Is David Fales already leading for Dolphins backup QB role?

Training camp battles are always interesting, and in Miami, most have looked at the Dolphins three prospective backup quarterbacks and favored Brock Osweiler to win the job.

Osweiler, after all, has previous starting experience for the Broncos and briefly, the Texans and played in coach Adam Gase’s system in Denver. Yet, it isn’t Osweiler, but rather last year’s third string QB, David Fales, that to this point is giving good challenge to the backup to Ryan Tannehill to start the season.

Again, with the understanding that it’s a training camp practice, here were a couple of observations from Sunday’s workout that make you think that Fales has a really good shot over the course of the next few weeks to win it.

To be balanced, Fales had an early pick during drills Sunday, but then these observations rolled in during the 11 on 11’s:

David Fales with a 25-yard bullet to Albert Wilson that puts Miami’s offense on the 10-yard line. Fales’ arm has really improved. He couldn’t make that throw last year.

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) July 29, 2018

And Fales also showed a little scrambling ability, too:

David Fales scrambles for a first down

— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) July 29, 2018

And later a TD to a fellow backup wide receiver:

David Fales with a floating TD pass to Jakeem Grant during red zone 11-on-11s.

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) July 29, 2018

Again, all of the above is a training camp practice, but Fales playing effectively with the second team is only going to lead to more reps and opportunities.

And the advantage that he has over Osweiler and also former Jets backup Bryce Petty, is Fales was with the Dolphins last season. He played some in the preseason and even, finished the regular season final game with the Bills playing in the second half.

As we wrote earlier this off-season Fales is a former undrafted player from San Jose State, but he’s entering his fifth year in the league. And clearly, the Miami front office felt good about him competing. So much so, that they brought him back and didn’t bring back the backup of the last few years, veteran Matt Moore.

Osweiler may end up with the role, or Petty could salvage the opportunity and stick with the team.

Early on though? David Fales is looking good.