Top 3 performers from preseason Week 3 – Dolphins vs. Jaguars

The Miami Dolphins dress rehearsal preseason was not a pretty one in the first half, and it’s clear Brian Flores has some personal evaluations to do. But even when the overall performance is disappointing, there’s still a few players who stand out for good reasons. Here are the top three performers.

Jerome Baker, LB

It seems that any given preseason game, either Baker or Sam Eguavoen makes this list. The second-year linebacker out of Ohio State stood out more than his teammate against the Jaguars, and for once the numbers match the eye test. Baker was all over the field, chasing running backs, shooting gaps and bringing players down behind the line of scrimmage, there was nothing he couldn’t do on Thursday.

If anything has been made clear, it’s that this defense goes through Jerome Baker. He’s now the captain of this defense, and it can even be argued he’s the best player on that unit. Miami finally found a third round gem. It’s likely the Dolphins won’t be all that successful in 2o19, but it’s not all bad. Everyone will have the privilege of watching the defense slowly evolve into a solid – perhaps more – unit. Baker will be leading the way there.

Eric Rowe, CB

While the former Patriots cornerback wasn’t perfect on Thursday, credit needs to be given where it’s due. Rowe made solid plays, making five tackles, two pass deflections, and even coming back to jump a route and make an impressive interception to redeem himself after he’d previously made a costly mistake.

Eric Rowe saw the ball coming from a mile away 💪 @TheEricRowe pic.twitter.com/JKvn7QFxDA

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) August 23, 2019

Making plays like that is always a surefire way to get noticed. From the very beginning of the offseason, Rowe was the favorite to win the other starting job opposite Xavien Howard. Injuries kept him off the field at times throughout camp, but now that he’s back, he’s making up for it somewhat this preseason. Is Rowe the number two cornerback of the the future? Who can say? This coaching staff presumably wants to develop young talent, and Rowe fits that mold.

But it’s possible that in the future, Miami will still look to find a more talented and reputable corner to pair with Howard. Rowe can try to prove that’s not necessary with a strong (and healthy) 2019.

Josh Rosen, QB

This, more than anything, should force head coach Brian Flores to be looked at with scrutiny. From the very beginning, since Rosen was acquired, he’s said that the best quarterback will start the season. Early on, that was veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. As time passed, Rosen closed the gap, and on Thursday, it seemed he’d firmly surpassed Fitzpatrick, leading a 99-yard touchdown drive down the field after Fitzpatrick and the starters were unable to do much of anything until the Jaguars sent in their backups.

That’s something to take into account. It took Jacksonville putting in their second team defense before Fitzpatrick could lead the starting offense to a touchdown. Then what’s the first thing Rosen does? Marches down the field from endzone to endzone for a score, making incredible plays on the way. Rosen’s night had him throw only seven passes, completing five of them for a total of 59 yards. Unimpressive numbers on the surface, but that’s what film is for. And Rosen archived some impressive film.

Josh Rosen buying time and delivering a DART downfield! 🎯#JAXvsMIA

(via @NFLonFOX)

pic.twitter.com/zJCt840E3F

— PFF (@PFF) August 23, 2019

It feels like the obvious choice at this point is to start Rosen and see what he can do. If he does well, then the Dolphins have a potential franchise quarterback. If he doesn’t, then there’s no reason whatsoever not to draft a quarterback next season. But, Rosen has to actually start, and coach Flores seems hesitant to do so.  Why? That’s a very, very good question. Flores is now under scrutiny for many things. He can help his case by making the right decision with Rosen after this preseason.