Mike McDaniel celebrates at a Miami Heat game.

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel learned WRONG lesson from Heat coach Erik Spoelstra

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Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is undoubtedly an offensive genius. His scheme is so intricate and so highly detailed that when it’s working the way it’s supposed to, it can seldom be stopped. However, there is a problem. The scheme he runs demands high level talent. It demands elite level execution. And for all the effort being put into player development, the reality is that players cannot be rotated in and out at random.

The past two seasons, a big deal was made about Mike McDaniel spending time with longtime Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. What lessons he must be learning, what words of wisdom McDaniel was taking from a multiple championship winning coach who knows what it takes to win. Through that, McDaniel began to create a culture that players want to be a part of, and it eventually led to owner Stephen Ross giving him an extension through 2028.

But all of the lessons he learned from Spoelstra, it seems the one he took to heart to most is the one that makes no sense in the game of football. The concept of load management.

In the NBA, there are 82 games in the regular season, and that number grows if you make the playoffs. Games are played one to two days apart from each other, and so sitting star veterans makes sense in a league that demands so much play time from their players. Spoelstra has taken criticism at times for his approach, but for the most part it’s a smart strategy. Why play your best players if they aren’t needed or need to rest an injury? There will be another game in a couple days.

However, in the NFL, there is no such luxury. There are only 17 games in the season, and the number of teams that actually make the playoffs is much smaller. Even worse, playoff teams get no room for error in the NFL. If you lose once, you are eliminated. There is no time to regroup and try again.

Back at the beginning of the 2023 season, McDaniel spoke on what he’d learned from Spoelstra.

“I use basketball references all the time.” He said. “I think watching the Heat play gave me all sorts of motivation in the offseason, just by team over everything. What is the saying? The sum is greater than the parts, or whatever? That’s what I see from them, and I think that very much applies to professional football in general, because you always have talented players across the board, but 11 people working together is what generates results.”

That last part is true, it takes all 11 players doing their job to make an offense or a defense run. But the idea of the sum being greater than the parts? In the NFL, that is just not true. The parts matter a lot more than the sum they make.

Really good football teams have their best players on the field a majority of the time. The Philadelphia Eagles, for example, have A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith (whom the Miami Dolphins opted not to draft in favor of Jaylen Waddle). Within the first two weeks, Smith has played – quite literally – every single snap on offense. 100% of them. A.J. Brown, an older veteran, played 95% of the snaps in Week 1 before suffering an injury in Week 2 that kept him out entirely.

The list of wide receivers continues.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, Ja’Marr Chase played 84% and 92% of the snaps.

For the Baltimore Ravens, Zay Flowers played 89% of the snaps in both Weeks 1 and 2, while Rashod Bateman played 84% and 82%.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, Rashee Rice played “only” 78% and 83% of the snaps. But at tight end, veteran Travis Kelce played 89% and 91% of the snaps as their top weapon.

Contrast that with the Miami Dolphins, who have Jaylen Waddle and the players-voted best player in the NFL: Tyreek Hill. The difference is staggering.

In Weeks 1 and 2, Waddle played 72% of the snaps. That in and of itself is bad enough.

Tyreek Hill, the $30+ per year wide receiver, the best player in the league according to his peers, played 70% and 68% of the snaps in Weeks 1 and 2.

Why are the team’s top weapons spending so much time watching from the sidelines, letting players like the newly added Grant DuBose or the recently released Robbie Chosen take so many crucial snaps in important situations? How does one justify that?

Now, Tua Tagovailoa is on injured reserve with another concussion, and won’t return until at least Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals. This means, Skylar Thompson is being counted on to keep the season afloat. Needless to say, there’s a significant gap between Thompson and Tagovailoa.

Mike McDaniel has an opportunity now to make a necessary adjustment. If the Dolphins are going to win any of the next four games, they need to lean on their best players. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle need to be on the field for every important snap the offense has. Defenses respect their presence, and laugh when the likes of Braxton Berrios and Grant DuBose show up.

It’s time to have the best players play, and move on from the load management idea. Rotations work a lot better in basketball than football. Mike McDaniel needs to let his playmakers make plays. Only then will they find themselves winning games consistently.

 

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Tua Tagovailoa has thrived in coach Mike McDaniel's offense with the Miami Dolphins.

Navigating the Storm: The Dolphins Without Tua Tagovailoa

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As the Miami Dolphins grapple with the sobering reality of losing their starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a concussion, a pressing question lingers in the air: “Now what?” With the seas of the NFL season already turbulent, the Dolphins must navigate these choppy waters without the steady hand of their offensive captain. Just two weeks into the season, they have already faced significant adversity, and now they must chart a new course without their leader.

The Dolphins have placed Tagovailoa on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the next four games. The earliest he can return is October 27, when the Dolphins are set to host the Arizona Cardinals. Until then, the quarterback duties fall to Skylar Thompson—at least for now. In a strategic move, the Dolphins have also signed Tyler Huntley from the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad. Initially, Huntley will serve as Thompson’s backup, but depending on performance, the depth chart could shift in the blink of an eye.

 

Upcoming Games and Adjustments

Tagovailoa’s absence will be felt acutely in the upcoming matchups against the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, and Indianapolis Colts. These games present both a challenge and an opportunity, testing the Dolphins’ resilience as they strive to stay afloat in a demanding schedule.

Thompson finds himself in a pivotal role, stepping into the spotlight at a crucial time, yet the weight of expectations rests heavily on him. While his familiarity with the playbook could serve as an advantage, it’s important for fans to recognize that he is far from Tua.

 

The Huntley Factor

Meanwhile, Huntley’s presence adds an intriguing dynamic. Known for his ability to rise to the occasion, he has demonstrated flashes of talent during his time with the Ravens. Should Thompson falter, the coaching staff will need to consider a shift that could redefine the team’s trajectory.

 

A Long Road Ahead

With Tagovailoa sidelined, the Dolphins have an opportunity to regroup during this critical juncture. This period allows him to work closely with medical professionals, ensuring a thorough recovery while minimizing the risk of further injury. Research underscores the importance of this time; players face heightened risks for additional concussions shortly after an initial injury, making careful management essential for Tagovailoa’s long-term health.

For now, Miami must adapt and find ways to limit the damage while keeping their playoff hopes alive. The coming weeks will be a testament to their resilience and strategic acumen as they endeavor to weather the storm without their captain at the helm.

 

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The Dolphins Need a Backup Plan, and They Need It Now

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Last night was a gut-wrenching loss for the Miami Dolphins, as they fell once again to their division rival Buffalo Bills, this time under the national spotlight of primetime. To make matters worse, the game wasn’t even close. The real heartbreak, however, came when Tua Tagovailoa suffered yet another concussion, casting serious doubt over his future in the NFL. While Tua’s health and well-being are the utmost priority, the Dolphins must prepare for the worst-case scenario — if Tua decides to hang up his cleats, the team needs a backup plan, and it needs one fast.

Miami is in win-now mode. Skylar Thompson, the current backup, hasn’t shown enough to be the solution. The Dolphins cannot afford to let a tragic Week 2 game derail their entire season. They need to address the question looming over the franchise: What happens if Tua can’t return? The answer needs to be found now.

 

While the options are limited this late in the season, here’s a breakdown of potential quarterback replacements for Miami in this worst-case scenario:

 

Ryan Tannehill

Familiar Face, Familiar Fit

Tannehill knows Miami like the back of his hand. Having previously played for the Dolphins, his familiarity with the city and the organization means minimal adjustment time. While he’s not at the peak of his career, Tannehill could provide the stability Miami needs with his experience in Mike McDaniel’s system. He may not be the flashiest option, but his ability to manage games could give the Dolphins a fighting chance in a tough AFC race.

 

 

Josh Dobbs

Underrated Talent, Intriguing Upside

Dobbs is currently stuck behind other quarterbacks, making him a potential trade target. His mobility and understanding of complex offenses make him an interesting fit for Miami’s dynamic attack. With a strong supporting cast like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Dobbs might unlock his full potential. His athleticism would also add a new wrinkle to the Dolphins’ offensive scheme.

 

Jameis Winston

High-Risk, High-Reward

Currently a backup with the Cleveland Browns, Winston brings a unique combination of experience and playmaking ability. His willingness to push the ball downfield could mesh well with Miami’s offensive weapons, especially with speedsters like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the outside. However, Winston’s turnover issues are well-documented. If Miami is willing to roll the dice, Winston could be an electrifying addition — as long as they can mitigate the risks inherent in his style of play.

 

Davis Mills

Efficient, Not Exceptional

Mills showed during his time with the Houston Texans that he can manage games. His numbers suggest he’s capable of throwing for over 3,000 yards and a solid number of touchdowns, though his interception rate remains a concern. Still, Mills is young, experienced, and has the tools to be a capable backup. For a team like Miami, in need of a steady hand, Mills could provide a bridge to stability while they figure out the longer-term future at quarterback.

 

Sam Howell

Potential Future Star

Howell’s college career was filled with highlight-reel plays, and while his NFL journey has been up and down, his raw talent is undeniable. He possesses a strong arm and mobility, two traits that would fit nicely in Miami’s system. Howell is young and could develop into a star with the right coaching and patience. While he’s more of a project, the potential for long-term success makes him an intriguing, albeit risky, option for the Dolphins.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa walks off the field with coach Mike McDaniel and trainers after sustaining a concussion Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills.

Pressure Point: Dolphins, Tagovailoa again at crossroads over QB’s concussion concerns

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Just when it seemed a Thursday night gone awry in prime time couldn’t get worse for the Miami Dolphins, their worst fears materialized.

A third verified concussion in the past two years for Tua Tagovailoa has overnight reduced the various concerns about a football team coming off a 31-10 trouncing by its biggest nemesis to a simple human level:

#prayfortua.

That was trending No. 1 on Friday morning, and really, that’s all that matters right now.

The questions about the star-crossed quarterback’s future not only in football but in life are again in the crosshairs of conversation.

It resurrected the memory of another ill-fated Thursday night in 2022 when Tua was taken off the field in Cincinnati on a stretcher after being knocked senseless, his contorted fingers indicative of severe neurological distress.

Should Tagovailoa continue in the NFL?

This time, Tua eventually walked to the locker room on his own after a jarring hit on a fourth-down scramble ended his night and cast a shroud of uncertainty over the Dolphins season and more.

Wobbled would be a more accurate description of his exit, which brought to mind a boxer disoriented in the aftermath of a knockout.

The question of whether Tagovailoa should continue to play NFL football is already taking precedence over when he might return. As well it should.

That will be determined by the opinions of his doctors and family rather than armchair tweeters who cheer the big hits which are such a part of the NFL allure while paying lip service to CTE, too often the product of all that highlight-reel impact.

My gut feeling is Tagovailoa will return when he’s able, because he is an NFL warrior at heart. That was evident when he bolted from the pocket on fourth-and-4 at the Buffalo 13 with 4:36 remaining in the third quarter.

He easily had the four yards needed for the first down. Instead of taking the wise option of a safe slide, Tagovailoa elected to plow into Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.

Bills Hamlin expresses concern for Tagovailoa

In the moment, he was trying to inspire a team that was sleep-walking through an abysmal performance as he did four days earlier with a fiery halftime speech.

He paid the price, and it remains to be seen the ultimate cost for Tua, the person as well as the player the team recently invested $212.4 million over four years.

Hamlin extended his hopes for Tagovailoa’s recovery. The memory is fresh of Hamlin going into cardiac arrest on the field in Cincinnati after a hit to the chest at the end of the 2022 season. He was saved by CPR and spent two days in a medically induced coma.

Understandably, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel appeared shell-shocked after the game. He described Tagovailoa as “in good spirits” and wisely declined to speculate about his quarterback’s future.

“From a medical standpoint, I don’t approach things that I’m far inferior of expertise,” McDaniel said. “I’m just there to support my teammate. I think … for me to go ahead and forecast things that I don’t know in my non-field of expertise, I don’t think that’s appropriate.”

Numerous Dolphins shortcomings evident before Tua’s injury

Certainly, on-field concerns are secondary at the moment. McDaniel, though, must immediately begin dealing with a slew of issues with a team that appeared utterly lost on its home field Thursday.

Tua threw three interceptions, including a pick-6 while attempting to throw the ball away. He was under pressure due to the collapse of the left side of the offensive line with backups Lester Cotton and Kendall Lamm filling in for starters Robert Jones and Terron Armstead, both out with shoulder injuries.

The lack of depth at wide receiver in the injury absence of Odell Beckham Jr., River Cracraft and Malik Washington appeared to be a contributing factor in the other two interceptions on passes intended for Grant DuBose and Robbie Chosen, both late additions to the roster after the preseason.

The only bright spot for the Dolphins was second-year running back De’Von Achane, who accounted for 165 yards of offense (96 yards rushing, 69 yards receiving) and scored their only touchdown.

What stood out in the final analysis was how much the Dolphins regressed since the end of last season against the team that stands in the way of their aspirations in the AFC East.

The Bills completely negated Miami’s speed factor. They were more aggressive on offense and defense. They were stronger up front, controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage. They exhibited a significant talent advantage.

They were much better prepared and more competently coached.

It wasn’t even close.

Tagovailoa’s health vital to Dolphins’ fortunes

Some of those issues were evident in the season opener but masked by the comeback win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Still, the Dolphins are 1-1. Every NFL season is like a long trek over the Alps, full of twisting turns and many ups and downs.

But a Dolphins franchise without a playoff win since the 2000 season put all of its cards on the imperative of a healthy Tagovailoa.

My concerns about Tua as a franchise quarterback have always been less about his capability than about his ability to stay on the field.

After avoiding injury and making every start last season, his health and future are again in the spotlight.

How that impacts the fortunes of the team, it’s management and players will unfold over time. The immediate focus must be for Tagovailoa and his well being.

Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @CraigDavisRuns.

It’s Time for the Dolphins to Pay Jevon Holland

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It’s time to give Jevon Holland his due.

 

In a moment that could have sealed Miami’s fate, Dolphins safety Jevon Holland delivered a game-altering play when the Dolphins trailed 17-7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in their home opener. With Jacksonville’s offense knocking on the door inside the red zone, QB Trevor Lawrence handed the ball to a dangerous Travis Etienne. With blockers ahead and an open lane, it looked certain that Etienne would plunge into the end zone for his second touchdown of the day, further stretching the Jaguars’ lead.

 

But that was before he ran into Jevon Holland. In a display of perfect timing and instinct, Holland met Etienne at the 2-yard line and delivered a textbook punch to the football, dislodging it with surgical precision. In an instant, what seemed like a guaranteed touchdown evaporated. The loose ball tumbled forward into the end zone, where Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou dove on it, securing a touchback and giving Miami possession of the ball. The play was nothing short of clutch, a shining example of how Holland thrives in critical moments. You can’t coach that kind of playmaking—it’s an instinct, a skill that only a few possess.

 

The impact of that forced fumble was enormous. Without it, the Jaguars would have likely pushed the score to 24-7, a daunting lead. Instead, Miami flipped the script in the blink of an eye. On the very next play, the Dolphins offense went 80 yards for a touchdown, turning a potential 17-point deficit into a 14-point swing. Suddenly, Miami was back in the game, and the momentum was firmly on their side. Once again, it was Jevon Holland—perhaps not the flashiest name on the Dolphins’ star-studded defense—who came up with the play when the team needed it the most.

Week after week, Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland seems to be at the center of a pivotal play, and this past Sunday was no different

As the Dolphins eye the postseason, one thing is clear: Jevon Holland is the heartbeat of their defense. He’s not just a rising star; he’s a game-changer, someone who consistently shows up when it matters most. Holland, who is due for a contract extension after seeing teammates Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa secure their big-money deals, has earned his spot among the NFL’s elite.

 

His ability to produce game-changing plays week in and week out makes him invaluable, and the Dolphins would be wise to lock him up for the long haul.

Tyreek Hill discusses being handcuffed by police before helping lead the Miami Dolphins to a comeback win against the Jaguars.

Pressure Point: Tyreek Hill, Dolphins shed cuffs in time for dramatic win over Jaguars

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Getting this Miami Dolphins season off on a winning note was an adventure like never seen before.

Certainly there was no precedent for an opening day that began with a star receiver in handcuffs on the way to the stadium who then went on to help spark a dramatic comeback victory with an 80-yard touchdown catch and run.

Which led to the surreal celebration in the end zone with Tyreek Hill holding his hands behind his back so Jaylen Waddle could pantomime putting his fellow receiver in handcuffs for the second time Sunday.

There are numerous questions to be answered about why Hill was cuffed and taken to the ground following a minor traffic incident near Hard Rock Stadium a couple hours before the game. Miami-Dade Police Department director Stephanie Daniels said the department is investigating and that one of the officers involved in the incident was placed on administrative duty. I suspect this story is going to blow up as more becomes known about what happened.

The day ended a lot happier than it began for the Dolphins after they turned a 10-point deficit into a 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Jason Sanders’ 52-yard field goal as time expired.

That wouldn’t have been possible without safety Jevon Holland knocking the ball out of Travis Etienne Jr.’s hands just short of the goal line and Kader Kohou’s recovering for a touchback to prevent the Jaguars from taking a 17-point lead. On the very next play, Hill took a pass from Tua Tagovailoa on a crossing route and danced along the sideline on an 80-yard jaunt that completed a stunning 14-point turnaround in a matter of seconds to cut the deficit to three.

Dolphins have issues to address before facing Bills

The outcome masked some glaring shortcomings that the Dolphins must try to address quickly with the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills due in four days for a Thursday night showdown.

Throughout the first half Sunday the Dolphins seemed intent on reprising their inept effort when last seen in a playoff defeat at Kansas City. Except they weren’t playing on the road in sub-freezing conditions against the champion Chiefs.

Give the Jaguars credit, they played like their offseason efforts to improve were a lot more productive than those by the Dolphins’ front office.

The Jaguars had the Miami offense handcuffed until well into the third quarter.

Watching the ineptness of the Dolphins’ running game, I kept wondering if general manager Chris Grier is still amused by concerns expressed in South Florida media about his offensive line.
Tagovailoa was sacked three times, although at least one of those was on the quarterback. But he had little time to look downfield and was often relegated to screens and short dump-offs, that were generally well covered.

Dolphins’ O-line remains a liability

Holes to run through were nonexistent most of the game. After leading the league last season with an average of 5.1 yards a carry, the Dolphins managed only 3.2 yards a crack against the Jags.
De’Von Achane, who led the league with a 7.3-yard rushing average as a rookie, found little room as a ball carrier, struggling for 24 yards on 10 carriers. Raheem Mostert, who has a career average of 5.2 yards, managed a mere nine yards on six carries.

The speedy Achane was used effectively out of the backfield as a third receiver. He matched Hill with a game-high seven receptions, the longest for 39 yards.

Ultimately, the speed of Hill, Waddle and Achane enabled the offense to gain traction in the second half.

But before Hill’s game-changing play, which came more than halfway through the third quarter, the Dolphins had only 170 yards of offense.

On the bright side for Miami, the defense pitched a shutout in the second half. Linebacker Jaelan Phillips made a triumphant return from last year’s Achilles tendon injury with a third-down sack that ended the Jaguars final possession and led to the winning field goal.

“I think collectively as a group, offensively, it was just one of those deals where we needed to get our heads out of our ass,” Tagovailoa said. “We got punched in the mouth. … It’s how are you going to respond?”

Tagovailoa rallies Dolphins in second half

Considering how little the first-team offense played during the preseason, some rustiness on offense was not surprising. Tagovailoa wasn’t as accurate as usual; among several off-target throws he missed Hill on a deep route in the first half.

What he did do, in addition to leading the comeback, was show leadership qualities expected of a $212.4 million quarterback, which haven’t always been on his calling card.

According to Hill, Tagovailoa had some pointed words at halftime for the offense, including the star receiver.

“The thing that really motivated me the most was when we came in during halftime, and this is the first time I heard Tua’s Hawaiian accent. He was like turned up and animated in the locker room,” Hill said.

“He called me out. I’m like, I’m loving this. I love accountability at its finest. I grew up on my dad telling me, ‘Reek, need you to be better,’ not patting me on the back. For my quarterback to call me out in front of the offense, I had to step up.”

Hill acknowledged to also finding motivation from his run-in with the police. It remains to be seen what the department’s internal investigate will reveal.

Teammates support Hill during stop by police

Hill was restrained in his criticism of the action by the police. But he was shaken by the thought of what could have happened, particularly if has wasn’t a celebrity athlete in that situation.
“What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill? It’s hard. Still trying to figure that out. It’s all across the world. You see it. I don’t want to bring racism into it, but …”

Hill did appreciate that several teammates showed up on the scene in support, including defensive tackle Calais Campbell, who was also handcuffed and detained.

“I’m just glad that my teammates were there to support me in that situation because I felt alone,” he said. “But when they showed up, it made me realize that we got a fuckin’ good team this year, dawg.”

It wasn’t the sort of bonding agent any of them saw coming or would care to repeat.

Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @CraigDavisRuns.

Jalen Ramsey discusses his Miami Dolphins debut iwth an interception.

Breaking Down Miami’s Blockbuster 2024 Offseason Extensions

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The Miami Dolphins made waves this offseason with a series of massive contract extensions that lock in their core talent for the foreseeable future.

 

Jalen Ramsey

This morning, the Dolphins extended Jalen Ramsey’s contract to a three-year, $72.3 million deal, securing him as the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL for the second time. This contract comes with $55.3 million guaranteed, ensuring the Dolphins keep one of the most elite defensive backs in the game locked down through the 2028 season.

Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro, has consistently been a game-changer, even when playing through injuries. Despite a knee injury that sidelined him last season, Ramsey returned and immediately made an impact with three interceptions in just 10 games. His ability to single-handedly eliminate one side of the field is a rare asset, and this extension reflects both his current value and the Dolphins’ expectation that Ramsey will continue to be the cornerstone of their defense as they compete for AFC East dominance.

 

Jaylen Waddle

Star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle also secured a long-term commitment with a 4-year, $84.75 million extension, which includes $76 million guaranteed. This deal positions Waddle among the top-paid receivers in the league and locks him in through 2028, further securing the continuity of the Dolphins’ offensive powerhouse.

Waddle’s speed, agility, and chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa have made him one of the most dangerous receivers in the league. He posted over 1,300 receiving yards last season and his ability to stretch defenses complements the Dolphins’ offensive strategy, particularly with fellow wideout Tyreek Hill also on the roster. The Dolphins’ focus on retaining their dynamic receiver corps sends a clear message that they are building a long-term offensive juggernaut designed to compete in the ultra-competitive AFC East.

 

Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins didn’t stop there. Their biggest financial commitment this offseason was to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history. The deal includes a whopping $167 million guaranteed and is structured with incentives that could push the total value even higher, ensuring Tagovailoa remains the face of the franchise through at least 2028.

Tagovailoa’s 2023 season was a breakout year, finishing with 4,624 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. The Dolphins have invested heavily in their offensive weapons around him, and now with this extension, they’ve shown full confidence in Tagovailoa’s leadership and ability to bring playoff success back to Miami. The faith Miami has shown in Tua, coupled with a fully healthy roster, raises the stakes for the 2024 season, where both team and player are expected to push for postseason breakthroughs.

 

Mike McDaniel, the mastermind behind Miami’s offensive resurgence, also received a well-deserved contract extension. In just two seasons, McDaniel has transformed the Dolphins into a playoff-caliber team. His innovative offensive schemes, built around Tagovailoa, Waddle, and Tyreek Hill, have established Miami as a serious contender in the AFC. By extending McDaniel’s contract, the Dolphins are signaling a commitment to stability and long-term success under his leadership.

Miami Dolphins 2024 predictions: The 5RSN Fins Team

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Here are the predictions from some of the members of the Five Reasons Sports Network (5RSN) Dolphins coverage team, across our platforms….

 

@CKParrot (3 Yards Per Carry podcast)

“My official prediction for 2024 is 11 wins, which is a step back from last year’s projection of 12 wins. I think the early schedule sets up favorably for Miami to run out to an 8-3 record before having to traverse what looks (on paper) like a brutal six-game back stretch. As one of the oldest teams in the NFL this season, Miami could yet again find itself beset by injuries at an unforgiving point in the schedule. However, several of the teams in that back stretch, e.g. the Jets (twice), 49ers, and Browns, also feel susceptible to injuries. So fate could just as easily take Miami thru that gauntlet to 12 wins as it could to 10 wins. I will split the difference at 11-6 with a playoff berth, followed by Mike McDaniel accomplishing his obsessive, explicit goal of giving Miami its first playoff win since Bill Clinton was still in office.”

 

 

@Alf_Arteaga (@3YardsPerCarry podcast)

We make these predictions assuming complete health, and if they even get reasonable health, they should beat their 11 win total from last season.  This team has improved itself in every single position unit except the interior Offensive line, and interior defensive line.  Both will be compensated for and possibly improved via scheme.  I expect Miami to win 12 games, and at least a playoff game.  A Super Bowl berth would not surprise me for a team, who’s baseline expectation is the Division title and a playoff win.
Prediction:  12-5, Division Title, AFC Championship game berth.
@RonCanniffFins (Pulse of Fins Nation)

Miami’s injuries got the best of them down the stretch last year. But more costly was the late collapse at home versus the Titans. With that win they would have avoided playing KC in the cold on the road and likely would have earned their first playoff win in almost a quarter century. I believe the team is more talented than last year and has the right mindset, especially on the defensive side with many additions this offseason. Be prepared for more ingenuity in the run game and better use of the tightends with the addition of Jonnu and the emergence of Julian Hill. Achane will start fast this year and could be the best back in football.

Fins go 11-6, win the East – and finally get that playoff monkey off their back with two playoff wins!

@TheEarl007 (The Extra Yard)
I’m not picking them to beat Buffalo until they can do it. The Green Bay game will be tough and should be a close affair. Houston will be a tough out. I think they take San Fran at home & I think Cleveland will have QB issues that cost them that game. Playoff positioning will be locked up by week 17 & McDaniel rests the starters as Thompson takes an L while the Jets are fighting to stay alive. 12-5 should be enough to win the division & get a home playoff game.
Overall record: 12- 5
@EricWiedeke (The Extra Yard) 

Expectations are sky high for the 2024 Miami Dolphins. Despite the lasting image being a shellacking at Arrowhead in arctic conditions, and an arguably worse roster top to bottom, the Dolphins and their fans come into the ‘24 season as confident as ever. Featuring an offense led by newly extended HC-QB duo in Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa (Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle say hello, as well), and a defense that still features prolific names like Jalen Ramsey, Jaelan Phillips, and Jevon Holland despite the departure of Christian Wilkins in the offseason, the Dolphins will come in at 12 wins. This will be good enough for the Dolphins to snatch the AFC East crown in the process this season thanks in part to an MVP campaign by the aforementioned QB and a soft early season schedule that should set the team up to rack up early victories before seeing the likes of Green Bay, New York, and Cleveland on the road in week 12 onwards, though those matchups could well be indicative of the types of playoff hopes the Dolphins will have this season.

Record: 12-5

 

@OLCoachSmith63: The Scouting Combine

Miami is known for starting fast. I don’t see that changing in year 3 of McDaniel’s quick-strike offense with even more offensive firepower. Weaver takes over the defense and seems to be destined to be a head coach in the not so distant future. As always, health is a major factor for the Dolphins – but they have key players such as Bradley Chubb, Odell Beckham Jr. and (maybe) Isaiah Wynn looking to provide a mid-season boost as they cycle onto the active roster. After a late regular season collapse and (another) road playoff loss, I believe this is the year that Miami handles business and earns a couple home playoff games where they’ll be tough to beat.
13-4 AFC East Champs. AFC runner-up.
@LuisDSung: Pulse of Fins Nation, The Extra Yard
With the Miami Dolphins riding high thanks to the extension of both their franchise quarterback and head coach, the team is going to improve on their 2023 campaign, if ever so slightly. Miami will go 11-6 by continuing their dominance at home, with key victories on the road. As a result, they will just barely edge out their weakened rivals the Buffalo Bills for the division title.
@haitianDOLPHAN1 (Inside Leverage show)

I believe this Miami Dolphins team is set to take things to the next level this 2024 NFL season. In order for them to succeed, a few factors must come into play. Factor 1: Staying relatively healthy through this season. Injuries can’t be helped but the Dolphins have faced an extreme amount of injuries last year that hindered them in certain games. It will be important for the Dolphins to manage and stay healthy to set themselves up for the playoff. Factor 2: Implementing and growing in this New Defenses. Another year in a new scheme for the defense, how quickly can they learn and adapt to the scheme. We can assume there will be some learning curve and growth. Factor 3: Mike McDaniel next step in his head coaching Career. As we approach year three under this system and head coaching regime, it’s important that continued growth overall is shown from our head coach. With so much to learn from last year, The team has done a good job to address some of the needs to bring in a potentially Awesome year for the Fin Nation.
12-5 record

 

@MikeHernandezDD (FiveReasonsSports.com)

Hard Rock Sports-betting has the Dolphins over/under regular season win total at 9.5. And this seems to be on-point.

Where would that 10th win come from?

Tyreek Hill says this 2024 Dolphins team is the best he’s been on since arriving in Miami in 2022.

But how could that be?

The Fins lost high-caliber starters on the offensive line like center Connor Williams and right guard Robert Hunt, and replaced them with serviceable players, but none of them near the status of Williams or Hunt. Some of those replacements are already banged up, and even at full strength don’t appear as good as the 2023 starting offensive line.

This is a cause of concern for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa who may not have the same level of pass protection from a year ago. Most of the replacement linemen have higher grades in the run blocking department than they do in pass protection. Although Tua can get the ball out quickly, many are concerned that Tua gets lost after his first read is taken away. And if that first read is eliminated, and he has to move to read No. 2 while under pressure, it could spell trouble.

McDaniel was also criticized for not being able to adapt his play-calling in the late stages of last season, when it appeared that opposing defenses were taking away what the Fins offense did well.

The Dolphins face tough defensive fronts this year from projected playoff contenders and the Jets have Aaron Rodgers returning to make the AFC East more competitive. Even if Miami goes 3-3 in the division, they will have to win a dogfight or two against some of the stronger teams or defenses on their schedule.

This includes:

— Houston Texans

— LA Rams

— Cleveland Browns

— San Francisco 49ers

— Indianapolis Colts

The top questions about this Miami Dolphins team are:

Can they beat teams with winning records and playoff contenders?

Can the offense perform when Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are not on the field?

Can they win games late in the season?

It remains to be seen.

The Miami Defense lost some pieces but I would loosely say it broke even with their positional replacements — cornerback Kendall Fuller is replacing Xavien Howard; Jordan Poyer is a veteran safety addition; Calais Campbell and Emmanuel Ogbah add depth to the defensive line after Christian Wilkins departed for the Raiders; and rookie first-round selection Chop Robinson seems to be coming along to add to the pass rushing unit of Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb.

The Dolphins went 10-7 in 2023, and with a lesser-talented offensive line, the same lingering questions about the offense and playcalling, and a question-marks about Tua in big games and who can be the third receiving option after Hill and Waddle…

I’m betting the UNDER — 9-8.

Miami Hurricanes

Mario Cristobal Isn’t the Hurricanes’ Question, He’s the Answer

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20 years of false starts, false hopes, false dawns.

The Hurricanes’ fan base has been subjected to more scandals (real or imagined) than wins of significance since Terry Porter’s egregious pass interference flag in the 2002 National Championship game forever altered the trajectory of the program.

And yet here we are, still standing. If perseverance strengthens, then the Canes are steel.

This weekend, many will make the drive north, exiting South Florida and entering whatever the rest of this state is. Whether their motivation is true belief, habit, or misplaced loyalty, the Canes’ Fans still show up.

But will the team?

Skepticism

I’m not Charlie Brown blindly swinging my leg at the football hoping that this time, for some reason, Lucy won’t pull it away. I understand that some, so weathered by years of losses, cannot conjure up the strength to rise up in hope this time.

But to them I simply say this team is not responsible for the failings of the last 20 years any more than they deserve credit for the successes of the 20 years prior to that. Each year brings with it a new opportunity to erase the vestiges of the yesterday and focus anew on the successes of tomorrow.

And so this Canes team will do just that, taking this road show to Gainesville, not just hoping for success, but having put in the work to enable success.

The Canes enter the 2024 season with the ACC’s best roster. This didn’t magically happen. Several years of roster building have put the Canes in a position to finally play the style they want to play, and more importantly, to finally overwhelm opponents.

The main reason for 20 years of false starts, false dreams, and ultimate disappointment is that the team flatly wasn’t good enough. The U on the helmet doesn’t win football games. And while the Canes might have had better players (and I do mean “might”) than some of the teams they have been losing to, there was not a significant talent gulf. The great programs outclass a majority of their opponents. Not all, but a majority. That has always has been and still remains the goal.

And the Canes have finally arrived at that talent-rich destination where they can accomplish that goal.

What About the Coaching?

Well, what about it?

Have their been some high profile missteps? Sure. Mario Cristobal has had to let go of multiple coordinators after his first year and in his second year infamously didn’t kneel the ball against Georgia Tech, which one could argue not only lost the Canes that game but also derailed the entire season.

While those are visible mistakes, there is no doubt that his overall track record prior to arriving at Miami has proven his ability to build programs. He did so at FIU and again at Oregon (check the record of those schools in the year prior to his takeover as head coach).

There is no reason for trepidation. None. It’s almost as if the entire fan base is afraid to believe for fear of disappointment.

But I ask you in what universe would the Canes having a poor season not be disappointing? To care about something is to risk disappointment. And if you’re still supporting this program no amount of pretending that the team is going to stink is going to soften the blow of losses.

So why not be optimistic instead?

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. – Helen Keller

This program was birthed in trying circumstances and has been repeatedly told what it can’t do, what it can’t achieve.

Stop worrying about what the Canes can’t do and look at what they can do.

Stop worrying about what the opponent is going to do to Miami and think about what they’re going to do their opponents.

Mario Cristobal has been building the program to reach this point, upgrading the talent, preparing it to dominate. It hasn’t always been smooth, but if you look at the roster without a negative lens, it is one of the most impressive 2-year roster rebuilds we’ve ever seen.

I do not believe in the fairy tale or magical thinking that wins will automatically arrive.

But I also do not believe in the contrary, that the program is cursed and forever destined to fail.

What I do believe in, ultimately, is the University of Miami.

It’s okay to believe, I assure you.

Give this team the opportunity they have earned through years of program building and they will make Miami proud.

Vishnu Parasuraman is a show host and writer for @FiveReasonsSports. He covers the Miami Hurricanes Football for @SixthRingCanes Miami Hurricanes Basketball for @buckets_canes , and Miami Hurricanes Baseball for @CanesOnDeck as part of the @5ReasonsCanes Network. You can follow him on twitter @vrp2003

The Bad Blood between Tua & Flores, and Where Fault Lies

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It’s clear from this past week that Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa still has strong disdain for his former head coach Brian Flores. A disdain that may never leave him. 

 

And to be clear, Tua is right to have this disdain. Flores made a lot of mistakes while handling his starting quarterback situation with the Miami Dolphins, and could never build an appropriate offensive staff to surround his quarterback.

 

Here is a list of notable mistakes:

– After having the “Tank for Tua” season in 2019, and before the 2020 draft, the Dolphins met with Tua for an interview. Tua left that meeting questioning if the Dolphins even wanted him due to their lack of interest during their time in the meeting. 

 

– The Dolphins hired Chan Gailey as their new offensive coordinator. Gailey was admittedly already retired and not thinking about football. The Dolphins lured him back to the NFL which led to some questioning if Gailey would stick around for a couple years to groom a young Tua or if this move was related to the fact that the Dolphins already had quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starter. Gailey and Fitzpatrick worked together multiple times throughout their NFL years and had success. In my opinion, this was a move that was made to benefit Fitzpatrick and not Tua. By 2021, Gailey resigned. 

 

– In 2020, Tua’s rookie season, it was clear that Ryan Fitzpatrick was the leader of the offense in that locker room, but by the team’s BYE Week, Flores made the switch to Tua. This puzzled that locker room. Fitzpatrick was coming off of 2 strong showings/victories against the 49ers and Jets, and the team seemed to have momentum. Tua was surprised by the move, and when asked by the media of why he thinks he earned the starting spot, Tua told them to ask the coaches. Gailey said comparing Fitzpatrick and Tua was like comparing apples to oranges, and after the season Tua admitted that he didn’t know the entire playbook at the time. This was shown in certain games that season. Tua was yanked late in games versus the Broncos and Raiders in favor of Fitzpatrick, who clearly appeared to have the better play. It was obvious that this move to make Tua the starting quarterback was premature and not the right call at the time. 

 

– Due to Flores mistake of prematurely promoting Tua during that season, the media went wild with doubts of whether or not the Dolphins believed in Tua. More stories came out from anonymous Miami receivers doubting Tua’s arm and his ability to make certain throws. 

 

– While approaching the start of the 2021 regular season, the Dolphins were already willing to give up on their young quarterback who was entering his sophomore season for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. These rumors/reports swirled until late October when the trade deadline passed. Owner Stephen Ross and General Manager Chris Grier admitted they received permission to talk to Watson and inquire about a trade. The trade did not happen, but everyone could see the Dolphins were doubting Tua’s abilities. This added to the media scrutiny of Tua.

 

– Keep in mind, 2021 was the year the Dolphins decided to have two co-offensive coordinators. Something that seemed unheard of at the time, possibly unprecedented. This also led to questions on how two coordinators could call plays at the same time, or if there was a sole playcaller, and who that person was in order to be ultimately responsible for playcalling a game. Needless to say, the Dolphins offense went through their troubles during this season. One of those key reasons being that Tua suffered a rib injury in WEEK 2 when he was sacked, and was out for a handful of games. 

 

– Later that season, Tua was dealing with a finger injury and would not start in a home game versus the Ravens. However, he was still listed as a backup, and was eventually put in the game. His play caused a spark for the offense and the team was able to rally enough points on the board to beat Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. After seeing his performance and his ability to throw the ball accurately in the game, many questioned why Flores made Tua the backup quarterback to Jacoby Brissett in that game. 

 

– According to Tua’s recollection of his relationship with Flores, everyday Flores would tell Tua that he sucks. Well, how can a young quarterback be successful when it seems that his coaching regime never wanted him from the get-go; gave up quickly on him after rookie struggles; tried to trade for another quarterback; changed offensive coordinators, playbooks, and quarterbacks coaches; had a terrible offensive line; and never gave him any real weapons at wide receiver or running back? 

 

There was hardly any real support for Tua, nor benefit of the doubt. Not by his head coach, not by the personnel moves made by the front office. And definitely not by media during this time. 

 

Not until Mike McDaniel took over, and the Cheetah showed up. 

 

******

 

Mike Hernandez can be found on Twitter/X at @MikeHernandezDD

For more on Tua and Flores, check out the latest episode of The Five Guys with Ethan Skolnick and Alex Donno.