Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel’s latest tactical approach at Monday’s training camp practice might carry implications for his backup quarterbacks, even if it was originally designed with different intentions.
Reports indicated star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa took every practice snap, sidelining backups Mike White and Skylar Thompson throughout the session. This development has sparked speculation: Is it a wakeup call for these backups to step up their game, or was it merely a structured decision by McDaniel ahead of Week 2 of the preseason?
The Dolphins are gearing up for two joint practice sessions with the Washington Commanders before facing them in their second preseason game this Friday night. During their preseason debut, both White and Thompson were given the opportunity to manage the game while Tagovailoa rested, but their lackluster performances left much to be desired among the fans.
The full allocation of Monday’s reps to Tagovailoa might not have been planned as a direct message to White and Thompson, but taking it as such would seem justifiable. Frustrations among the fans are audible, with calls for the Dolphins to bring in additional quarterback talent to shake up the competition, underscoring a lack of confidence in the current backups.
The dependence on Tagovailoa as Miami’s linchpin is stark; neither White nor Thompson has consistently demonstrated they can carry the team’s offense in his absence. Although Thompson had moments of brilliance last season, helping secure a playoff spot for the Dolphins, he primarily remains a third-choice, emergency option. Meanwhile, White, who served as the primary backup last season, has yet to secure his role for this year, suggesting that one of the two might soon be edged out unless their performances improve dramatically.
As discussions heat up, the possibility of signing a new quarterback, possibly even veteran Ryan Tannehill, looms over as the Dolphins look to fortify their quarterback lineup ahead of the challenging season.