Dolphins vs. Jets is an audition for free agent QBs

Head Coach

Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel are familiar with one another’s work, with both serving under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. Saleh brings a defensive background to the Jets and his defense has shown improvement from year one to year two of his tenure. The offense, though, has been a different story. A lot of the struggles have been due to poor quarterback play by Wilson, but the offense Saleh is running will not excite a free agent or tradeable quarterback with options.

Miami’s offense, on the other hand, put up huge numbers when a healthy Tagovailoa was at the helm. The credit for the jump in production largely goes to McDaniel, whose been lauded for his creative, high-flying offense. In his first season, even with injuries and inconsistent play at the quarterback position, Miami’s offense ranks near the top of the league in passing yards (second), passing touchdowns (fourth), passer rating (seventh), 20-plus yard throws (second), and 40-plus yard throws (first).

Under McDaniel, Tagovailoa went from a perceived bust to leading the league in passer rating. Sure, he has two game-breaking weapons to throw to — more on them later — but the difference between McDaniel’s offense and what former head coach Brian Flores was running is night and day.

Edge: Miami

It’s hard to imagine any potentially available quarterbacks don’t look at the Dolphins’ offense and don’t salivate a little bit. McDaniel knows offense and knows how to put his quarterback in the best position to succeed. Who’s the better coach overall? It’s hard to say since both are still learning the ropes, but in terms of what will attract a high-profile quarterback, McDaniel is the pick here.