In the ongoing battle for the No. 2 quarterback position on the Miami Dolphins, Skylar Thompson took a step forward as he started in the team's first preseason game of 2024. Last year, Thompson lost out to Mike White in a close competition for the backup spot, but this year the race is said to be "neck and neck."

Thompson impressed during his time on the field, handling seven drives over two quarters. He completed eight of 19 passes for 95 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. While Thompson showed resilience and ability to bounce back from mistakes, there were also some issues that he will need to address.

In the second half, it was Mike White's turn to take the reins. However, he struggled, completing only four of 14 passes for a mere 26 yards. Despite the challenging circumstances he faced, including a depleted offensive lineup and a receiver who had just joined the team two days prior, White showed composure and resilience.

Coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged that both quarterbacks faced different circumstances but praised their ability to overcome challenges and make adjustments. He expressed a desire to get White into a rhythm and see how he would respond to adverse situations. McDaniel emphasized that there is still work to be done for both quarterbacks.

Looking ahead to future preseason games, McDaniel hinted that White may get the first opportunity, but nothing is set in stone. Meanwhile, Thompson believes that the game is slowing down for him as he enters his third season. He mentioned improving his anticipation, footwork, and timing as key areas of focus.

While the ideal scenario would be for the Dolphins to not require the services of either backup quarterback, the team recognizes the importance of having a reliable option ready in case of an injury to Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa managed to play every game in 2024, completing a full season for the first time in his career.

The Dolphins' coaching staff will continue to evaluate Thompson and White throughout the preseason to determine who will step up as the primary backup for the upcoming season. The team remains hopeful that they won't need to rely on either of them, but recognize the need for a capable and prepared quarterback in case of emergencies.