Grading the Dolphins quarterbacks after their 2023 season

A look at how Miami’s three QBs fared in 2023.

The Miami Dolphins finished their 2023 campaign with an 11-6 record and made the postseason for the second time in as many years under head coach Mike McDaniel. Unfortunately, it came to an end with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.

While other teams are in the midst of their playoff run, it’s time to do some reflecting on the team in South Florida.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be reviewing and evaluating different positions for the Dolphins in 2023. Today, we’ll look at the quarterbacks.

Dolphins’ 2023 training camp preview: QB Skylar Thompson

Can the former seventh-round pick challenge for the backup role?

The Miami Dolphins have wrapped up their rookie minicamp, organized team activities and mandatory minicamps and will return to the Baptist Health Training Complex near the end of July to prepare for the 2023 regular season.

Before that, we’ll be going through the majority of Miami’s roster to preview their background, projected role and bottom line with the team entering training camp.

After looking at starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and backup quarterback Mike White earlier in the week, we’ll move to the third-string option – Skylar Thompson.

NFL Draft: How to find a backup quarterback

With the Vikings needing to find a QB of the future, taking one in the middle rounds could still net them a backup writes @TheKevinFielder

The Minnesota Vikings can approach finding a quarterback of the future in the 2023 NFL Draft in two ways.

They can take one in the first round (either after a trade-up or at their No. 23 pick). A trade would likely include multiple first-round picks, including this year’s selection, and could mean mortgaging their future for an unproven commodity with a high ceiling.

The Vikings could also pass on a quarterback on Thursday and take one later in the draft. This option offers no production guarantees, but it would also mean fewer assets (and an opportunity to address the other needs).

While opportunities to select the next Dak Prescott, Brock Purdy, or Tom Brady exists, there are no guarantees that the next starting quarterback will be on the board late in the draft. Instead, it’s more likely that the Vikings would get an affordable backup signal-caller with team control.

Which is fine, by the way. Finding a reliable backup quarterback is a challenging task. Teams hardly hit on non-first-round signal-callers, and there’s a hefty premium for backup quarterbacks that an offense can trust.

The Vikings can maximize their late-round quarterback value in a few ways.

Rumor: Philip Rivers wanted to play for Dolphins in 2022

The former Charger and Colt may have wanted to make South Florida his home for a bit.

Near the end of the Miami Dolphins’ 2022 season, they were down to third-string rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson to lead their team after injuries to both Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater.

Thompson ended up starting the franchise’s first postseason game since 2016 in a losing effort to the Buffalo Bills.

However, they may have had a veteran option to take over if needed. According to Rich Eisen, rumors swirled at the NFL combine that the Dolphins were one of two quarterback-needy teams that were contacted by Philip Rivers for a return down the stretch. Eisen noted that the San Francisco 49ers, who were down to seventh-round pick Brock Purdy after injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, were the other team.

In an offense that had the ability to be explosive with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, Rivers may have been better suited to lead them to a playoff win even at his advanced age.

At the same time, getting him into a new system and having him learn a playbook so quickly likely would’ve been an issue, so it’s not that crazy to see why it didn’t happen.

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Dolphins Challenge Cancer raises event-record $10 million over weekend

What an incredible turnout for a great cause!

Prior to the sun rising on Saturday morning above the pristine sight of Hard Rock Stadium, the 13th Annual Dolphins Challenge Cancer event sent its first wave of cyclists to begin a 100-mile ride. 

Since 2010, the DCC has contributed more than $53 million to cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, not even including this year’s rolling tally, which goes through March.

The DCC stands as the largest fundraising event in the NFL and represents the largest known philanthropic pledge in all professional sports. In what is truly a #OneTeamOneFight mentality, the Miami Dolphins have partnered with the University of Miami and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the 2023 ride and walk had a record of over 5,000 participants and donors. 

The event had waves of 100, 55, 35, and 15 miles for the cyclists, and there was a 5K walk as well. Highlighting the 55-mile ride, was No. 54 himself, Hall of Famer, Zach Thomas. 

Once again, Hall of Famer, Zach Thomas. 

It’s to be noted that Thomas was certainly one of the stars of the event, as even DCC Executive Director, Javier Sanchez recognized him prior to starting the ride saying, “our very own, Hall-of-Famer, Zach Thomas.” Hundreds of fans had conversations with Thomas, took selfies, and enjoyed some well-earned food and beverages. 

Thomas’ draft-class-mate from 1996 defensive back Shawn Wooden, was among the participants as was former Dolphin, and current defensive assistant coach, Sam Madison.

The event essentially had a 53-man roster of Dolphins players past and present support this initiative. In a surprise appearance, former Dolphins fan favorite, wide-receiver, and special teamer, Mack Hollins made a return ride to Miami Gardens and the DCC. Hollins was even a board member of this event and returned to continue his support. This is a testament to Hollins, as he played in Las Vegas for the Raiders in the 2022 season, however still supports this great cause. When getting a chance to speak with Hollins, and inquiring if there is a potential of a return to Hard Rock Stadium, his answer was simply not a no. 

Additionally, fans of all ages and generations were able to speak to and share stories with Dolphin legends such as Mark Duper, Nat Moore and John Offerdahl in the “Heavy Hitters” tent for the top fundraisers.

As for the current Dolphins, among the supporters and riders, rising star pass-rusher, Jaelan Phillips was a 100-mile rider, to no shock to anyone.  Along with Phillips, fellow defenders like Christian Wilkins and Jevon Holland were in cycling gear. Skylar Thompson participated as well, and even dropped by “The Fish Tank,” where co-hosts of the popular Dolphins podcast Seth Levit and former Dolphins great O.J. McDuffie chatted with the quarterback, fresh off his rookie season. 

Adding a 5K walk to this event, many more participants sans bike were treated to a send-off by Head Coach Mike McDaniel, who remarkably was wearing a sweatsuit, and most assuredly had a killer pair of kicks to match. 

Coach worked the microphone energizing the crowd saying, “are we ready to walk with a lot of intent, real fast! I can’t tell you enough how inspiring this fan base is, your support is real and everybody in the organization, players included.”

McDaniel hit on the core message of the event, and the community by saying this effort, “is truly one team.” McDaniel walked among the fans and supporters and participants in the 5K and didn’t seem to break a sweat despite the attire.

Introducing McDaniel, Dolphins VP/CEO Tom Garfinkel addressed the crowd as well. “Thank you to everybody, congratulations, for the first time ever, the DCC is going to raise over $10 Million for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.”

Over $10 Million over the weekend. 

In what was a remarkable and poignant experience for so many, the effort and dedication the DCC puts into fighting cancer is nothing short of inspirational. Philanthropy and charity have been the cornerstones of the Dolphins organization from an off-field standpoint and among sports best.

It goes to what Garfinkel said the second he was introduced by Sanchez, “we fight cancer together, you don’t have to have cancer to fight cancer.”

There is still time to donate and support this amazing cause, as the fundraising continues through March. It was an honor to personally walk among some amazing fans and supporters of the team and the DCC, and for those who participated and donated, thank you on behalf of everyone who has been directly or indirectly affected by cancer.

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Grading the Dolphins quarterbacks after their 2022 season

There were some surprises and disappointments from the room.

The Miami Dolphins finished their 2022 season with a 9-8 record and made the postseason for the first time in six years before suffering a defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round.

While other teams are in the midst of their playoff run, it’s time to do some reflecting on the team in South Florida. They’ve already moved on from some members of the coaching staff, so it’s only right to honestly evaluate the guys who were taking the field each week.

We’ll be going through the roster and reviewing how different position groups played in 2022. Today, we’ll look at the quarterbacks.

Evaluating the Dolphins’ 2022 draft class after their rookie seasons

The undrafted players did more than those who were selected.

The 2022 Miami Dolphins didn’t reach the heights that they would’ve liked, but they still found their way into a playoff game for the first time in six years and lost by just three points to a team that was one of the best in the league.

While Mike McDaniel’s team got a great deal from the veterans, some of the first-year players made an impact on the field as well.

Today, we’ll take a look at the seasons of four rookies that the Dolphins used draft picks on, as well as some that they didn’t.

Skylar Thompson takes full responsibility for time management struggles

Miami had four delay-of-game penalties.

Throughout the Miami Dolphins’ 34-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round at Highmark Stadium, Mike McDaniel’s team had problems getting plays in before the play clock expired.

Miami was called for delay of game four times in the contest and used multiple timeouts to avoid more. Even beyond that, there were a number of instances where it could’ve been called.

With rookie Skylar Thompson under center for just his third career start, and his first in the postseason, many will put the blame on the inexperienced quarterback, and he’s taking responsibility for the mistakes.

“I felt like our operation, in general, today struggled at times,” Thompson said. “I take full responsibility for it. Yeah, it was a loud environment, but we knew that going into it. I felt like there were things that I could’ve done better to help that be smoother. Those experiences are great learning experiences for me. I take full responsibility for those miscues and not being clean in all aspects at times. It’s something to learn from and take from and get better next time.”

While Thompson deserves some share of the blame, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen McDaniel struggle to get the operation under control with a new quarterback. This was an issue with Tua Tagovailoa earlier in the season, and it took time to get everything straightened out.

Both the players and the coaches should shoulder the responsibility.

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Instant analysis: Bills send Dolphins packing in chaotic Wild-Card win

Instant analysis: #Bills send #Dolphins packing in chaotic Wild-Card win (via @jdiloro):

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Miami Dolphins, 34-31, in a turbulent, wild, and chaotic fashion in their Wild-Card matchup.

Turnovers, momentum swings, and aggressive play calling were three major themes of this contest.

The Bills started the game in a dominant fashion, jumping to a 17-lead in the first quarter.

Tight end Dawson Knox was on the receiving end of a stellar pass from quarterback Josh Allen to open the scoring for Buffalo. Allen extended the play, rolled out to his right, and fired a pass behind the helmet of defender Jerome Baker. Knox kept his feet in bounds, providing the game’s first big play:

Running back James Cook followed up with a touchdown on the next drive. Cook ran for 12 yards on a misdirection to give the Bills a two-score lead.

The Bills continued to move the ball at will against the Dolphins. Both teams were aggressive, with Miami playing a great deal of cover-zero and cover-one defense. Josh Allen worked to carve up the Dolphins defense. Buffalo held a massive advantage in total yards after the first quarter (172-19).

However, the aggressive nature caused problems for the Bills. However, Buffalo’s offense struggled with execution, making several mistakes. Josh Allen threw two interceptions, giving the Dolphins a chance to claw their way back into the game.

Miami chipped away at the Bills lead, as Miami kicker Jason Sanders made three consecutive field goals. Miami closed the first half with a quick four-play drive, culminating with a touchdown pass to Mike Gesicki. Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson connected with Tyreek Hill on a two-point conversion to tie the game.

Turnovers continued to be a theme for the Bills. Miami took its first lead of the game after recovering a Josh Allen fumble. The scoop-and-score put the Dolphins up 24-20 early in the third quarter.

Buffalo struggled to move the ball on their subsequent drives. The Bills continued to be aggressive with their playcalling, opting to push the ball down the field and take their shots against man coverage.

The Bills received a gift from the Dolphins, as Thompson threw and ill-guided pass on third-and-18. The pass was picked off by Kaiir Elam. Buffalo found their rhythm on offense, moving the ball efficiently and finishing the drive with a six-yard pass to Cole Beasley.

The Bills drove down on their next drive, this time completing another five-play drive. This time, Gabe Davis made a terrific catch in the end zone. The Bills once again had a 10-point lead and seemed to be in the driver seat.

Once again, Miami clawed their way back into the game. Buffalo’s defense could not get the big play to take the Dolphins off the field. Instead, the Dolphins went on an 11-play, 75-yard drive concluding with a one-yard touchdown run by Jeff Wilson.

The defenses then shut down any offensive progress for the final 11 minutes of the game. When the team needed it the most, the Bills defense held strong, stopping Miami’s late charge.

The Bills defense did a great job at holding Miami’s playmakers under control. Tyreek Hill caught seven passes for 69 yards, while Jaylen Waddle caught only three balls for 44 yards.

Buffalo gave up only 42 yards on the ground. The Bills, for the most part, made Thompson look like a third-string quarterback. Thompson ended the day 18-of-45 for 220 passing yards, a touchdown pass, and two interceptions. Still, there were moments where Thompson made good enough passes to keep the Dolphins in the game.

Buffalo’s offense was predicated on being aggressive. While the Bills had some success looking for the big play, Buffalo settled for low-percentage passes far too often. This led to turnovers and five drives ending with punts.

There were several things to love from this game for Buffalo. The team gutted out another close game. Stefon Diggs was dominant early in the game. Diggs and Gabe Davis eclipsed the 100-yard mark in receiving. Cole Beasley caught his first career playoff touchdown. Khalil Shakir made several nice grabs out of the slot. Dawson Knox found the end zone once again.

Defensively, the Bills registered four sacks. Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds were a force to be reckoned with all game. Elam and Dean Marlowe registered interceptions.

Even so, there are several things that the Bills will want to fix moving forward in the playoffs. Allen, while making several great passes, neutralized the strong performance with three fumbles and two interceptions. The offensive line gave up seven sacks. And, the playcalling abandoned the run game when it seemed necessary to revisit it.

Buffalo will know their fate after the Cincinnati-Baltimore game Sunday night. The Bills will host the game as the No. 2 seed.

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WATCH: Skylar Thompson finds Mike Gesicki for first career playoff TD

They also converted a two-point conversion.

With just over six minutes left in the first half, the Miami Dolphins trailed the Buffalo Bills 17-3. However, interceptions by Xavien Howard and Jevon Holland, and a long punt return by Cedrick Wilson Jr. later, Miami had a chance to score and tie the game up.

Rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson looked off the safety before firing a pass into tight end Mike Gesicki. Gesicki did his patented griddy celebration before Thompson hit wide receiver Tyreek Hill for a successful two-point conversion, knotting the game at 17-17.

Buffalo was able to drive down a kick a field goal before the end of the half, but Thompson and company are in a good position for the second half.

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