Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson scrambles away from pressure by Bills Boogie Basham. JAMIE GERMANO / USA TODAY NETWORK

2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Miami Dolphins

Current starter: Tua Tagovailoa | Current backups: Teddy Bridgewater, Skylar Thompson

State of the position:  Two or three meaty graphs on where the position stands. Supplement with media — a tweet or analysis from a trusted media source. 

The Miami Dolphins just finished a 9-8 season with a 34-31 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills with backup quarterback Skylar Thompson.  

Starter Tua Tagovailoa had the right changes around him, and his play improved dramatically in 2022. Tagovailoa had moments reminiscent of his college days at Alabama, throwing 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

He had games where could have thrown more interceptions - like against Pittsburgh in Week Seven. But Tagovailoa's touchdown output on only 400 pass attempts is impressive and bodes well for the future.

Tagovailoa went 8-5 as the starter, meaning four losses (including the playoffs) came when backup quarterbacks had to start games. 

Veteran Teddy Bridgewater went 0-2 as a starter, throwing for four touchdowns and four interceptions. Bridgewater also had the highest sack rate at 8.1% of the Dolphins' quarterbacks, due in part to lower mobility on some plays compared to Tagovailoa and Thompson. 

Rookie Skylar Thompson got valuable experience many late-round backups never get so early in their careers. Thompson showcased some promise in his development, even though he didn't light up the stat sheet. He averaged 5.1 yards per attempt in the regular season.  

Key stat: Tua Tagovailoa leads the league in yards per attempt (8.9) and passer rating (105.5). 

2023 QB forecast:  The Dolphins have spent big on Tyreek Hill, Terron Armstead and Bradley Chubb over the past year. Quarterback is a position they could cut costs on, with Thompson on a cheap deal and Tagovailoa accounting for $9.6 million against the cap in 2023, per OvertheCap.  

The Dolphins could afford to keep two quarterbacks on their roster. Some concerns about this idea may be Tagovailoa's recent concussion and injury history, and Thompson's injury history in college. Thompson missed games in college at Kansas State, only playing in three games in 2020. Miami may look to free agency if they feel they need more insurance.

Tagovailoa returns to an offense he played well in last season. Skylar Thompson moves up the depth chart to second string in his second season while 30-year-old Teddy Bridgewater leaves in free agency. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Marlins outfielder expected to miss remainder of 2025 season 
Tyrese Haliburton’s father addresses his incident with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Patriots' Austin Hooper explains what teammates can expect from HC Mike Vrabel
Falcons to pick up star WR's fifth-year option
Falcons react to NFL levying fine against team and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich
Insider names frontrunner in Browns' QB competition after drafting Shedeur Sanders
Yankees offense goes nuclear in blowout win
Giannis Antetokounmpo rips Tyrese Haliburton's father for 'disrespectful' act
Celtics make unique NBA playoff history in Game 5 win
How Steelers reportedly expect Aaron Rodgers saga will end
Juan Soto's bat speed decline threatens Mets' $765 million investment
NFL team executive expands on what Browns' Shedeur Sanders did wrong before draft
Insider suggests four-time Pro Bowl option for Steelers if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign
Watch: Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton eliminate the Bucks in OT
Stanley Cup playoffs takeaways: Hurricanes advance, panic time for Maple Leafs
Jayson Tatum's historic game helps send Celtics to Eastern Conference semis
Pirates ace Paul Skenes explains why he's not concerned about potential injuries
Steelers may have found another steal in UDFA pool as Pittsburgh lands an athletic freak
49ers sign star TE to four-year extension
Spurs' Stephon Castle runs away with Rookie of the Year Award