The Miami Dolphins are charting waters that, while still challenging, seem a bit more navigable than they did at the season’s start. Sitting at 5-7, their playoff aspirations are hanging by a thread, but the return of a healthy Tua Tagovailoa has injected hope into the franchise. It’s a classic case of what having a starting quarterback back in the saddle can do for a team’s trajectory.

Behind Tua, the Dolphins have solidified their quarterback depth chart by naming Tyler Huntley as the backup for their upcoming clash against the three-win New York Jets. This move signifies a crucial shift away from what many viewed as an experiment gone too long with Skylar Thompson.

Dolphins’ fans initially hoped Thompson, a seventh-round pick from the 2022 draft, would rise to the occasion after both Tua and Teddy Bridgewater were sidelined last year. Alas, the fairytale did not play out as hoped, particularly highlighted by his playoff start that didn’t quite hit the mark.

Throughout this season, Thompson has struggled in relief of Tua, tallying a modest 187 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions to his name. The decision to persist with him over a former Jets backup like Mike White initially raised eyebrows, yet the tides are turning in Miami.

Tyler Huntley, while not racking up dazzling numbers, has showcased enough poise and production to inspire confidence as a reliable option in the wings. It seems Dolphins’ head coach Mike McDaniel has made his choice, banking on Huntley to be the man to step up should the need arise. It’s a calculated adjustment that just might be what the dolphins’ doctor ordered.

Now, aiming for a sweep in their remaining games to reach a respectable 10-7 record remains a gargantuan task. The path for a wild-card spot isn’t just steep; it’s jagged, riddled with the condition that the Broncos drop several games along the way to keep tiebreaker scenarios at bay.

Looking forward, Miami would do well to consider bolstering their backup quarterback ranks with seasoned experience ahead of the 2025 season. It’s a lesson hard-learned that having depth and talent at QB2 is paramount for weathering the inevitable ebbs and flows of an NFL campaign. For now, Huntley stands ready to answer the call if Tua is sidelined, while the hopes to not see Thompson in a competitive snap again are shared widely across Miami faithful.

For Dolphins fans, patience and resilience are key; with a few strategic tweaks and some hard-nosed play, this team may yet find itself navigating into calmer seas.