The Miami Dolphins plan to start veteran quarterback Jay Cutler when they take on the Baltimore Ravens in their Thursday’s preseason game. This was the hint given by Dolphins head coach Adam Gase to reporters Monday. According to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald, Gase said he’s trending toward letting Cutler play, but he hasn’t made a final decision yet. One week after he joined the Dolphins, Gase said Cutler “pretty much got the offense down,” adding that “it’s a matter of timing.” Cutler is already familiar with Gase’s system as they worked together with the Chicago Bears in 2015.
That time, Cutler was the Bears’ starting quarterback while Gase was the offensive coordinator. During their partnership, Cutler revitalized his career with 3,659 yards and 21 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions.
The Dolphins signed Cutler to a one-year deal worth $10 million after starter Ryan Tannehill went down with a knee injury that needed season-ending surgery. Before this, the 34-year-old Cutler was scheduled to embark on a broadcasting career with Fox Sports. Before that, he was cut by the Bears after he was limited to just five games last season due to a shoulder injury.
Gase satisfied with Cutler’s first practice
According to ESPN, Gase was pleased with what he saw from Cutler during their first practice, saying the veteran quarterback looked the "same" as the last time he saw him on the football field.
"He remembers everything with the offense," Gase said. Cutler allayed any concern about his surgically repaired shoulder, saying it felt fine after practice. "It doesn't get sore. First of all, we just have to get all the strength and stuff back in it,” said Cutler, who was the Bears’ starting quarterback for eight seasons.
In their first preseason game, backup quarterback Matt Moore threw just one pass for five yards as the Dolphins beat last season’s Super Bowl finalist Atlanta Falcons, 23-20. David Fales completed eight of 17 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Brandon Doughty went 7-for-12 for 69 yards with a touchdown and a pick.
Mike Pouncey doing team drills
Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey returned to doing team drills as the team continued it day-on, day-off routine with him. According to Gase, the coaches monitored Pouncey’s activities to ensure that he will not exceed the limit set by the team. Gase added that the team expects Pouncey to play in the preseason, but he is unsure if it will be against the Ravens or next week against the Philadelphia Eagles.
