“Fitzmagic” continues to live on in Miami. Well, at least for the next week.
Dolphins decided to remove any doubts about their starting quarterback in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers and announced that Ryan Fitzpatrick will start the game under center. The news comes after speculations that head coach Brian Flores is considering turning over the offense to Tua Tagovailoa, Miami’s No.5 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Dolphins are 1-3 this season with Fitzpatrick as a starter, with the 37-year-old experiencing notable oscillations in his game in 2020. He is currently completing 69.0 percent of his passes, having thrown for 994 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Still, Flores is hesitant to bench Fitzpatrick, believing that Tagovailoa could benefit from sitting behind the veteran before being thrown into the fire. Also, Alabama’s product underwent hip surgery, and the organization doesn’t want to rush his return to the field.
On the other hand, other teams that started rookie quarterbacks this season, Cincinnati Bengals and LA Chargers, greatly benefited from this decision. This likely increases the pressure on Miami to do the same, with their fan base already asking for a change at the position.
If Dolphins continue to underperform and Fitzpatrick struggles in Week 5, it shouldn’t be surprising that Flores backs on his decision and gives Tagovailoa a chance.
