Cam Miller could make a major Dolphins decision easy with one big showing
Against the Commanders in Week 1 of the Miami Dolphins’ preseason schedule, the backup quarterback looked like garbage. Quinn Ewers double-dipped into the misery when he played poorly and pulled his groin. He is likely out against the Giants.
The Dolphins have two other quarterbacks on their roster not named Malik Willis, and both will see significant time on Saturday.
While Mark Gronowski will get his first action on an NFL field after being waived prior to the Commanders game, it will be Cam Miller with the most to prove.
Miami Dolphins competition for QB-3 takes center stage in preseason Week 2
There is a lot at stake for Miller this week. If he does see significant time, should Ewers be out, he has to make the most of every snap. It’s possible that he takes three quarters worth of snaps this weekend, but a poor showing will only serve to put undrafted rookie Gronowski behind center.
Throwing balls in camp practice is one thing. For quarterbacks, it’s their play against another team, the knowledge that they can get hit, and the pressure of winning an NFL roster spot. It is much more important to play well in these games.
At stake is probably not a spot on the final 53-man roster. There is a shift from three quarterbacks to two as the NFL has made it easier to use practice squad players if needed. Miller and Gronowski are competing for that spot, but they are also hoping to show the rest of the NFL that when they get cut, they are worth a look.
Miller didn’t excite anyone last week, and his practices have been inconsistent as well. This is the game he needs to perform well in. The snap will be there, the pressure will be there, and he will be the field general and leader for most of the game. He has to impress the coaches.
Gronowski is an unknown. He didn’t play last week because he was cut prior to the game. This is his moment to show NFL teams he can perform at the next level and to send a message to Jeff Hafley that he is the better option for the emergency third-string QB job.
It’s rare that fans look at a preseason game as a win/lose situation for specific players. In this case, given the injury to Ewers and the likelihood that Willis takes only a series of snaps, the QB competition behind those two will be played out for most of the game.
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