Dolphins Stick with Huntley Amid Struggles
Despite a challenging performance on Monday night, the Miami Dolphins have decided to retain Tyler Huntley as their starting quarterback for the upcoming matchup against the New England Patriots. Huntley has been stepping in for Tua Tagovailoa, who remains sidelined on injured reserve following a concussion he suffered in Week 2.
Although Tagovailoa is reportedly symptom-free, NFL protocols keep him off the field until Week 8, placing the Dolphins in a tough spot. The team hasn't secured a win since Tagovailoa's injury during a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. This dry spell continued with Monday's 31-12 defeat to the Tennessee Titans, a game that saw Huntley pass for just 96 yards on 14 of 22 attempts.
"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," said Huntley, reflecting on his performance and looking for ways to improve his connection with the team's offense.
Both Teams in Need of a Turnaround
Like the Dolphins, the New England Patriots have also faced difficulties this season, losing three consecutive games following their season-opening win. They currently sit with a 1-3 record and have managed to score just 15 points over their last two games. Their latest setback was a 30-12 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers.
This upcoming Dolphins-Patriots game is crucial for both teams, as each is desperate to reverse their downward trajectory. For Miami, the return of key players might be a future focal point, but immediate improvement lies in the hands of Huntley and the supporting cast.
Head coach Mike McDaniel has been clear in his expectations, notably in how the team leaders should react to adversity on the field. "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 remarked, possibly addressing sideline interactions involving receiver Tyreek Hill.
The Road Ahead
With Tagovailoa out for at least another few weeks, Huntley's ability to adapt and improve will be critical. The quarterback's less-than-stellar outing against the Titans showcased the areas needing attention, particularly in timing and execution, which Huntley himself acknowledged.
Both teams head into the weekend's clash with much to prove. For the Dolphins, a better offensive performance is paramount, while the Patriots will be aiming to find consistency on both sides of the ball. Everything to gain or lose will be at stake when these AFC East teams meet, each striving to find the spark that has eluded them in recent weeks.