The Miami Dolphins will have Ryan Fitzpatrick under center at least in Week 1. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins officially name Ryan Fitzpatrick Week 1 starter

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/7/20

It's official. Cam Newton and Ryan Fitzpatrick will be squaring off for the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins in their Week 1 matchup on Sunday.

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores announced Monday that Fitzpatrick, not Tua Tagovailoa, will be Miami's Week 1 starter.

Ryan Fitzpatrick officially named the Dolphins’ Week 1 starting QB at New England.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2020

The move has been expected all offseason as Tagovailoa was more in a battle with Josh Rosen to be the team's backup quarterback.

Fitzpatrick is entering his 16th NFL season and second as Miami's starter. The 37-year-old is one of the team's most respected leaders and also was named a captain for the second consecutive season.

Fitzpatrick was the best quarterback throughout camp for the Dolphins, building on relationships with DeVante Parker and Preston Williams. With a shortened offseason and no preseason games due to the coronavirus pandemic, starting Tagovailoa over Fitzpatrick wouldn't have been a smart move.

Last season, Fitzpatrick went 5-8, completing 62 % of his passes for 3,529 yards and 20 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. One of those five wins was an upset against the Patriots in their final game of the 2019 campaign.

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