Big Win! Big Week! Big Decision By Phins!

The Phins playoffs start in Week 17

That near-miraculous win over the Raider was quite a ride! The refs tried to take it from Miami, but Fitzmagic took it back. This game will certainly go down as one of the franchise’s wildest wins. Who would have expected the Dolphins to be 10-5 this season and knocking on the playoffs? Not many bet with the pay per head services that the Phins would be this good. The 2020 Season is one helluva’ ride…

… and it ain’t over.

Saturday was my birthday, so this win and the way it played out was a fantastic gift for this semi-oldish Phins fan. Unfortuntalty though, there’s a bit of black cloud mucking up the winning high.

The benching of Tua for Fitzpatrick, who got the ice-cold offense to run hot, was a bit of a downer. I love Fitzpatrick and initially wanted him to finish the season as the starter. But, when Tua took the reins, I never wanted to look back.

Twice now Miami has gone back to the future with Fitzpatrick.

Given what Tua represents to this franchise going forward, this isn’t the best-case scenario. But, but, but… plenty of great QBs took time to develop, so my concern isn’t about Tua’s talent or future.

I WANT THE PHINS TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS!

While Tua looked ready to take the next step after his win against the Patriots last week, he took two steps back this week. It was a replay of the Rams and Denver games. That’s not a big problem when it comes to his future, but he’s been named the starter against Buffalo… and that could be a big problem for the Phins’ chance to win this week…

… or maybe not.

Tua has shown an exceptional ability to adjust after a bad game.

Miami could lose to the Bills and still make the playoffs. But, the only way to make sure Miami reaches the postseason is to get that eleventh win. And I’m sorry to say, Tua doesn’t look like the best option. Looks can be deceiving though and Brian Flores is choosing Tua. Since Flores is the best thing going for this franchise and has proven that he knows better at nearly every turn… ‘trust and faith’ seems the best course. So, my heart believes ‘Daddy knows best’.

Also, Tua has shown an exceptional ability to grow from week to week. And that’s the key: Tua’s issues all surround the cerebral side of things this is good news because he is smart, hard-working, and has improved in so many areas, so the odds are that he’ll get up to speed at some point. The kid has obvious talent as well: accuracy, anticipation, mobility, can throw from any platform, and is a leader at every level. These are all traits that create success in the NFL.

But, there’s that nagging voice that says, “Is Tua the best option for THIS critical game?”

Let me repeat: I’m not talking about Tua being a bust; I’m talking about winning this coming game. That’s it.

Yes, the Phins are a long shot to win up in Buffalo. Still, if I’m honest with what I see on film, I’d prefer Fitzpatrick against the Bills.

Some guys the media knocks, some guys they prop up

Again, I’m not knocking on Tua in the least. He’s a rookie who is coming off major surgery and his rawness is very normal. Just look at Josh Allen, who took three seasons for it to click. How many bashed Allen and said he was a bust? Lots of crickets chirping in that camp now.

But, on the flip side, some guys just get no respect. Fitzpatrick is one of them. The common theme is “when will he go Fitztragic” and he had “16 season to prove he was a starter and didn’t”.

Look, anyone remembers Archie Manning? A good QB never in a good situation. Fitz isn’t great, but he’s pretty darn good. Just look at what he’s done with this O-line and weapons compared to Tua? Night and day. Yes, the difference isn’t about Fitz having more talent than Tua. He doesn’t. The difference is all about the cerebral and intangible aspects. All of these traits Tua will develop… in time.

Will it be in time for this week though?

Points to consider

There is all this talk of Fitzpatrick being ‘maybe’ the best backup and a ‘perfect reliever’. Complete hogwash! It’s as if you can’t say Fitzpatrick is good because that might hurt Tua’s feelings. Tua is a man of character. He has proved to have an elite character. Tua doesn’t need the media carrying his water… he can carry it just fine himself.

But, let’s be realistic about this moment… not the future, RIGHT NOW!

1. With a 77.1 QBR Fitz is fourth-best in the NFL
2. Are you telling me Fitz isn’t playing better than Darnold, Dalton, Newton, Jones, Minshew, Garoppolo, Lock, Trubisky, Goff, Cousins, Foles, and Bridgewater? The ‘maybe backup’ is doing far better than all these ‘starters’. I’m sure when you factor in having three rookies on the OL and the little run game he’s had, you could add a few more names to this list. Imagine Fitz with a good run game and excellent O-line?
3. Fitz has the 19th best PFF grade ahead of the like of Brees and Roethlisberger. Consider the difference in offensive talent that both these QBs have over Fitz! What if the roles were reversed?!

It’s okay to say Tua needs to play because he’s the future, but you don’t have to deride and minimizer Fitzpatrick along the way. Let’s be real: Fitzpatrick is obviously the better option right NOW! It’s clear and obvious…

… Maybe though the long game is more critical… and truth be told, Fitzpatrick’s arm does wear down.

Still, I get the move… mostly. But, if the Dolphins want to win this week, they might need to pull Tua even faster IF he doesn’t rebound. The Bills score AND have a stingy defense. Maybe Tua will bounce back strong as he has after the Rams and Denver game… the kid was drafted 5th Overall for a reason. We’ll see. Hey, at least the Bills defense needs to prepare for two QBs. That might be a nice edge for Miami. So, despite my concerns, I’m holding to “In Flores we trust!” He’s earned that much in my book. Go Phins!!!