Dolphins goal is to set starting quarterback by Aug. 24

First-year head coach Joe Philbin wants to have the Dolphins' starting quarterback in place by the time preparation for the third preseason game begins in late August.

That's typically been the final dress rehearsal for the first-team offense and defense in preseason, with mostly backups and practice squad candidates competing in the final game before the regular season opens.

"You'd love to have it done by after the second preseason game," Philbin told ESPN.

The Dolphins, who play the Falcons in their third preseason game, are planning to set the depth chart at all positions around that time.

The ongoing pursuit of a franchise-caliber quarterback led the team to draft Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the first round. It was the earliest the team had drafted a quarterback since 1983, when the franchsie plucked Dan Marino out of Pittsburgh.

Incumbent starter Matt Moore is the favorite, at least according to owner Stephen Ross, who projected Moore would be the team's No. 1 quarterback entering September earlier this week at the league meetings in Atlanta.

Veteran David Garrard, who sat out last season and is coming off of back surgery, is also in the mix.