Why Miami Has No Backup Plans

Why Miami Has No Backup Plans

As a rule, I try not to be someone who puts too much stock in the preseason. However, watching Malik Willis bring Miami downfield on the team’s opening drive had me feeling some type of way about the season and how Miami could surprise some people. 

What didn’t particularly thrill me was the complete lack of talent on display when the offensive starters left the game. Malik Willis went 4 of 5 for 43 yards when he was in the game, and looked every bit the potential star that fans hope he can be. Second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers, on the other hand, looked as if he had never seen a football field before. 

Ewers went 1 for 8 for 27 yards and had an interception. Not the stat line you want from someone who has started and won a regular-season game during their rookie season. Second-year quarterback Cam Miller wasn’t any better, posting a stat line of 3 of 11 for 39 yards and two picks. 

It has now been reported that Ewers suffered a groin injury during the game and played through it, but he will likely miss time. So Miami has added Mark Gronowski back to the team after recently releasing him. For the record, I don’t think Gronowski will be the answer at backup, especially since Miami deemed him expendable at the beginning of the month. 

It’s no surprise Miami is in this position; the dead cap hit the Dolphins are carrying is absurd. A few of the most devastating contributors to the dead cap are Tua Tagovailoa ($55.4 million), Tyreek Hill ($28.25 million), Jaylen Waddle ($23.21 million), Jalen Ramsey ($29.87 million), and Minkah Fitzpatrick ($13 million). They can still field a competitive starting lineup with this disadvantage, but don’t expect any depth. 

If the Dolphins once again suffer through an injury-plagued season, the lack of depth will be on full display. Perhaps I’m too much of a homer, but I believe the Dolphins will be better than many analysts think, provided that they aren’t forced to turn towards their backups.

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