Miami Dolphins need to decide on the type of quarterback they want
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins need a quarterback for their future but what kind of quarterback they decide on is as important on who they decide on.
In today’s NFL there is a shift in philosophy when it comes to quarterbacks. More and more teams are looking at the new generation of multi-purpose quarterbacks instead of the traditional pocket passing quarterback. The Miami Dolphins need to figure out which is best for the future of the franchise.
In 2018 the AFC was treated to a Patrick Mahommes’ MVP caliber season. The running quarterback who could escape pocket pressure and make blind throws was the talk of the league in 2018 but he was bested by a pocket passer in the championship game. In Baltimore the Ravens turned to a versatile fleet of foot Lamar Jackson who could run the ball better than he could stand in the pocket.
In today’s NFL the mobile quarterback is all the rage. Kyler Murray has the legs and the arm strength but lacks the height of a prototypical QB. Many believe he is a generational quarterback that can turn a franchise around. In Cleveland, Baker Mayfield who has that elusiveness is turning around the Browns or at least heading in a new direction.
So should the Dolphins target a mobile runner with elusive feet or stick to the Jared Goff types and the prototypical QB’s?
It’s a hard argument and one that gets debated often on social media. What is the best for the Miami Dolphins?
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It depends on what Chris Grier and Brian Flores envision for the offense.
In 2012 the Dolphins selected Ryan Tannehill in round one. He was supposed to be that running quarterback who could make plays with his legs and his arm but Tannehill’s pocket presence isn’t good and as a result he couldn’t get out of the pocket.
One argument against this type of QB is the hits that QB will take in the open field even with rules in place but the reality is that these new rules protect QB’s out of the pocket just like they do in the pocket and that creates a new dynamic for any offense. Hits like Pat White took are supposed to be a thing of the pass. It’s because of these rule changes that many see a player like Kyler Murray as a huge bonus. They may not be wrong.
There is also the argument for a pocket passer. That Aaron Rodgers type that can step up and make the throws and lead the team. These QB’s would be more in line with a Drew Lock or a Daniel Jones or next years Justin Herbert.
There is no right or wrong answer with who the Dolphins select but it is important that they build the offense around that type of QB. While many want that Pat Mahommes type, the incoming coaching staff are used to the pocket guy. Tom Brady.
This can’t be understated. Brian Flores has spent his entire career with the Patriots who run with a pocket passer and the rumored addition of Chad O’Shea as the OC would make you believe that the only offense he has known is the one that is run by Josh McDaniels in New England. If the Dolphins under these new coaches follow that direction, they will likely bypass the smaller Murray for a pocket passer who has the ability to escape or buy time.
Another view is whether or not this new type of QB is the future of the NFL or simply a fad that will eventually go away. With more emphasis being put on the passing game, running backs have become almost an afterthought around the league. These running QB’s are giving more options to teams who can elevate and offense with a stellar running game and a mobile elusive quarterback.
For the Dolphins it should be about matching the quarterback with the scheme they intend to run not drafting a quarterback and then trying to fit a scheme around him. If the new coaches want a specific style of offense they need to find the best quarterback that matches that style not draft one that doesn’t and hope he can work out.
This will be the challenge for Grier and his new coaches. Again there is no right or wrong provided they give the quarterback the proper system to work and not try to change him to fit within their scheme. Either way, it is just as important find the right quarterback as it is to find the right system for him.