The Miami Dolphins’ quarterback room has suddenly evolved from a frustrating sore spot to a hot debate. The Dolphins, who for so long have wallowed in average to below average play at the most important position in sports, now have a key veteran in Ryan Fitzpatrick — who is coming off the best season of his career — and No. 5 overall pick Tua Tagovailoa.
Dolphins fans and pundits alike all seem to have an opinion on what the Dolphins should do. But we now have an opinion from another NFL coach — Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joined ‘The Jay Barker Show’ on 100.9 FM in Alabama earlier this week and was asked by former Crimson Tide and NFL running back Trent Richardson how he would choose to handle a rookie quarterback like Tua this season.
Here’s what Arians had to say:
“I think it all depends on his health; if he’s healthy I’m playing him,” said Arians.
“I don’t think you learn anything holding a clipboard. You know, I had Peyton Manning his first year, Andrew Luck his first year, Ben [Roethlisberger] was one of those guys that went in by accident because Tommy Maddox got hurt. You miss all the practice reps, you miss the game reps. I don’t know what you learn holding a clipboard watching.”
Given Arians’ track record with quarterbacks, it is hard to argue with his point of view and perspective on how to handle a young passer. If a quarterback has “it”, he’ll have “it” at the beginning — even if he makes some mistakes along the way. For the Dolphins, Tagovailoa’s health is the primary concern — although the team will still need to account for a young offensive line and ensure they’re comfortable with subjecting their rookie quarterback with playing behind a brand new unit in 2020. If they are, then they’re likely to follow Arians’ point of view and let their new star compete.