It isn’t usually a staff one sport out of first place and having fun with a two-game win streak modifications quarterbacks, however that is precisely what the Miami Dolphins did on Tuesday, reportedly changing Ryan Fitzpatrick with rookie first-round decide Tua Tagovailoa. Anybody who remembers the Dolphins spent this yr’s fifth total draft decide on Tagovailoa is aware of Tua was ultimately going to take over, however probably the most urgent query to floor from Miami’s huge transfer has been this: Did Fitzpatrick need to be benched? The reply is easy: No, not essentially. But it surely would not matter in any way. As a result of the Dolphins’ flip to Tua is completely the proper transfer at the moment.

Fitzpatrick had been serviceable, if not higher, because the Dolphins’ high QB for the second straight yr. At the same time as his trademark penchant for interceptions saved him among the many league’s boom-or-bust passers, the 37-year-old vet was finishing passes at a career-high fee whereas remaining a deep-ball risk, posting a 95.0 QB score — ok to finest “safer” or extra proficient starters like Matthew Stafford, Teddy Bridgewater, Gardner Minshew and even Kyler Murray. He was darn close to excellent in a shock rout of the 49ers in Week 5, and his ageless moxie is definitely a part of the explanation Miami is 3-3 and simply behind the Buffalo Payments within the AFC East.

We additionally do not know what Tagovailoa will likely be. He was a hotshot school soccer star, positive, however we have but to see him begin within the NFL, and keep in mind, the issues with him aren’t simply whether or not he can alter to the NFL however whether or not he can maintain up in it, having completed his time with Alabama on the sidelines.

Why, then, are the Dolphins justified in handing him the keys to the automobile, proper as Miami pushes to make simply its second playoff look in 12 years?

No. 1, it is extremely unlikely that Tagovailoa’s flooring will likely be as little as that of Fitzpatrick. The latter has been enjoying nicely, sure, however we regularly shrug off rashes of turnovers in his “good video games” as a result of that is simply what you get with Fitzpatrick. For instance, in Miami’s 24-0 shutout of the Jets on Sunday, Fitz threw three scores, however he additionally handed for underneath 200 yards and threw two picks. Fitzpatrick’s gung-ho model could be enjoyable, nevertheless it additionally makes him susceptible to multiple-INT video games, like, each different week. And the Dolphins aren’t going to have the ability to afford their QB turning the ball over two or thrice when it is December or January and the opponent shouldn’t be the Jets.

That is definitely to not say Tua will not have dangerous video games. He is a rookie! However once you’re speaking in regards to the ceiling and flooring of all beginning QBs across the league, few folks would deny that Fitzpatrick is as unpredictable as they arrive; and never solely that, however that when he does backside out, he sinks the entire ship with him. Tagovailoa, however, has a ceiling that additionally makes him a extra intriguing possibility for a staff at an important crossroads — a membership lastly inside hanging distance of the division lead. Fitz, at 37, is not any slouch on the bottom, however Tua’s 22-year-old legs are an apparent improve. Throw within the reality Tagovailoa has been hailed for his smarts, his instincts, his pocket presence and his potential to restrict turnovers, and also you’re speaking a few probably excellent level guard for Miami’s offense.

There is a affordable probability the Dolphins make this swap after which fail to catch the Payments. However does anybody really imagine Ryan Fitzpatrick was going to maintain his early play all the best way as much as and into the playoffs? Worst-case situation, the transfer to Tua would not ignite a .500 staff, and Miami appears lots just like the Los Angeles Chargers: Thrilling due to the younger gun operating the offense, however no higher within the standings in consequence. Would not that also be a effective consequence, if the Dolphins can verify Tagovailoa actually does have “it?” Brian Flores is constructing for past 2020 as a lot as this season, and figuring out a franchise QB is at all times an elusive achievement.

Taking a look at it extra short-term, there is not a greater time for Miami to usher Tagovailoa underneath middle, contemplating the Dolphins are getting into their Week 7 bye. Fitzpatrick has lengthy confirmed to be a succesful and keen mentor on the backup QB spot, and his literal applause for Tua upon the rookie’s Week 6 debut suggests he is all about serving to the Tua Prepare get out of the station.

So will this monumental choice be the one which places the Dolphins over the sting and into rivalry? We all know that is removed from a assure, however the danger positive appears well worth the potential reward.