What Can the Dolphins Learn About Rosen in 2019?

Just to get sent to a very similar situation in Miami the following year. Now, the Dolphins situation isn’t as bad as the Cardinals. However, many would argue that they have the worst roster heading into 2019. So with that in mind, what can the Dolphins actually learn about Josh Rosen this season?

We have seen teams take advantage of their young quarterbacks favorable contracts by loading up with talent at other positions (examples: Rams, Eagles, Chiefs, Bears, etc.). This helps them obtain a relative idea of how good their quarterback is and if they are worth a lucrative extension.

The Dolphins were in tank mode this entire off season and could still very well be in it in 2019. Meaning, the roster is constructed completely opposite of the rookie quarterback contract blue print. So, shouldn’t we expect to see the same Rosen that we saw last year?

In theory, probably. Yet, there are still some important takeaways that Miami can obtain. They just have to evaluate his season under the right microscope by setting realistic expectations and standards for him to meet.

Step One: It’s Rosen’s job to lose

Miami is officially starting their rebuild this season, meaning they probably won’t be competitive. That said, this year is a perfect time to find out what players are worth keeping around for the long haul and that starts at quarterback (Hint: Rosen).

Now, I understand that Miami wants to build their culture through competition. However, what is the sense in starting a 14-year journeyman in Ryan Fitzpatrick? There is nothing we can learn about “Fitzmagic” at this stage of his career. We have seen enough to know what he is and more importantly, what he isn’t (the long-term solution).

Josh Rosen is still an unknown commodity and as mentioned before, this year is an ideal “try-out” period. The Dolphins coaching staff can give an allusion of a quarterback competition. But they aren’t going to learn anything about Rosen if he is riding the pine. Therefore, starting him Week 1 is a no brainer.

Step 2: Keep Rosen Upright

The Cardinals efforts to protect Josh Rosen last season were nothing short of pathetic. They tried to implement a vertical offense (that caused him to hold onto the ball) behind a historically bad offensive line. It was the ultimate recipe for disaster.

Unfortunately, the Dolphins O line doesn’t look that much better. The difference is that Miami’s coaching staff should be able to help protect Rosen through their scheme.

Dolphins Offensive Coordinator, Chad O’Shea, comes from the Patriots. Its a good assumption that he will implement the Erhardt-Perkins offense. Meaning a lot of quick passing and timing concepts.

This type of offense encourages quarterbacks to get ball out of their hands quickly. Ultimately protecting them from the pass rush. Now, by no means is this the most efficient way of protecting a passer. Nut it can certainly mask some of this offensive line’s deficiencies for the time being.

Step 3: Evaluate Josh Rosen Beyond Win and Loss Totals

This step should go without saying but we do this all the time. We love to credit the entire outcome of a game on how a quarterback performs. Which is somewhat fair. They usually do have a huge impact on deciding on who wins and loses.

Yet, it’s a team game at the end of the day and the Dolphins need to be realistic about how many games this roster is capable of winning. To expect a 2nd year quarterback to make this team competitive would be ludicrous. Evaluating how Rosen plays with this necessary context will be crucial for an accurate assessment.

Step 4: Patience is Key

Inexperience and an inadequate supporting group are going to present some challenges for the “Rosen One.” So, it’s important we see him go through some adversity and monitor how he handles it.

We couldn’t learn anything from the adversity he faced last season because the Cardinals were a hopeless mess. This year should be a little more manageable because the infrastructure around Rosen isn’t as bad.

The bottom line is Miami shouldn’t be quick to yank Rosen if he struggles. Unless he is without doubt NOT the future of your franchise, he should be the starter for the full season. This way Miami can get a full body work on him to evaluate. I would also love to see him with an improved roster in 2020. Hopefully, Rosen earns that opportunity with a strong 2019 season.

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