Ryan Fitzpatrick Placed on Dolphins' COVID-19 List; Out vs. Bills
Dec 31, 2020
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to throw a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas.The Dolphins won the game 26-25. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
Fitzpatrick will miss Sunday's crucial season finale vs. the Buffalo Bills, where the 10-5 Dolphins will attempt to earn a playoff berth.
Given the NFL's coronavirus protocol, Fitzpatrick will have to self-isolate for at least 10 days, meaning he could also potentially miss a playoff game if the Dolphins qualify and are scheduled to play on Saturday, Jan. 9.
"It hurts. He's a leader of our team. He brings energy,"safety Eric Rowetold reporters. "I'm sure it's worse for him because he loves the game and nobody wants to catch COVID. With that, you have to push forward. My reaction was praying for his health. That's a real deal thing. Just praying he doesn't have the symptoms and didn't spread it to his family."
That means rookie Tua Tagovailoa won't have Fitzpatrick backing him up against the Bills. Fitzpatrick came into the game late in a Week 16 matchup vs. the Las Vegas Raiders and led the team to a comeback win, though after the game head coach Brian Flores maintained that Tagovailoa remains the starter.
Any lingering doubts about that have been extinguished with Fitzpatrick unavailable.
"There's really no extra, added pressure. The expectation for myself is very high in how I perform and how I go out there and try to lead the guys to victory,"Tagovailoatold reportersafter Flores named him the starter. "Obviously, this past weekend, I didn't play to that standar. If you can't get the job done, then that's on you. That's on no one else."
That will be especially true this weekend, with Fitzpatrick unavailable in relief. Tagovailoa has had his ups-and-downs as a rookie, throwing for 1,453 yards, 10 touchdowns and two interceptions in nine games, completing 65.1 percent of his passes. The Dolphins are 6-2 in his starts.
And now he'll have to come up big in the most important game of his young career.
Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores has employed what some might consider an innovative approach at quarterback with veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick and first-round rookie Tua Tagovailoa...
At the start of last season, the Miami Dolphins appeared to be one of the worst teams in football. They had stripped their roster of talent in the offseason and appeared to be tanking for a new franchise quarterback...
Miracle Win Leaves Dolphins Facing QB Quandary with Tua and Fitzpatrick
Dec 27, 2020
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) plays against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
The Miami Dolphins entered Week 16 in a position the team probably didn't expect to be in back in September. Get a win in Las Vegas and in Week 17 in Buffalo, and one of the three wild-card spots in the AFC would be theirs.
Well, the Dolphins accomplished the first of the goals compliments of a wild, last-second 26-25 win over the Raiders. But the way that miracle win went down left the Dolphins facing a tricky decision next week against the Bills—and potentially beyond that into the postseason.
Does Brian Flores turn to the future of the franchise under center in a must-win game by rolling out rookie Tua Tagovailoa? Or does he turn back the clock and go with the quarterback who appears to give Miami the best chance to win now and trot out the Bearded One in veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick?
Tagovailoa drew the start for the Dolphins in Week 16, just as he had every week in which he was healthy since the Dolphins came out of the bye in Week 8. Tagovailoa hadn't exactly lit it up in his seven starts before Saturday's game, averaging 192.9 passing yards a game. But Tagovailoa had nine touchdown throws against just two interceptions, posted a passer rating of over 90 and won five of those seven games.
But against a Raiders defense that entered the week 26th in the league against the pass, Tagovailoa just couldn't get anything going through the air. He completed 17-of-22 passes, but threw for just 94 yards.
That's 4.3 yards per attempt, which is … not good.
With the Dolphins trailing in the fourth quarter, Flores made a call to the bullpen, re-inserting Fitzpatrick at quarterback. The 38-year-old had better per-game yardage stats than Tagovailoa in his seven starts (mostly at the beginning of the season) in 2020, but the king of the journeymen quarterbacks threw seven interceptions and went just 4-3 as the starter.
Once Fitzpatrick entered the game, the Miami passing attack suddenly sprang to life. In less than a quarter, Fitzpatrick threw for 182 yards and a touchdown with a passer rating of 137.5. Per ESPN Stats and Info, it tied for the most productive fourth quarter of Fitzpatrick's 16-year career.
Oh, and Fitzpatrick connected with Mack "Who?" Hollins on this prayer of a pass (while being facemasked, no less) to set up Jason Sanders' game-winning kick.
It was "Fitzmagic" at its finest. A Christmas miracle one day late. But after the partying dies down in the Miami locker room, Flores and the coaching staff now face a lulu of a decision.
When the Dolphins turned to Tagovailoa after the bye, there were a few quizzical looks, but nothing major. Sure, Fitzpatrick was playing relatively well and the Dolphins were surprisingly competitive. But no one was going to argue that Fitz was anything more than a temporary fix. A Band-Aid, A stopgap. Tagovailoa was the future—the wildly athletic young southpaw the Dolphins had just drafted fifth overall.
That changing of the guard hit a snag in Denver in Week 11, when Tagovailoa struggled in a loss to the Broncos. Just as on Saturday, Fitzpatrick relieved Tagovailoa in that game. But at the time, Head coach Brian Flores insisted that Tagovailoa's benching was temporary. Per Steve Wyche of the NFL Network, Flores said yet again after Saturday's win that Tagovailoa remains the team's starting quarterback.
Dolphins Coach Brian Flores said Tua will start at QB week 17
However, he also intimated that just because Tua will start against the Bills doesn't mean he will finish the game.
"If we need to go to a relief pitcher in the 9th," Flores told reporters after the game, "it's what we'll do."
As great a job as Flores has done running the Dolphins this season (and he's absolutely in the mix for Coach of the Year) this is one instance where his course of action is one he could live to regret.
Before we go any farther, there has been nothing to indicate that either of these quarterbacks mind how things have played out to this point in the season. Fitzpatrick has made it clear all along that he accepts that his role now is as much mentor as quarterback.
"I think I have had such a great career in terms of the people that I've met and the people that have helped me out along the way," Fitzpatrick said in October while appearing on Adam Schefter's podcast. "And I just view it as paying it forward a little bit. And I've made enough mistakes for plenty of quarterbacks combined with the things that I've been through and done. And to be able to share those experiences—the good and the bad—with some of these younger guys, if I could be a smart part of helping them in their career and making them a better player, then that makes it worth it for me."
And even after Fitzpatrick entered the game, he could be seen speaking with Tagovailoa on the sideline reviewing plays between offensive series.
But Flores needs to decide—now—what matters more to these Dolphins. Is it winning in Week 17? Moving on to the playoffs? Maybe even pulling off an upset in the Wild Card round? Or is it developing Tagovailoa for a future that (after the 2020 season) probably won't include Fitzpatrick, who will be hitting free agency?
If the future is the priority, then that's fine. Here's the cold, hard truth—this Dolphins team might win a playoff game, but they aren't peeling off three wins in a row on the road in the postseason. Miami is better than anyone expected in 2020, but the team isn't a Super Bowl contender. Not yet.
But if Flores wants to milk every last drop he can out of 2020, then Fitzpatrick is the guy. It's not a knock on Tua. He's a rookie learning the ropes. It's OK to struggle some early reading coverages. To have reservations about pushing the ball vertically.
But Tua is having issues with finding the open guy, and tossing five yard passes all game long isn't getting you far against a good opponent—or even a mediocre one. The Miami offense looked light-years better in Week 16 with Fitzpatrick under center. He's better equipped to cope with Miami's injuries at wideout. And there's a "spark" when Fitzpatrick is out there. You can tell that his receivers have absolute confidence that the vet can throw them open.
What Flores doesn't want to do is make a habit of starting and then yanking Tagovailoa. Waiting for your young quarterback to dig a hole so you can ding his confidence by pulling him before he can dig out of it isn't a winning strategy. You either believe in the rookie—or you don't.
Make the call. One way or another. And ride it out.
Frankly, for one more week this could be moot. The Bills could easily be in a position with nothing to play for in Week 17. If Buffalo rests its starters, Tagovailoa's mission in Week 17 will be that much easier.
But that doesn't change the fact that Flores needs to pick a lane. Decide what matters more: now or later.
Because if the quarterback carousel continues, whatever success Miami has in the 2020 playoffs could come at the long-term expense of the most important position on the field.
And it would be incredibly unfortunate to see the Dolphins squander some of the remarkable momentum the franchise has built since beginning their rebuild in 2019.
Tua Tagovailoa Will Start Week 17 for Dolphins After Getting Benched vs. Raiders
Dec 27, 2020
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks to throw against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores told reporters he plans to start quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Week 17 even though backup Ryan Fitzpatrick led a 26-25 comeback win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday.
Dolphins Coach Brian Flores said Tua will start at QB week 17
Tagovailoa completed 17 of 22 passes for 94 yards and one touchdown, while Fitzpatrick went 9-of-13 with 182 yards and a touchdown—a 59-yard rocket to Myles Gaskin to help take a 23-22 lead.
The 10-5 Dolphins, who can secure a postseason berth with a victory, visit a Buffalo Bills team that already clinched the AFC East.
Fitzpatrick started against the Bills when the teams met in Week 2 and passed for 328 yards with two touchdowns in a 31-28 loss. Flores did not rule out using both quarterbacks again next week if the situation called for it.
"If we need to go to a relief pitcher in the ninth, it's what we'll do," Floressaidafter Saturday's win.
It's certainly an unconventional game plan for a team vying for the postseason. The NFL's unwritten rules say teams that have to decide between two quarterbacks don't have a starter. Flores will look to prove that wrong if necessary.
"There are a lot of people in that locker room trying to win," Flores said. "I'm always going to do what's best for the team."
That'll be put to the test next week in what could be the last game of the year for the Dolphins.
Ryan Fitzpatrick Replaces Tua Tagovailoa as Dolphins Stun Raiders on Late FG
Dec 26, 2020
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 hands off to running back Myles Gaskin #37 during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders in an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Jason Sanders kicked a 44-yard field goal with six seconds left as the Miami Dolphins beat the host Las Vegas Raiders 26-25 on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium.
Dolphins backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick replaced Tua Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter and completed nine of 13 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown. He led the Dolphins to 13 points in the final 4:05. Tagovailoa completed 17 of 22 passes but amassed just 94 passing yards before being benched.
Miami's win knocked Las Vegas out of playoff contention. The 7-8 Raiders lost their fifth game in six tries with the defeat.
Numerous scenarios exist for the 10-5 Dolphins to make the playoffs, but the simplest is a win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 17.
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Fitzpatrick Pilots Dolphins to Miracle Win as Tua Sits
Tagovailoa is a rookie who suffered a devastating season-ending hip injury playing for Alabama just 13 months ago. The fact that he's even on the field starting for a playoff-contending team is an impressive enough feat, but he's excelled as well, notably coming off a 316-yard passing performance against the defending Super Bowl champion (and this year's championship favorite) Kansas City Chiefs.
He didn't throw an interception in any of his first five starts, and Miami is now 6-2 with him starting under center.
However, the Dolphins offense scuffled Saturday against a Raiders team that allowed the fourth-most points per game in the NFL leading into Week 16. With the team trailing 16-13 in the fourth quarter, head coach Brian Flores made the call to bench Tagovailoa and play Fitzpatrick.
"There are a lot of guys in that locker room trying to win. That's at the forefront of all the decisions I'm going to make today, and moving forward," Flores told reporters postgame.
Miami sorely needed a win to help its playoff chances and maintain control of its playoff destiny. Ultimately, the win-now move worked.
Fitzpatrick led the Dolphins on a 13-play, 84-yard drive capped by a Sanders field goal to tie the game at 16. He completed five of his first six passes for 73 yards, including a 31-yarder to Mike Gesicki.
Las Vegas immediately responded with an 85-yard touchdown toss from Derek Carr to Nelson Agholor for a 22-16 edge, but a missed extra point kept the score that way.
Miami then bounced back three plays later when Fitzpatrick found running back Myles Gaskin for a 59-yard score. After the extra point, Miami led 23-22.
Las Vegas then flew down the field largely because Agholor drew a 49-yard defensive pass interference penalty. The Raiders played for a field goal and drained the clock down to 19 seconds after Daniel Carlson knocked home a 22-yard chip shot.
Following a touchback, the Dolphins realistically needed to go around 40 yards to get Sanders into the outer edges of his field-goal range. They had no timeouts to do so.
Undeterred, Fitzpatrick found Mack Hollins for a 34-yard gain despite Raiders defensive end Arden Key grabbing his face mask in the process. That put the ball at the Raiders' 26-yard line. Shortly thereafter, Sanders knocked home the game-winner.
As for next week, Tagovailoa is back under center, per Flores.
"I have a lot of confidence in Tua, he said. "We felt like we needed a spark the way the game is going. ... He's a young player, he's developing. He's learning from his experiences. He'll be better next week."
Miami has a tough one ahead against the AFC East champion Buffalo Bills on the road. Tagovailoa could certainly be up for the task, but if he struggles, the Dolphins know they have the NFL's best backup and insurance policy waiting.
Raiders Defensive Breakdown Leads to Loss, Dashed Playoff Hopes
The Raiders lost this game for numerous reasons.
Four Raiders drives that went 55 or more yards resulted in field goals as Las Vegas' offense struggled deep in Dolphin territory.
Las Vegas failed to convert a 4th-and-1 from its own 46-yard line in the third quarter.
Carlson missed an extra point that proved costly.
The Raiders' decision to drain clock and play for a field goal as opposed to a touchdown at the end of the game ultimately backfired.
However, these moments would be irrelevant if the Raiders didn't suffer a complete defensive meltdown in a seven-second span.
ESPN's Matt Bowen explained what happened. Ultimately, it came down to execution.
Going back to the deep ball throw from Fitz....
Cover 2 rules for Vegas. Have to execute the coverage technique. Open window down the sideline. #Dolphins#Raiders
As for the penalty, Raiders head coach Jon Gruden used the words "inexcusable" and "horrific."
The Raiders allowed a quarterback off the bench to immediately execute a 13-play, 84-yard drive. They then gave up a 75-yard drive in three plays capped by a 59-yard Gaskin touchdown where he evaded a group of Raider defenders and scampered down the sideline for six.
And yet the Raiders still had a chance to win.
However, Fitzpatrick then executed the coup de grace off a Raider defensive breakdown. The face mask gave the Dolphins the extra yardage needed for a more comfortable field-goal try. That was the ballgame, and the Raiders' season as well.
What's Next?
Miami will visit the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 3 at 1 p.m. ET in Bills Stadium. Las Vegas will travel to Denver to take on the Broncos on Jan. 3 at 4:25 p.m. in Empower Field at Mile High.
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Report: Dolphins' DeVante Parker's Hamstring Injury Diagnosed as 'Slight' Strain
Dec 15, 2020
Miami Dolphins' DeVante Parker makes a catch in front of New York Jets defenders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported the strain is not considered serious. However, soft tissue injuries tend to have a high level of recurrence, so it's possible Parker misses his first game of the 2020 season.
Parker has recorded 56 receptions for 677 yards and four touchdowns this season, numbers that pale in comparison to his breakout 2019. His dip in production largely comes down to producing fewer big plays. In 2019, he averaged 16.7 yards per reception; that number is down to 12.1 in 2020.
Parker nevertheless leads the Dolphins in receptions and targets. No other wide receiver has more than 330 yards this season.
Miami may also be without tight end Mike Gesicki against New England due to a shoulder injury.
Without his top two pass-catching options, rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa may look to Jakeem Grant and Lynn Bowden Jr. more frequently. Bowden is coming off a seven-catch, 82-yard performance last week against the Kansas City Chiefs.
