On a sun-soaked Sunday in Seattle, fans packed loud Lumen Stadium with hope and anticipation for what looked like it could be a competitive game on paper. However, what unfolded was a sobering poor performance from the Miami Dolphins against the Seattle Seahawks. The Dolphins, who were touted as playoff contenders before the season, are now faced with the stark reality that the plans and aspirations for what could be this year, will not be at all. After what looked like a promising opening drive with some explosive run plays and some quick throws by Skylar Thompson, the Dolphins quickly succumbed to the inevitable reality of a disheartening defeat. This has raised pressing questions about their quarterback situation—particularly the role of Skylar Thompson and his inability to see the field or his unwillingness to trust his eyes and let it fly.
Missed Opportunities
From the outset, the Dolphins seemed out of sync. The offense struggled to establish any rhythm, failing to capitalize on a few promising drives. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s absence due to injury placed immense pressure on Skylar Thompson, thrust into the spotlight as the backup. Unfortunately, Thompson’s performance was marred by inconsistency, leading to a meager 3-point total against a Seahawks defense that had shown vulnerabilities earlier in the season, especially against the run. I mean the Patriots had this team on the ropes a week ago for Chrissake. When Kader Kohou did not score on that Geno Smith interception, I knew that the offense would settle for a field goal and if they did, that was essentially game over.
Despite the Dolphins’ potent offensive weapons, including Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Thompson’s inability to effectively distribute the ball hindered any potential momentum. His decision-making was suspect, often leading to overthrown passes and unnecessary risks that culminated in unnecessary bone crunching hits, sacks, and tackles for loss. This lack of execution not only frustrated fans but also left the coaching staff grappling with the implications of having an unproven quarterback under center. Why was he not taking what the defense was giving him? Achane was open on the flat early and often. A few times there was no one within 20 yards of him and Thompson never let it rip.
I can understand young quarterbacks deciding who they are going to throw the pass to pre-snap, but that would normally lead to the ball coming out quickly to the wrong read because the defense changed the picture post-snap and often result in interceptions. In Skylar’s case, he was holding the ball way too long and not seeing many times where Waddle had beaten his man and broken free wide open. He did not see the times where Tyreek Hill was open. Instead, Skylar Thompson was trying to force the ball to Tanner Conner and Durham Smythe.
The Seahawks got away with playing man coverage way more than they should have and it was because they knew what we all saw during the preseason when Skylar was playing against guys who would not end up making the final 53-man roster. Skylar Thompson is not an NFL quarterback. He is not a backup NFL quarterback either. He is a formerly athletic college quarterback who is actually older than Tua Tagovailoa because he got hurt so often in college that he stayed for the extended deployment plan. I am not sure if Skylar lost a step due to those numerous injuries in college, but if he has, that along with his chronic indecisiveness has caused his former athleticism to not translate to the NFL. This combination may have cost him his one opportunity because that chest injury he sustained looked very serious. I hope he gets well soon.
An Uncertain Future
Skylar Thompson, a seventh-round draft pick selected ahead of Brock Purdy, showcased flashes of potential during his rookie season, yet his performances since then have progressively declined in quality and culminated by illuminating significant limitations against Seattle. With a completion rate hovering below 60% and an average yards-per-attempt that failed to threaten the Seahawks’ secondary, Thompson’s game was riddled with inefficiencies. He appeared hesitant in the pocket, often opting for safe throws rather than pushing the ball downfield, which stifled the Dolphins’ explosive offensive identity. Couple that with McDaniel’s lack of trust in the offensive line to continue running the ball and we have a cocktail of mediocrity brewing in Miami Gardens. Actually, I would take mediocrity at this point. Right now, the Dolphins look like a down bad football team crying at the gym and in danger of letting an entire season swirl down the drain. If the Fins continue on this trajectory, this season could end up being a campaign where tanking is the most logical strategy. If that happens, then every option could be on the table after the season.
The Dolphins’ coaching staff had previously expressed confidence in Thompson as a viable backup, but this latest outing raised doubts. The most pressing concern is whether Thompson possesses the requisite skills to navigate the complexities of a high-stakes game when the starter is unavailable. Against the Seahawks, it became clear that relying on him in crucial moments could be a gamble at best—one that could jeopardize the Dolphins’ season aspirations at worst. How were we this unprepared at backup triggerman when we knew that Tua’s injury history was incredibly tenuous?
The Impact of the Loss
The defeat against Seattle not only dented the Dolphins’ floundering playoff hopes but also exposed deeper fissures within the team. The combination of offensive stagnation and a lack of defensive resilience to start games has sparked conversations about the broader implications for the franchise. A concerning trend is emerging: the Dolphins have started all 3 games in an offensive coma and have presented a philanthropic defense generously giving up plays that have led to double digit deficits in the first half of all three games played. The defense has found a way to steady the ship after halftime in two of the three games, but with the offense continually adrift at sea without a compass, it is impossible to play the complimentary football necessary to win in this league. The Miami Dolphins must reassess their depth at the quarterback position to ensure they are not left vulnerable should Tagovailoa remain sidelined for an extended period with his concussion.
In an era where quarterback play is paramount, the Dolphins find themselves at a crossroads. The harsh reality is that while Thompson may be a solid developmental player at another position, he has yet to demonstrate that he can be relied upon to lead a team effectively as a quarterback in critical moments. Translation, he is not him, so let’s find someone else who knows this offense and quickly. I would make a trade for Jimmy G at this point.
Looking Ahead
As the Dolphins regroup following this loss, the franchise must explore potential options for bolstering their quarterback room. Whether through trade, free agency, or scouting potential talent in the draft, it is imperative that Miami ensures they have a reliable alternative ready to step in when called upon. The stakes are simply too high for a team that aspires to compete in the fiercely competitive AFC.
The Dolphins’ recent performance against the Seahawks was not merely a setback; it served as a wake-up call. While Skylar Thompson remains a part of the team’s immediate future, it is evident that Miami needs to reevaluate their backup quarterback situation. The road to contention is fraught with challenges and having a dependable quarterback—especially in a league where injuries can derail a season—will be essential for the Dolphins to fulfill their aspirations, whatever they may still be at this point.
