Nobody has to remind Rishard Matthews his number is finally being called, and that the Dolphins need him to step up as the team's new slot receiver.
But there is some concern about the process being rushed because Matthews doesn't have much experience playing the slot receiver role, which involves a lot of route adjustments and defensive reads.
Matthews has practiced in the slot going back to last season, but not on a full-time basis. Even quarterback Ryan Tannehill admits his chemistry with Matthews will be a factor in the passing game moving forward.
"It takes time and some reps," Tannehill said. "It is a chemistry thing in the slot, knowing when to get uncovered, hot throws, timing in and out [of breaks]. But I feel good about it. I feel like he has a good handle on it."
The slot receiver is active in the Dolphins offense so there is some upside here, but we shouldn't expect anything more than what Brandon Gibson was producing prior to the injury. Gibson had three TDs in the last two games, but was averaging 4.3-47-.42 on the season.
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