Andy Dalton’s first performance as a starting quarterback for the Cowboys left much to be desired. It is understood that the general situation of the team is not good, but the performance of the “Red Rifle” did not live up to the demands. And while it may sound rushed, there are those who think Dalton should be replaced if he does not show improvement.
The first choice would be rookie Ben DiNucci, current backup QB. However, DiNucci is a long-term project for the team, and giving him the title immediately would not be ideal. However, recent events on other NFL teams have opened up another possibility.
The recent appointment of rookie Tua Tagovailoa as the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins took many by surprise. And it is no wonder, since the team is second in the AFC East to a game by the Bills. After their brief participation in Week 6 against the Jets, the Miami team made this decision that relegates veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to the bench. And the Cowboys could take advantage of this move.
This just in: pic.twitter.com/byikxkJW68
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 20, 2020
Fitzpatrick, a possible alternative
Fitzpatrick’s arrival at the Cowboys would not be far-fetched. The cowboy team could make a trade with Miami before November 3, the NFL’s deadline for these operations.
In fact, the veteran player would not frown upon leaving a team that guarantees him the title, at least for this season. On the other hand, the Dolphins could take advantage of to obtain a reinforcement that allows them to continue in the fight for the leadership of the AFC East. In short, both teams would win.
Besides, Fitzpatrick’s contract ends this season. Therefore, the Miami team would not make it difficult for him to leave if Tua Tagovailoa offers the expected performance. And a trade with another team would not be ruled out.
On the other hand, the substitution of Ryan Fitzpatrick has generated many reactions on Twitter. In fact, a number of fans and sportswriters want the seasoned quarterback to come to Dallas as a replacement for Andy Dalton, at least for this season.
????@penmaller: “The next step for the Dolphins is to do Ryan Fitzpatrick a solid and toss him on the auctioning block…Dolphins should attempt to entice Jerry Jones with an offer if Andy Dalton continues to struggle on the Dallas Cowboys.” pic.twitter.com/AWjb2LESLf
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) October 22, 2020
What could Fitzpatrick bring to the Cowboys?
“Fitzmagic,” as the veteran quarterback is known, would be a great addition to the Cowboys. Especially if they still hope to win the division and make the playoffs.
Despite his 37 years, Ryan Fitzpatrick has done well this season in Miami. In fact, it’s one of the reasons the Dolphins are second in their division. This, beyond the two consecutive losses by the Bills and the low level of the Patriots in their first post-Brady season.
In six games this season, “Fitzmagic” has posted good numbers: 138 passes completed out of 197 attempts, for an average of 70.1%. In addition, he has thrown for 1,535 yards and 10 touchdowns. And on the carries section, he has rushed for 135 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Ryan Fitzpatrick appreciation post. Through six games:
???? 1,535 pass yards
???? 12 Total TDs
???? Dolphins 2nd place in AFC East pic.twitter.com/PopK6nK8Ns– SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 20, 2020
On the other hand, he is a player with 16 years of experience in the NFL. In his long career, Fitzpatrick has started for eight different teams, more than any other player in the league.
However, betting on a quarterback his age can have its performance risks. In the 2019 season with the Dolphins, Fitzpatrick posted 40 sacks and 209 yards loss, the highest numbers of his career in these sections. He only posted similar numbers in the 2008 season with Cincinnati, which was his fourth season in the NFL.
Nonetheless, Ryan Fitzpatrick has delivered a consistent passing and carry performance in recent seasons. Therefore, his substitution represents a great opportunity for any team that needs a guaranteed quarterback.
What aspects does Andy Dalton need to improve?
Of course, thinking of a replacement for Andy Dalton sounds very rushed after just one game as a starter. However, the failures made by the “Red Rifle” did not leave a good impression. And the general situation of the team does not play in their favor either. So Dalton will have to improve in many ways if he is to keep the cowboy’s hopes of making the playoffs alive.
Some of those aspects are reading the field and making decisions. During the game against the Cardinals, Dalton looked like he had already figured out where to throw the ball before the play happened. This, without a doubt, was taken advantage of by the rival defense. One example of this was the interception of Budda Baker, who was in the right place and at the right time.
pls come back dak pic.twitter.com/94W3eIsbma
— Connor Livesay (@ConnorNFLDraft) October 22, 2020
Apart from this, Dalton must improve his presence and mobility within the protection bag. The Cowboys have a circumstantial offensive line due to injuries, and the quarterback protection seen against the Cardinals was not the best. For this reason, the “Red Rifle” must try to buy more time before throwing the pass, and do its job keeping in mind that the offensive line is not guaranteed.
Despite these failures, Dalton has made some very good passes. Without going too far, let’s recall the two long passes to Michael Gallup against the Giants. Monday against the Cardinals he also had passes like that, but they were very sporadic. Even one of them towards the end zone was missed by Gallup.
— Connor Livesay (@ConnorNFLDraft) October 22, 2020
Again, it’s too early to jump to conclusions about Andy Dalton’s performance. It remains to be seen what his performance is against Washington this Sunday, and depending on that, the team may consider other options: take a chance with Ben DiNucci, or take the opportunity that the replacement of Ryan Fitzpatrick in the Dolphins represents.
