Despite a disappointing performance on Monday night, the Miami Dolphins have decided to stick with Tyler Huntley as their starting quarterback for the upcoming matchup against the New England Patriots. Huntley steps in for Tua Tagovailoa, who has been sidelined on injured reserve since Week 2 due to a concussion.
Tagovailoa's absence has been acutely felt by the Dolphins. They haven't secured a victory since the quarterback's injury during the Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Although reports indicate that Tagovailoa is now symptom-free, NFL regulations prevent him from returning to play until Week 8.
Huntley's Struggles
Huntley’s performance last Monday left much to be desired. In the 31-12 loss to the Tennessee Titans, he managed to throw for only 96 yards, completing 14 of 22 passing attempts. Huntley acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "I just got to hone into being on time with them and get more reps on it. That's the only way we're going to build is if we get more reps."
Despite this, the Dolphins' coaching staff appears to be in his corner. Head Coach Mike McDaniel has faith in Huntley's potential to lead the team. "I would expect (Hill) to be visibly upset at somebody. He's a leader, and he wanted to do everything that he could to make sure the result wasn't that," said McDaniel, emphasizing the leadership dynamics at play within the team.
Miami's Tough Stretch
Both Miami and New England have faced similar challenges this season. Each team has lost three consecutive games following season-opening wins. The Patriots, sitting at 1-3, have struggled offensively, scoring just 15 points over their last two contests. They are coming off a 30-12 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, a game that highlighted their ongoing difficulties.
For the Dolphins, the game against New England presents an opportunity to halt their losing streak and restore some momentum. However, it will not be an easy task given the current performance trends of both teams.
Looking Forward
With Tagovailoa sidelined, the Dolphins' hopes rest on Huntley's ability to turn things around. His development and synchronization with the team in upcoming practices will be crucial. "I just got to hone into being on time with them and get more reps on it. That's the only way we're going to build is if we get more reps," Huntley reiterated, showing his dedication to improvement.
The Dolphins' coaching staff will no doubt be closely monitoring Huntley's progress as they prepare for their critical clash with the Patriots. It's a pivotal moment for both teams, each striving to break their losing streaks and make a push for a more successful season.
The outcome of this game could significantly impact each team's trajectory for the remainder of the season. Both Miami and New England are desperate for a win, making this an intriguing showdown to watch.
As the Dolphins gear up for their face-off with the Patriots, all eyes will be on Huntley, who will need to rise to the occasion and demonstrate his capability to lead the team under challenging circumstances.