Despite a lackluster showing on Monday night, the Miami Dolphins are sticking with Tyler Huntley as their starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the New England Patriots. This decision appears to be necessitated by the continued absence of Tua Tagovailoa, who remains on injured reserve due to a concussion sustained in Week 2. While reports indicate that Tagovailoa is symptom-free, NFL rules make him ineligible to return until Week 8.
Huntley's Performance Under Scrutiny
Huntley, who stepped in for Tagovailoa, experienced a tumultuous game in Monday's 31-12 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The backup quarterback managed only 96 yards through the air, completing 14 of his 22 passing attempts. This performance has put him under the microscope, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike about the ability of Miami's offense to turn things around.
The Dolphins have struggled to secure a victory since Tagovailoa's injury during the Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The team's inability to win games has become an alarming trend as the season progresses. "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 stated, acknowledging the need for better synchronicity with his teammates.
Tough Road Ahead for Both Teams
Both the Dolphins and the Patriots are currently in dire straits, having lost three consecutive games each following their season-opening wins. The Patriots sit at 1-3 and have managed to score a meager 15 points over their last two games. They are coming off a 30-12 defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers, adding to their growing list of woes.
Challenges on the Horizon
For the Dolphins, the road ahead appears equally challenging. The team has struggled to find their rhythm without their starting quarterback, and Huntley's underwhelming performance has done little to instill confidence. Despite these obstacles, Coach Mike McDaniel remains somewhat optimistic. "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," McDaniel commented, highlighting the leadership qualities within the team as they navigate this rough patch.
With both teams desperate for a win, the upcoming clash between the Dolphins and the Patriots is shaping up to be a critical juncture in their seasons. For Miami, the focus will be on getting Huntley more comfortable and in sync with his receivers, while the Patriots will look to rectify their offensive struggles. The game offers both teams a potential lifeline, making it a must-watch for fans and a pivotal moment for the franchises involved.