The Miami Dolphins are coming off their best win of the season, having put the Atlanta Falcons to bed in a 34-10 crushing in Georgia.
What was perhaps the most impressive tenet of the win for the Dolphins and their long-suffering fans was likely the performance of Tua Tagovailoa, who put up 4 touchdown passes.
Tagovailoa had thrown four interceptions since his last touchdown pass, and over the two weeks prior had thrown for 6 picks to just 1 TD – so the performance was uplifting to say the least.
Mike McDaniel Reveals Zach Wilson’s Depth Chart Spot
However, speaking on Tuesday, head coach Mike McDaniel had some words to say about another first round quarterback, former New York Jet, Zach Wilson, per ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques.
Mike McDaniel said that could change over time, but for now it’s the “best thing” for the team
“Zach Wilson will remain the Dolphins’ backup quarterback”, Louis-Jacques posted on X on Tuesday, “Mike McDaniel said that could change over time, but for now it’s the “best thing” for the team”.
Currently Wilson occupies the QB2 spot behind Tua, and ahead of rookie seventh round pick and Texas alum, Quinn Ewers.
To clarify, in stating this McDaniel was noting that Wilson has managed to fend off challenges from Ewers to be the backup, rather than there have been some secretive competition for the starting spot with Tagovailoa.
However, per The Palm Beach Post, this decision will not necessarily remain the one for the rest of the season.
“The best thing for our football team is in relief duty or injury, for Zach to come in and be No. 2…[but] I’m not going to turn my nose down to competition.” McDaniel said on Tuesday.
The Dolphins Preparing For Another Short Week Against Baltimore
Miami will face their second Thursday night game – and thus short week – in the space of 31 days, having played the Jets on TNF back on September 29th in what ended up being the team’s first win of the season.
One would imagine that the Ravens; coming off of a big win against the Bears, and with star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, set to return to the starting lineup; will present a very different level of challenge to the Jets team that the Dolphins beat soundly a month ago.
But an area that the Dolphins should look to exploit is what has been one of the worst Ravens defenses in recent memory. Baltimore rank 28th in total defense, which breaks down into 23rd against the run and 28th against the pass.
And with Tua having come off the statement game that he had against what has otherwise been an elite Falcons defense, Miami should rightfully have some confidence that they can inflict some against this Ravens, particularly since the game will be played at Hard Rock Stadium.
Yet, Miami will also be wary of what will likely be an ultra-high-powered offense in Baltimore, who managed to put up 30 points against the Bears with Snoop Huntley.
Either way, one of these two-win teams is going to get their third come Thursday.
Dolphins Head Coach Reveals Zach Wilson’s Depth Chart Status