Miami Dolphins: Is Josh Rosen the next great franchise quarterback?

Since 2000, the Miami Dolphins have searched for Dan Marino’s replacement. Could Josh Rosen be the guy?

The Miami Dolphins had tremendous quarterback play through four decades. Bob Griese and Dan Marino were primarily the quarterbacks that fueled those great Miami teams. It has been nearly two decades since Marino retired, though. Have they found their next great franchise quarterback in Josh Rosen?

Griese and Marino are Hall of Fame quarterbacks. Both have had their uniform numbers retired by Miami. They are first and second on the Dolphins all-time franchise passing list. They are very difficult to replace, as Miami is finding out.

They have had ten guys attempt to fill the role but have not succeeded. There are three quarterbacks on the current Dolphins roster. Perhaps it’s the youngest to assume the face of the franchise.

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Miami obtained Rosen from Arizona after signing Ryan Fitzpatrick in free agency. Arizona moved up in the 2018 NFL Draft to select Rosen.  He became expendable when Arizona took Kyler Murray this year at No. 1.

Last season, Rosen played in 14 games and started the last 13. He threw for 2,278 yards with eleven touchdowns. But, he was sacked 45 times behind a patchwork offensive line.

Rosen is similar to Marino, physically. They stand 6-4 while Rosen is two pounds heavier at 226. Griese was shorter and lighter than Rosen and Marino. All three quarterbacks were first-round selections.

Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports quoted the following statement by Marino:

"“I look at it as, ‘Hey, we’re trying to be successful right now,'” he said. “Win games and compete each and every day and each and every week. … I want to see us do well. I think we’re in a position where we can get to that point. We’re building to have a successful team.”"

Fitzpatrick is going to be good for Rosen as he further develops as an NFL quarterback. Rosen should win the starting quarterback job in training camp. Game preparation and execution is the key for Rosen and Fitzpatrick will be there to mentor him throughout the season.

Miami has a rebuilt offensive line. Kenyan Drake is a dual weapon in the running attack and passing game. Kenny Stills should emerge as the number one pass-catching target. The offensive scheme will fit the talent on the roster.

Is Rosen the next great Dolphins signal caller? Winning is the first item on the agenda. Reaching the playoffs and a Super Bowl berth are on the list, somewhere in the near future.