Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said it's "very clear" that the Miami Dolphins are Tua Tagovailoa's team and there is no controversy about who the starter is, even after the rookie was benched Sunday.
Tagovailoa completed 11 of 20 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown before he was replaced by Fitzpatrick in the fourth quarter of Miami's 20-13 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Fitzpatrick nearly rallied the Dolphins to tie the score after he entered the game, but threw an interception in the red zone with 1:10 remaining.
"When I was in, we couldn't really get things going and coach [Brian Flores] felt like it was the best decision to put 'Fitz' in to give us a spark," Tagovailoa told reporters.
"When I heard that -- it was really [about] what's best for the team. If we were to win with 'Fitz' in there, the locker room would be a lot different and everyone would be a lot happier. It just sucks to lose."
Tagovailoa -- the No. 5 overall pick from Alabama in April's NFL Draft -- made his NFL debut a month ago and his first start for Miami on Nov. 1, a 28-17 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Fitzpatrick started the Dolphins' first six games this season before he was benched.
"We talked about it on the sideline," Fitzpatrick said when asked if he advised Tagovailoa how to handle the swap. "We talked about it in the locker room. I think it's probably a conversation that's over with now."
Flores said after the game the Dolphins won't make a change to the quarterback depth chart, which lists Tagovailoa as the starter. He also said he's not concerned about Tagovailoa's confidence.
"He's a confident kid," Flores said. "I think he's dealt with a lot of adversity. He's a confident kid and I think he's fine."
"Tua has done a nice job, so it's about putting it behind you and moving onto the next one," Fitzpatrick said. "I know that he'll do a good job of that, so there's no controversy.
"This is his team. He's going to lead this team and continue to lead the team and we've just all kind of got to pull him in the right direction and get everybody continuing to get better."
The Dolphins (6-4) next hit the road to face the New York Jets at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
This week in the National Football League
Minnesota Vikings' Tyler Conklin (L) is tackled by Chicago Bears' Roquan Smith at Soldier Field in Chicago on Monday, where the Vikings
won 19-13. Photo by Mark Black/UPI |
License Photo
The Vikings' Dalvin Cook (L) is tackled by the Bears' Khalil Mack. Photo by Mark Black/UPI | License Photo
The Bears' Anthony Miller moves the ball down field. Photo by Mark Black/UPI | License Photo
The Bears' Demetrius Harris (R) tries to repel the Vikings' Bisi Johnson. Photo by Mark Black/UPI | License Photo
The Vikings' Chris Jones (L) keeps up with the Bears' Anthony Miller as he misses a catch. Photo by Mark Black/UPI | License Photo
The Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson throws a pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on Sunday, where the
Patriots defeated the Ravens 23-17. Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI |
License Photo
The Patriots celebrate after Rex Burkhead (C) scored on a 24-yard touchdown reception. Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Patriots staff members watch from the stands as the game plays in rain. Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
The Patriots' Cam Newton (R) hands off to Damien Harris (C). Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Burkhead (L) pulls in a seven-yard touchdown reception. Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Jackson celebrates after connecting with wide receiver Willie Snead (not pictured). Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
Jackson scrambles with the ball. Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo
San Francisco 49ers Kerry Hyder Jr. (L) sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, where
the Saints won 27-13. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI |
License Photo
The Saints' Alvin Kamara (L) eludes 49ers linebackers. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
The Saints' head coach Sean Payton talks with an official after Saints wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith was hit hard, causing him to leave the game. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
The Saints' Deonte Harris (R) scampers past a group of 49ers. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo
Winston (2) throws against the 49ers after Winston replaced the injured Drew Brees in the second quarter. Photo by AJ Sisco/UPI | License Photo