Sep 24, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) drops to throw a pass as offensive tackle Austin Jackson (73) blocks against Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (45) during the second half at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Tua Tagovailoa is the future in Miami, but Ryan Fitzpatrick may hold off that debut for a while. Fitzpatrick completed his first 12 passes and 18-of-20 overall, to lead the Dolphins to a 31-13 road victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars (a 2.5-point favorite) on Thursday Night Football.

Fitzpatrick only threw for 160 yards and the Jaguars outgained the Dolphins 318-294, but that’s misleading. Miami scored touchdowns on first three drives, with Fitzpatrick connecting with Preston Williams and Mike Gesicki for two of those scores.

From there, it was the Dolphins using the clock on offense (the 37-year-old Fitzpatrick even had 38 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown), and playing great defense. Miami had four sacks and forced a fumble on one of those inside the Jacksonville 10-yard line.

Gardner Minshew II really, really missed wide receiver D.J. Chark, who was ruled out with a chest/back injury. The Jacksonville wide receivers played poorly and didn’t offer the downfield threat Chark does, with Minshew relying on rookie undrafted back James Robinson — six receptions, 83 yards — in a short passing game. Minshew has been very impressive this season, but he’ll need a lot of help for the Jaguars to be a decent offense.

Both of these Florida teams will leave Week 3 with 1-2 records. The Dolphins will need to score a lot to keep up with Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4, and the Jaguars will face rookie quarterback Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.