Dolphins at Panthers: 3 matchups to watch for

The backup quarterbacks vs. the Dolphin defense

Taylor Heinicke and Garrett Gilbert both had solid games last week against the Buffalo Bills. Heinicke went 7-of-9 for 121 yards and a touchdown, while Gilbert had a great day in his own right, going 7-of-12 for 93 yards and a touchdown.

In what has become one of the more tightly-contested position battles of the preseason, both quarterbacks should be able to put their talents on display on Friday against the Miami Dolphins. This game will be crucial for both parties as they look to do enough to make their case to be the No. 2 quarterback.

In a game comprised full of backups Cameron Wake will probably not be used much, and that is great news for both Gilbert and Heinicke.

One other name I would look for is Kyle Allen. Although he is not part of the No. 2 quarterback conversation, I would not be surprised if he is out on the field for a few snaps. He did not complete his only pass on Thursday and I think the coaching staff would want to get some work in. Especially as we inch closer to the 53-man roster deadline, Allen will undoubtedly be under a microscope for the rest of the preseason.

The Dolphin secondary does have pieces that can make life miserable for the quarterbacks. In addition, Miami’s pass rush can turn it on at a moment’s notice. It will be interesting to see if the backups can continue to make good reads while under pressure. Mistakes cannot be made by either quarterback if they want to cement themselves as a viable second option for the Carolina Panthers.