Ryan Fitzpatrick is well-liked and well-respected in the Dolphins locker room. Receiver Albert Wilson says: ’Fitz is our guy.’

NEW ORLEANS — Brian Flores’ decision to name Ryan Fitzpatrick the Dolphins’ starting quarterback was met with little surprise, and much delight, in the locker room.

“Great decision,” Miami center Daniel Kilgore said. “I mean, it's obviously the head coaches’. If it went the other way, I would be behind that decision as well. Both guys have worked really well this offseason and this preseason. I think Fitz is going to step right in and do what he always does. And do a great job leading this team. And go out and make plays and really just be a pro about it.”

Kilgore said Fitzpatrick’s intelligence, even keel and positive demeanor make Fitzpatrick “a guy I want to go out and fight for.” Fitzpatrick endeared himself to teammates almost as soon as he arrived in South Florida.

He seems completely comfortable in any and all situations.

“He's got the experience and he'll be able to help us win football games,” running back Kalen Ballage said. “I think that Ryan is extremely decorated. He's been through a lot. He's played with a lot of different teams. He's played with a lot of different players. You can't find anybody to say anything bad about Ryan Fitzpatrick. We're excited and that's really cool that he'll have the opportunity.”

Fitzpatrick has been an open book with second-string quarterback Josh Rosen and third-string quarterback Jake Rudock.

“He's got a ton, a wealth of knowledge,” Rudock said. “And he's a fun-loving guy, which you guys have all seen. He just helps a lot in talking things through. And being able to be on the same page and explain something I saw or something he saw. It's awesome. I'm very fortunate to have him there. When he talks, you listen.”

BREAKING: @MiamiDolphins name Ryan Fitzpatrick Week 1 starter. pic.twitter.com/lqyybzYvPU

— NFL (@NFL) August 30, 2019

Fitzpatrick, 36, clearly has the trust of his teammates. They say he shows a consistency in approach from game-to-game and day-to-day.

“He's just a veteran,” receiver Albert Wilson said. “He comes in, he's a leader. He knows the game. He's comfortable back there. He does what he's supposed to. Either quarterback he would have picked, we would have been successful. But Fitz is our guy. We've got full faith in him and I'm excited to get to play with him this season.”

Receiver Isaiah Ford said Fitzpatrick’s communication skills and relentless, positive energy are on point.

“I think it’s pretty cool that any time he sees something, whether it's good or bad, he immediately runs to you after the play and is like, ’I really loved how you did this right here.’” Ford said. “Or if he missed it and he feels he can come back to it he'll say, ’Do it just exactly like you did that and I'll come back to it, I love it. Don't change anything.’ Or, ’Hey, let's get together after practice, and let's clean this up, because I'm thinking you're going to go here.’ He makes sure everyone is calm. He makes sure everyone knows what they’re going to do. He makes sure everyone is on the same page.”

@schadjoe

jschad@pbpost.com

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