McDaniel Clarifies Dolphins QB Situation and Bridgewater's Role

New Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel explained how Teddy Bridgewater fits his prototype for the perfect backup quarterback for Tua Tagovailoa

Alain Poupart | Mar 28, 2022

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Miami Dolphins

Mike McDaniel set the record straight about the Miami Dolphins quarterback position Monday.

Speaking at the owners meetings at The Breakers in West Palm Beach, the first-year head coach made clear what Teddy Bridgewater's role was going to be in 2022 and also shot down the idea of the Dolphins discussing the idea of making a trade for Tom Brady in the aftermath of a Twitter post by a Boston-area reporter.

Bridgewater declined last week to reveal his discussions with the Dolphins prior to sign a one-year contract as an unrestricted free agent, even refusing to address whether he was coming as the clear backup — as figured to be the case — or he felt he had a chance to win the starting job.

"That's an example of Teddy being a true professional and being experienced in this business," McDaniel said Monday morning. "That is for us to talk about, really not him. You guys remember around the combine I was describing specifically what I thought Tua really needed in support (from) a backup quarterback. Unbeknownst to you guys, that was quite literally describing Teddy Bridgewater at the time. Just not using his name.

"So both players have been explicitly explained their roles and expectations. For that room to be their best, they need to know that and moving forward we're very excited to have Teddy part of the process. Hopefully win some games with both those guys working together and empowering Tua to be the best player he can be. That's something that Teddy takes serious and is excited to do that."

Again, this was assumed to be the case all along, but it still was good to hear McDaniel make the definitive statement.

And in Bridgewater, the Dolphins have a backup likely better able to win games should he be called into action for whatever reason.

As for Brady, McDaniel called the report from Boston journalist Dale Arnold "fake news."

Published Mar 28, 2022

ALAIN POUPART

Alain Poupart is the publisher/editor of All Dolphins and co-host of the All Dolphins Podcast. Alain has covered the Miami Dolphins on a full-time basis since 1989 for various publications and media outlets, including Dolphin Digest, The Associated Press, the Dolphins team website, and the Fan Nation Network (part of Sports Illustrated). In addition to being a credentialed member of the Miami Dolphins press corps, Alain has covered three Super Bowls (for NFL.com, Football News and the Montreal Gazette), the annual NFL draft, the Senior Bowl, and the NFL Scouting Combine. During his almost 40 years in journalism, which began at the now-defunct Miami News, Alain has covered practically every sport at one time or another, from tennis to golf, baseball, basketball and everything in between. The career also included time as a copy editor, including work on several books such as "Still Perfect," an inside look at the Miami Dolphins' 1972 perfect season. A native of Montreal, Canada, whose first language is French, Alain grew up a huge hockey fan but soon developed a love for all sports, including NFL football. He has lived in South Florida since the 1980s.