Ryan Fitzpatrick Meets with Miami Media Monday

By: Jason Sarney

Miami Dolphins veteran quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, took post-practice time on Monday afternoon to speak with South Florida media. After missing a practice late last week, speculation ran wild until cooler heads across the fan based prevailed. 

Realization kicked in that 37-year old signal-caller need not be at every single Covid-19 altered August practice.

I digress.

The second year Fin, heads into his 16th NFL season out of Harvard. He has played for half the number of teams as years spent in the NFL, which is 25% of the league. Regardless of Fitzpatrick being the consummate 21st century journey-man QB, he is also a pro’s pro. A leader of men and one who a team could huddle around and play their hearts out for.

Heart is something that Fitzpatrick has in spades, as his emotional play is what can power offenses to play above their ability, both individually as well as the sum of those parts to make a winning hand. Hence the second half of the 2019 season.

“Well, Preston is a great guy to work with, and DeVante Parker,” Fitzpatrick said. He went on to describe the talented young receiver saying, “Preston is very unique in terms of his physical qualities.”

Fitzpatrick attributed time off the field as a beneficial aspect of sharpening Williams’ skills. “Him getting hurt last year, he was able to take a step back and watch a bit and learn the game more,” said Fitzpatrick. “I know he worked his butt off in the off-season and that is apparent. We are excited to have him healthy and going.”

As for his other teammates, Fitzpatrick never is void of leadership and educating his fellow players. “I always make sure that whoever I am getting a rep with, we are on the same page."

The media session inevitably had a conversation on Covid-19, and Fitz said it was never heavy in his mind in terms of potentially opting out this season. He says that the organization is putting health and safety first. He cites this as why he has not been so concerned.

The conversation with reporters leaned heavy on the receiver talk and what this Chan Gailey offense can be. Fitzpatrick said, "there are a lot of things we are still working at." He adds, “we are going to have to figure out early in the season what the identity of this team will be."
 
Earlier than anything, Fitzpatrick and the Dolphins face a team who needs to find a brand-new identity themselves in the New England Patriots. This Week 1 road battle will be a great test for Miami to let the AFC East know, as well as the NFL, exactly who they think they are.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, the 2019 Miami Dolphins leading rusher - to the slow motion splendor of Chariots of Fire...

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