One thing we can all agree upon? The 2019 Miami Dolphins’ offense is not very good.
That statement might be the easiest evaluation during the weekly bouts involving Miami. Sure, they’re scrappy. They have fight. They don’t quit. Much of that is due to the reckless, backyard style spearheaded by the bearded madman himself: Ryan Fitzpatrick. His ability to extend plays with his legs and savvy under pressure have covered up some of the warts this offense possesses and while simultaneously allowing some of the skill players to make something out of nothing. But Fitzpatrick also taken some serious licks from a multitude of defenders.
With Rosen under center, this team was different. And he would be getting annihilated behind this porous offensive line. The skill players would have no chance to make something out of nothing, because Rosen himself can’t make something out of nothing. It’s not his style. By benching the second year quarterback, multiple positives happened for the aqua and orange:
- Rosen can continue to to be groomed to the pro game without being destroyed on the field. Josh was not the pro-ready prospect he was sold as coming out of UCLA. And if he cannot correctly identify the defense, he cannot effectively operate the offense, thus hampering his own development as well as the production of the entire team.
- Additionally, Rosen is a traditional pocket passer. This piecemeal offensive line has Fitzpatrick running for his life on nearly every play, and he’s still taken 3.5 sacks per start this season despite his ability to evade pressure. Can you imagine Rosen behind this line these past two months? He very likely would have been pulled for injury if he hadn’t been pulled for another player.
- Fitzpatrick galvanized the offense, catapulting them into a more competitive state. Guys like Devante Parker and Mike Gesicki have experienced nice bumps in their past production with Fitz in the lineup. Even being down by several scores, the offense doesn’t roll over. This allows the coaches and Chris Grier to identify who is worth keeping around past year zero.
- Finally, the move protects Josh Rosen, the asset. Whether he is in the long-term plans or is destined to yet again be sent off to a third team in as many seasons, he offers no value as damaged goods.
The fact is, Miami found it worth their while to bring Rosen over from Arizona for one reason or another, and they quickly realized they weren’t going to get his best or be able to give them their best in 2019. Don’t write him off for next season quite yet. Yes, he appears to be the type of quarterback that needs stability around him to produce at a high level.
It just so happens that Miami has assets galore after the 2019 season. The offensive line needs a complete overhaul. If successful in that endeavor, and Rosen grows as a pro behind the scenes, there’s a chance we see his best ball next season. Whether that includes a rookie waiting in the wings remains to be seen.
All things considered, The Dolphins truly did do Josh Rosen a favor in not leading him to slaughter in 2019. The results will speak for themselves in the untold future.
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