Tua Tagovailoa might not be the most important quarterback on the Miami Dolphins‘ roster. Sure, he’s the starter, but given his injury history it’s entirely conceivable that Zach Wilson could see some time on the field this year.
Wilson has been labeled a “bust” by many after flaming out with the New York Jets, who drafted him No. 2-overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s hoping to kick start his career this season with the Dolphins, but it seems like it’s still not clicking for him.
In short, he’s being told by coaches that he’s too late on throws.
“It’s crazy because I’ve never been maybe told before at past places, ‘hey, you’re late,’” Wilson told reporters following a mandatory minicamp practice on Wednesday. “Even with a strong arm, it’s not like, hey, you’re late on this throw or whatever.”
This isn’t great news considering the Jets were finished with him after three seasons and there were reports that he struggled in Denver Broncos‘ camps last year, even though he never played a down for the team.
Wilson sounds like he could be behind again in Miami.
“But here, it’s an entire step above,” Wilson continued. “And again, for good reason. I mean, they want these balls out before our guys are getting to whatever their landmarks are because we’re throwing to space, and we have so much speed that you’re anticipating, I gotta trust this receiver is gonna be there.”
Rough day for Wilson on Day 2 of minicamp
The Miami Herald made some notes from the second day of Dolphins’ minicamp on Wednesday. And, according to Barry Jackson, Omar Kelly and C. Isaiah Smalls II of the popular newspaper, Wilson hasn’t been impressive.
“The Zach Wilson experience remained quite the rollercoaster,” they wrote. “On one hand, he had a nice pass to Tahj Washington and a 20-yard completion to Tarik Black. But he also threw a pass that Willie Gay Jr. intercepted (and returned for a touchdown) and another that Isaiah Johnson nearly intercepted. He was sacked by Gay on another play. On Tuesday, Wilson threw two interceptions (including a pick-six to Dante Trader) and nearly had another pass returned for a touchdown (if Ethan Bonner hadn’t dropped the potential interception).”
This is not good news for Dolphins fans, who could be watching Wilson on the field sooner rather than later considering Tagovailoa’s injury history. He had a banged up hip to end last season, but of course everyone is concerned about the concussions. One more and he should probably consider hanging them up for good.
Timing is critical in McDaniel’s offense
One of the reasons the Dolphins have struggled so much when Tagovailoa is out is because McDaniel’s offense isn’t simple. It’s very difficult to drag a quarterback in and expect them to run the offense as it’s supposed to function.
So, Wilson seemingly being a step behind is not good news. Yes, it’s only June and training camp hasn’t started yet, but no one is hitting you in these minicamps. It should be much easier to go through your reads and make the proper throws.
“I think understanding how guys run a route is everything,” Wilson said. “I threw an interception yesterday because somebody came out a little bit flatter than I was anticipating, but I absolutely ripped it with conviction. The ball sailed over his head, but that’s kind of that trust factor of like, okay, now I know he’s gonna run that route a little bit flatter, and I still have to throw it in that timing.”
He does have a point. It is pertinent that Wilson get on the same page with his receivers. Especially with a pair of burners like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. It’s understandable that that familiarity is going to take a minute.
“If I would have waited, maybe I still would have completed it, but that’s not what this offense is asking,” Wilson said, referring to the interception he threw the day before. “It’s to throw it on time within the scheme so that these fast guys we have can catch it and get some yards after the catch.”
Again, it’s still early, but so far it doesn’t sound like Wilson is quite there yet.
