The Miami Dolphins are preparing to start quarterback Snoop Huntley against the New York Jets in Week 18, as star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is unlikely to play due to a hip injury sustained during previous games. Tagovailoa did not play in Week 17’s victory over the Cleveland Browns, where the Dolphins emerged victorious with a 20-3 final score. The quarterback’s condition is uncertain, with coach Mike McDaniel describing it as a “gray area” and noting that his recovery is slower than expected. Given the importance of the upcoming game against the Jets for the Dolphins’ playoff hopes, not starting Tagovailoa poses a risk for the team.
The Dolphins are still in the running for a playoff spot, with a potential chance to secure the No. 7 seed if they beat the Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins demonstrated their playoff potential with their victory over the Browns, proving they are a competitive team. However, Tagovailoa’s absence in such a crucial game is a bold move by coach McDaniel, especially with the team’s fate hanging in the balance. Huntley, who started three games earlier in the season while Tagovailoa was sidelined, has shown his capabilities and provided a solid performance in Miami’s recent win over the Browns.
Huntley initially struggled when he joined the Dolphins as a backup from the Baltimore Ravens but has improved over time. In his three starts, he completed 59.1% of his passes for 377 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, showcasing his potential as a starting quarterback. Huntley’s role as a backup was interrupted by a shoulder injury that landed him on injured reserve, but he returned to play a critical role in the Dolphins’ victory over the Browns. His performance in that game, where he completed 22-of-26 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown, along with 52 rushing yards and another touchdown, likely solidified McDaniel’s decision to start him against the Jets.
The upcoming matchup against the struggling New York Jets presents an opportunity for the Dolphins to secure a playoff spot if they can emerge victorious. With the Jets coming off a 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins are in a favorable position to win the game and potentially clinch a playoff berth. Despite Tagovailoa being the star quarterback for the team, the success of Huntley in his recent starts gives McDaniel confidence in his decision to rest Tagovailoa and trust Huntley to lead the team to victory. The outcome of this game will have significant implications for the Dolphins’ playoff aspirations and their season overall.
As the Dolphins navigate the final week of the regular season, the uncertainty surrounding Tagovailoa’s injury and availability adds a layer of complexity to their playoff push. Huntley’s performance as a backup has been promising, and the team will rely on him to deliver another strong showing against the Jets. The decision to rest Tagovailoa highlights the team’s confidence in Huntley’s abilities and willingness to take risks in pursuit of a playoff spot. With the postseason within reach, the Dolphins will need to execute a winning game plan against the Jets and hope for favorable results elsewhere to secure their place in the playoffs.
