THE DROP-BACK: Thursday September 2 - it's tua time in miami

dolphins

While rumors were swirling all week long that the Miami Dolphins were interested in trading for Deshaun Watson, head coach Brian Flores has repeatedly said that second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is their starter. While not necessarily denying that they had an interest in Watson, the team whole-heartedly plans to go into Week One with Tagovailoa under center.

Flores declines to discuss Darlington reported comments on team on Tua but says: "Tua is our quarterback. He’s had a good training camp, made a lot of progress, made a lot of improvement. We’re pleased with where he is."

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) September 1, 2021

washington

With Cam Newton's release earlier this week, many had thought that his skillset plus the presence of Ron Rivera could have him heading to the Washington Football Team. However, Rivera shot that down pretty quickly and declared veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick their starting quarterback, which was probably a given. ​

Fitzpatrick was never NOT the starter. He was named the starter going into camp and discussed as the starter throughout camp. More importantly: He has 16 years and is due up to $12M. Heinicke continues to impress, but he has 2 career starts and is due an avg. of $2.4M a year.

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 1, 2021

Texans

With Deshaun Watson out of the picture, it is presumed that Tyrod Taylor will be the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans come Week One. However, he hasn't exactly been told that yet. "I haven't been told that officially, but I've never necessarily looked for that confirmation. My mindset doesn't change and hasn't changed since I've been drafted. Ever since I've started playing football, it's to prepare as a starter, lead like a starter and let the coaches make the decisions that they make."

- other notes -

• Matt Ryan said he never considered leaving Atlanta in 2020 and looking for a new team.
• Cowboys claimed Will Grier.
• Patriots are bringing back Brian Hoyer.
• Seahawks sign Jake Luton.
• Titans release Matt Barkley.
• Packers GM says Jordan Love had a "fantastic training camp."
• Ryan Pace says there's no reason for the Bears to rush Justin Fields.
• 49ers say Trey Lance's injured finger is "trending in the right direction."