PALM BEACH, Fla. -- When the Miami Dolphins finally take the field for their first offseason workout under new coach Joe Philbin, two quarterbacks will be getting a chance to audition.
Speaking Tuesday at the NFL Annual Meeting, Philbin said he liked many of the things Matt Moore did as the Dolphins' starter last season -- though noted that he has told both Moore and David Garrard that no one has yet been anointed Miami's starter for 2012.
"It's going to be an open competition," Philbin said. "I've told both guys that. We're very clear about that. I told David, my only obligation to Matt Moore is that he's a member of the 2012 Dolphins, he's under contract, he played well last year and he deserves an opportunity to compete for a starting position just like David does, because David's now a member as well."
Reuter: AFC East draft needs
What are the biggest holes left on each AFC East roster? Chad Reuter assesses draft needs for all four teams. **More ...**
The Dolphins unsuccessfully pursued Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn (who worked with Philbin in Green Bay, when the new Dolphins' boss was offensive coordinator there) and Alex Smith during the offseason. That opened Miami's door to the 34-year-old Garrard, who did not play in the NFL last season after being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars and then having back surgery several weeks later.
Philbin has studied the films of what Moore did last season in Miami after taking over for an injured Chad Henne.
"He's not necessarily a by-the-book quarterback, but he was very productive," Philbin said. "He threw the ball -- I think he has good arm strength, and he kind of has a knack. He kind of has that ability to move the team."
Philbin also wished Flynn well. Flynn signed a three-year deal with Seattle, passing up the chance to be reunited with his former coordinator.
"I think we made an aggressive push," Philbin said. "We got him in here relatively quickly and we had a great meeting. Matt and I had a number of conversations prior to his arrival in Miami. We had some subsequent ones after. He probably will be able to give you a better answer as to why he chose to go elsewhere. All I know is, when we were together, the visit was excellent."
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
