It seems both Skylar Thompson, the rookie seventh-round decide from Kansas State, or veteran Teddy Bridgewater will begin at quarterback for the Dolphins on this Sunday’s regular-season finale in opposition to the New York Jets at 1 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium. But Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel mentioned Monday that Miami didn’t but know who will begin, or when it’ll title a starter.
Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who’s unlikely to start out, remains to be in concussion protocol. Tagovailoa, in keeping with one report, expressed curiosity in enjoying in a wild-card sport however Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel mentioned he hasn’t mentioned a timeline for return with Tagovailoa.
“With Tua I haven’t thought about playing status,” McDaniel mentioned. “It is about him getting healthy each and every day. So I can’t really even factor him into any sort of equation until we’re ready to broach that.”
It’s unclear whether or not Bridgewater may begin or function a backup as a result of he has a dislocated pinky finger on his proper throwing hand, which complicates the scenario.
“Right now I’m preparing for both Skylar and Teddy,” McDaniel mentioned. “I think it’s too soon to know anything about Teddy.”
It appears McDaniel would begin Bridgewater if he’s wholesome sufficient to play.
McDaniel mentioned he’d like to call a starter by Wednesday in order that participant can apply with the primary group Wednesday and Thursday. But McDaniel mentioned in the event that they don’t title a starter Wednesday the group will merely have to regulate.
As for different damage conditions, significantly for Pro Bowl left deal with Terron Armstead (toe, pectoral, hip, knee), Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard, and edge rusher Bradley Chubb (hand, ankle), they continue to be unsettled.
Along with beginning quarterback, backup quarterback can be unsettled and relying on the scenario the Dolphins may very well be required so as to add a quarterback or two this week.
Last week the Dolphins reportedly introduced in quarterbacks Jack Coan (San Antonio Brahmas/XFL) and Kyle Lauletta (New Jersey Generals/USFL) for tryouts however didn’t signal both. The Dolphins had quarterback Reid Sinnett (San Antonio Brahmas/XFL) throughout coaching camp.
This is a large scenario for whoever begins at quarterback for the Dolphins.
Basically, if the Dolphins (8-8) defeat the Jets, and the New England Patriots (8-8) lose to the Buffalo Bills, Miami makes the playoffs.
Thompson had blended outcomes in opposition to the Patriots, ending 12 of 21 for 104 yards, one landing, one interception and a 66.4 passer ranking. For the season Thompson is 40 of 74 for 382 yards, one landing, three interceptions, and a 56.2 passer ranking.
So far, neither Thompson nor Bridgewater has completed a sport they began. Bridgewater left the Jets sport earlier this season due concussion considerations, Thompson left the Minnesota Vikings sport with a thumb damage, and Bridgewater left the Patriots sport with a finger damage,
If that development continues the Dolphins may have a quarterback who hasn’t taken a regular-season snap with the group this season ending doubtlessly their greatest sport of the 12 months.
Injury updates
While Armstead, Howard and Chubb are questionable to play Sunday, McDaniel mentioned offensive deal with Kendall Lamm, who began in Armstead’s place through the Patriots sport however sustained an ankle damage and didn’t return, received’t play Sunday.
Lamm was changed by Greg Little.
Armstead would presumably get replaced by Little as soon as once more. Howard, who sustained his damage when he bumped knees with a teammate in apply final week, would possible get replaced by Keion Crossen and Chubb would possible get replaced once more by Andrew Van Ginkel.
The 12 months(s) of The Collapse
The Dolphins aren’t alone of their late-season swoon. The Tennessee Titans (7-9) and New York Jets (7-9) are proper there together with them. The Dolphins have misplaced 5 consecutive video games, similar because the Jets, whereas Tennessee has misplaced six consecutive video games.
Last 12 months, the Baltimore Ravens have been 8-3, misplaced their remaining six video games, together with the season finale to the Pittsburgh Steelers in time beyond regulation, and completed 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
Apparently, the 17-game schedule, now in its second season, gives extra time for late-season collapses.
The landing that by no means ought to have occurred
Here’s an instance of how Dolphins gamers and coaches have been out of sync for a key play, New England’s fourth-quarter landing go from quarterback Mac Jones to extensive receiver Jakobi Meyers, in Sunday’s 23-21 loss.
“It was something I think across the board coaches and players are both today holding themselves accountable for,” McDaniel mentioned, including the scenario was communicated however gamers noticed the scenario otherwise.
Whatever the case, the 1-yard landing reception, which got here on third-and-goal, gave New England a 23-14 lead. And it by no means ought to have occurred.
New England initially lined up for the play with extensive receiver Tyquan Thornton uncovered on the left facet of the formation. Shortly earlier than the snap, Dolphins defensive again Elijiah Campbell, the twelfth man on the sphere, sprinted to the sideline at full pace, operating proper by Thornton and seeming to level towards him, as if to point Thornton’s presence to the remainder of the protection. No one observed.
The Dolphins have been of their purpose line bundle with safeties Jevon Holland and Clayton Fejedelem, who got here on the sphere late, because the defensive backs. Linebacker Duke Riley was lined up outdoors of the left deal with and had his again to Thornton.
Fortunately for the Dolphins, Jones by no means noticed Thornton, who was waving his arms earlier than the snap.
But it wouldn’t have mattered as a result of New England known as a timeout earlier than the play, which was a handoff to operating again Damien Harris that was executed about midway earlier than gamers stopped.
At that time, Thornton was standing ultimately zone on their own.
New England observed. The Dolphins didn’t.
When the Patriots took the sphere after the timeout they have been in an ‘I’ bunched formation. The Dolphins remained of their similar purpose line bundle.
That’s when New England then shifted its formation earlier than the snap.
The Patriots despatched Meyers, who was lined up subsequent to left deal with Trent Brown, extensive left. He was uncovered. Holland is then seen pointing in Meyers’ course. He was the one defender who observed the uncovered Meyers.
Just earlier than the snap, Riley lastly hears Holland, factors towards Meyers. and runs towards him. But it was too late.
Jones threw to Meyers for the landing.
“When we came out of the huddle half the defense saw it as one way, half the defense saw it as another,” McDaniel mentioned. “So all things were communicated. However, live speed they saw it differently and then once the recognition occurred we were aligned late.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com