami\u2019s past two preseason games have hinted at a possible change within the group and depth chart. In reality, it\u2019s anyone’s game for the second-string spot. Potentially for a former Dolphins starter in free agency as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rep Counts Favoring Thompson in Camp<\/h3>\n

Thompson<\/a> throughout camp took advantage in reps over White<\/a>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s lack of opportunities in camp to show his abilities in the pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thompson Over White in Preseason Action<\/h3>\n

This trend of Thompson controlling snaps is also evident in Miami\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related: Jaylen Waddle Fantasy Football Outlook<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

White Proving His Worth<\/h3>\n

White may haven\u2019t 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\u2019s game against Washington Saturday.<\/span><\/p>\n

White hasn\u2019t 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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The negatives from his play, however, this preseason has really been the lack of versatility. White isn\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

White did threw the ball away when needed, but hasn’t ran with it at all throughout this summer. It\u2019s especially harder when your opportunities are with lesser talent than Miami\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Balancing the Reps<\/h3>\n

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\u2019s all a progressive process, <\/span>McDaniel said<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n