Three Dolphins with Plenty to Prove on Monday Night Football

Brian Flores has preached competition this season. Here are three starting looking to have a big game against the Steelers.

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Only one game remains in week eight of the 2019 regular season. The Miami Dolphins traveled to Pittsburgh and are preparing for a showdown with the Steelers. 

“I think guys are just starting to gel," Brian Flores said when meeting with the Pittsburgh media late last week. "We had a lot of movement early in the season, a lot of new players. I would say the first three or four games of the season, we were in almost like training camp in a lot of ways where guys are trying to get to know each other. We had the bye week. We tried to put some things in order. I think we’re just starting to come together as a team and we just played a little bit better the last couple weeks. We’ve still got a long way to go. That’s very clear and evident.”

With the Dolphins gradually improving over the past few weeks, here are three players who could use another big game in front of the media on National Television: 

Ryan Fitzpatrick:

Since taking over for Josh Rosen in the second half of Miami's loss to Washington, Fitzpatrick is completing 66 percent of his passes and has thrown two touchdown passes in roughly five quarters. 

Those aren't great numbers, but coach Brian Flores has shown that he is willing to switch out quarterbacks mid-game. If Fitzpatrick wants to remain as Miami's starter he needs to have a smooth performance against Pittsburgh and limit turnovers. 

The Steelers sit at 2-4 and are allowing roughly 21 points per game. If Fitzpatrick struggles against a middle of the road defense we may see Rosen get his chance to shine in the spotlight. 

DeVante Parker:

Parker has scored in three-straight weeks and is one of the only remaining players left from last year's roster. 

Even though he has a nose for the end zone of late, Parker is averaging 51 yards per game over his last three games. If Parker wants to continue his trajectory as a strong first-option for an offense, he needs to dominate a game. 

With a few big catches and maybe a two-touchdown performance, the legend of Parker under first-year offensive coordinator Chad O'Shea will continue to grow. 

 "I don’t see any confidence issue with DeVante," Flores said last week. "I think he’s as confident in his ability as anyone on this team. I think he’s playing that way right now. If those were issues before, I can’t speak to them; but I see a confident player. Hopefully he continues that route. (Wide Receivers Coach) Karl (Dorrell) is doing a great job with him as well as (Offensive Coordinator) Chad (O’Shea) and the offensive staff. Hopefully we just continue on that trajectory.”

Mark Walton:

Walton has the keys to Miami's starting running back job after Kenyan Drake was traded to Arizona on Monday. 

Walton received 40 percent of the offensive snaps against Washington and that number jumped to 52 percent last week against Buffalo. 

With Kalen Ballage struggling to get anything going on the ground, Walton will likely get every opportunity to prove he can be Miami's full time starter in the backfield. 

The former Miami Hurricane has 98 yards on his last 20 rushing attempts and has caught six of seven pass attempts that have came in his direction. 

Despite Drake no longer in the picture, Walton will not be handed the starting job. If he struggles, Patrick Laid, Chandler Cox and Myles Gaskin may get some looks in the backfield.