The Miami Dolphins will face the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday, but two stories that could change the complexion of this game broke out Thursday afternoon. Miami Dolphins News: Josh Rosen named starting quarterback and Taco Charlton becomes a Dolphin.
It would seem that after two consecutive, high-margin losses, the Phins finally came to their senses and proclaimed that it was time for a change. First, a league source confirmed that they benched QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to start backup QB Josh Rosen against the Cowboys. Then, speaking of their opponents, they obtained now-former Cowboy Taco Charlton after he was waived off by Dallas the day before. It was two stories that came to light just days before the game.
Josh Rosen Named Dolphins Starting Quarterback
The first story to break out was the decision to bench Fitzpatrick and bring out Rosen as starting QB. Rosen will be the 21st quarterback in Dolphins history to start for the team. Head Coach Brian Flores said that he believed it was the right move, and his development is important to him. Rosen really showed his stuff in the preseason, but his short time playing in the first two games was dismal. So far, he’s had a 38.1 percent completion rate (8-of-21) for 102 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Honestly, it doesn’t feel any different from his time in Arizona where he had a 55 percent completion rate for 2,278 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
Rosen will now have the chance to show the coaching staff that they made the right decision. For the last few weeks, he was praised for the way he performed during practice sessions. They also believe he’s gotten familiar with the rest of the offense and is ready to show it. Due to the many changes they have undergone with the team during the season, however, it won’t be easy. He will now have to rely on the likes of Kalen Ballage, Kenyan Drake and Preston Williams to make it further this season.
Taco Charlton Added to Dolphins Defense
You know how people would say to you, “Be careful what you ask for?” Well, that certainly applied to Charlton. Since Monday, he looked like he wanted to be traded or released from Dallas. This thought came when he tweeted – then deleted – “Free me,” on his Twitter account. He then tweeted, “Trust me the last thing I want to do is have to go to social media to get what I want, so I could play football again.” No one can’t blame him though. He was inactive for the first two games this season because there wasn’t a place for him in the defensive line rotation this season.
The Cowboys did have trading discussions for him, but there was nothing that triggered a deal in mind. Charlton wasn’t even on the field for practice in front of the media on Wednesday. They also had to make room and prepare for Robert Quinn’s return from his two-game suspension. From there, they decided to release him that same day. Coincidentally, the Phins claimed him the next day as confirmed by another source. That resulted in Dallas saving $1.6 million in guaranteed base salary for two years (2019 and 2020).
Does This Mean Anything for Sunday?
Sunday is already having quite the anticipation for some of the other games. However, there wasn’t any for this game at the beginning. After this news, though, some might be starting to build. Now Charlton told Flores that he wanted to play this Sunday’s game, but Flores was undecided considering he’s only been through one practice session. Charlton will make a good addition to a struggling Dolphins defense. After all, he has four career sacks in seven starts.
Sadly, there’s a long list of things that will give the Cowboys the win for this game, but having Rosen as quarterback and Charlton in defense will be the start of the improvement process. First of all, the Phins might not have to worry about a high-margin loss every game. Second, the offense will look a little less messed up compared to the first two games. Charlton on defense can bring out newfound aggression on the Dolphins. He can also bring in the sacks that the team has been sorely lacking the last two games. I believe that with time, he will be ready to start alongside the defense.
Two stories broke out this week and those were your Miami Dolphins news of the week.
