Pressure Point: Dolphins avert disaster with sloppy win against Patriots; problems persist

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The Miami Dolphins were doing more than playing an early season game against a division rival Sunday.

They were playing to prevent their season from going bye bye before their bye week.

They accomplished that, at least, with Sunday’s 15-10 win on the road over the rebuilding Patriots.

Barely.

It wasn’t impressive or convincing. Most of it was difficult to watch, cringe worthy and exasperating.

But at the end of the day, a Dolphins team that didn’t claim its first in-game lead until the first quarter of this fifth game of the season, found itself tied for second place in the AFC East with the Jets at 2-3. A last-second loss brought the Bills within reach of the pack at 3-2.

Such is the parody — sorry, parity — of the NFL.

It was hardly a confidence-builder for a beleaguered Dolphins fan base. This was as winnable a game as you can find on the schedule, and the Dolphins came within a heel of botching a win that was repeatedly gift-wrapped for them.

Replay reversal saves Dolphins

It took a replay reversal that determined Patriots receiver Ja’Lynn Polk got only the toe but not the heel of his second foot in bounds to negate what was initially ruled a 12-yard touchdown reception. That would have given New England the lead with just over a minute remaining.

As expected, the Patriots are not a good team in the first year After Belichick. Their quarterback is former Dolphins backup Jacoby Brissett, a serviceable veteran stopgap but no one’s choice to lead a team anywhere meaningful.

Despite the victory, it was another confounding performance for a Dolphins team coming off playoff appearances in back-to-back seasons.

The offense continues to sabotage itself with pre-snap motion penalties and holding infractions — yet another holding call on tight end Julian Hill, who got flagged four times in the previous game.

Miami ended up with six assessed penalties for 54 yards. Fortunately for the Fins, the Patriots more than returned the favor with 12 penalties for 105 yards.

As Mark Sanchez observed on the Fox broadcast about a matched pair of undisciplined teams, “They take a step forward and two steps back.”

Personnel decisions hamper Dolphins

Entering its third season under coach Mike McDaniel, this supposedly was a team built to finally advance in the playoffs for the first time in a couple of decades. That was the reason McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa were given contract extensions, or so we were led to believe.

Instead, they have been stumbling all over themselves for five weeks. Tagovailoa’s absence due to yet another concussion only partially explains the problems of an offense that has scored but five touchdowns in five games. McDaniel’s once-potent and often-praised system was spinning its wheels even before Tua was injured in the second half of the second game.

The quarterback’s latest setback underscores questions about offseason decisions by general manager Chris Grier and the front office.

No. 1 on that list is that despite Tua’s history of injury absences, specifically concussions, how could they not invest in an experienced veteran as a backup instead of counting on Skylar Thompson, who showed little when called on during his first two seasons? Thompson was ineffective in his lone start this season before being injured.

Another offseason failing that gnaws at Dolphins fans was not prioritizing retaining linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who had his second pick-6 of the season for the Vikings, this time taking an Aaron Rodgers pass back 63 yards Sunday in London.

Grier scoffed at criticism of the offensive line, which has shown to be a trouble spot. Oft-injured left tackle Terron Armstead has been in and out of the lineup. Guard Liam Eichenberg was beaten for a sack and had two penalties Sunday.

Special teams have been a travesty. In the first half Sunday: Jake Bailey had a punt blocked. Jason Sanders clanked a 41-yard field goal attempt off the left upright. Sanders later nailed a 46-yard attempt but it was negated by a motion penalty. On the retry, Blake Ferguson bounced the snap.

Sanders did convert from 54, 32 and 47 yards to keep the Dolphins in the game while they continued to waste chances to get the ball into the end zone.

No receptions for Beckham in Dolphins debut

The first appearance of veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr. for Miami brought no immediate benefit: two targets, zero receptions. The first pass thrown to him was intercepted, leading to a short touchdown drive that gave New England a 7-3 lead at the half.

By intermission, it took restraint to not throw something at the TV or turn it off.

As former Patriot Rob Gronkowski put it on the Fox halftime show: “Not gonna lie, this is a tough football game to watch.”

The second half did produce drama. And there were some positives for the Dolphins.

They got the running game going for the first time all season. Notably, McDaniel had the sense to stick with it.

Alec Ingold scores what proved to be the winning touchdown for the Dolphins against the Patriots.

Alec Ingold scores what proved to be the winning touchdown for the Dolphins against the Patriots.

The return of running back Raheem Mostert made a big difference, with 19 carries for 80 yards. After De’Von Achane left with a concussion in the first half, rookie Jaylen Wright looked like the Achane of last season while averaging 6.6 yards a carry (13 for 86 yards).

The Dolphins put together their lone touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, aided by a pass interference call on New England’s Christian Elliss. They used seven consecutive runs to cover the final 52 yards.

Fullback Alec Ingold was the hero of the drive, opening seams for Mostert and Wright, then going the final three yards on a dive up the middle.

It was the first time all season that a touchdown gave the Dolphins a lead.

QB Huntley’s second Dolphins start marginally better

The past three games have shattered the assertion that any quarterback can thrive in McDaniel’s offense.

South Florida native Snoop Huntley’s second start for Miami was somewhat better than his first. He finished 18 for 31 for 194 yards, one interception and a meh passer rating of 63.1.

Granted, he’s only in his third week with a complex offense. But he takes too long to identify a receiver and get the ball out. His accuracy is below par.

Huntley will have two weeks to progress before what could be his final start before Tagovailoa returns. There is no certainty, though, that Tua will be cleared to return when eligible for the Dolphins’ Oct. 27 home game against the Cardinals.

The bye week is timely for the Dolphins. McDaniel has a lot to do to get this team back on track for any semblance of a successful season. Beating the 1-4 Patriots was merely a reprieve.

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.

Dolphins backup quarterback was sacked five times before leaving with an injury against the Seahawks.

Pressure Point: Inept Miami Dolphins reach new low under Mike McDaniel

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Having to play without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is the least of the Miami Dolphins’ problems.

Now they are also without backup Skylar Thompson as a Miami quarterback exited with an injury in the third quarter for the second week in a row.

But Dolphins deficiencies run much deeper. Three games into a season already off the rails, this is a team without a clue.

Being routed 24-3 by the Seahawks at Seattle was merely a continuation of what has been evident in each game so far.

They trailed by double-digits in all three games. They haven’t held a lead at any point except when Jason Sanders kicked the winning field goal on the final play of the season opener against Jacksonville.

In the two games since then they were buried early, essentially sunk by intermission.

They have been outscored 58-20 in the first half, indicative of a team ill-prepared, disorganized and undisciplined.

McDaniel’s offense sputters again

They trailed 17-3 at halftime Sunday, lost Thompson with a chest injury early in the third quarter and finished a thoroughly inept performance with Tim Boyle at QB in his first Dolphins appearance.

From coaching to execution it was a complete travesty of football.

There have been so many low points with this franchise this century it is difficult to rank them. But this is right down there.

The Mike McDaniel era would appear to be on the ropes in his third season. But wait, the coach was just given a three-year extension through 2028.

The bloom is clearly off McDaniel’s highfalutin offense, which is fooling no one and going nowhere fast.

They have scored 33 points in three games.

The strategy is often befuddling, to say the least. They had the running game going early with De’Von Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright averaging 4.8 yards a carry but quickly abandoned their legs in favor of Thompson’s arm – a losing prop bet by any assessment.

They ran eight times in the first half and threw 16 times, amassing a grand total of 87 yards in the first 30 minutes.

Achane has been Miami’s most productive force on offense. But his efforts are too often negated by penalties. Tight end Julian Hill got called for holding and illegal motion in the first half Sunday. Another hold by Hill wiped out a sizable gain by Achane in the second half.

Miami’s special teams nothing special

The Dolphins can’t even figure out how to line up for kickoffs and punts. They had four penalties on special teams in the first half alone. That included an unnecessary roughness penalty on a punt they downed at the Seattle 4.

In one stretch of four plays in the second quarter they were flagged for a false start, illegal formation twice and unnecessary roughness.

They finished with 11 penalties for 85 yards. It should be noted that the Seahawks were also penalized 11 times in what apparently was Yellow Flag Day in Seattle.

The past two games the Dolphins haven’t been able to get the ball downfield to star receivers Tyreek Hill and Kaylen Waddle. Hill finished with three catches for 40 yards Sunday, Waddle caught four for 26.

So much for the magic of speed.

Dolphins should reclaim QB Mike White

As for Thompson, he appears to have progressed not at all despite being in his third season in this offense.

The Dolphins’ best moment came on an interception by Kader Kohou off a deflection that gave them a first down at the Seattle 6. They settled for a field goal, which would be their only points of the day.

Thompson got flattened on the final play of the half, oblivious to Derick Hall bearing down on him from behind. The first possession of the second half ended with a sack by Tyrel Dotson.

Thompson exited early soon after on a hit by Dre’Mont Jones after releasing a pass. He remained on the ground for several minutes before making the slow walk to the locker room like Tagovailoa did in the previous loss to Buffalo.

The Dolphins would be wise to reclaim their 2023 backup quarterback Mike White, who is on the Bills’ practice squad. He could step right in and run the offense and certainly wouldn’t be worse than we’ve seen from Thompson and Boyle.

But so much is wrong with the Miami offense right now it is difficult to see a quick fix. The line allowed six sacks Sunday, and left tackle Terron Armstead left again with an injury.

The Dolphins finished the day with 205 total yards. They were 1-for-12 on third down, 0-for-3 on fourth down and 0-for-2 in the red zone. They averaged a meager 3.7 yards per play.

The defense did come up with two takeaways. But the secondary let DK Metcalf run free for a 71-yard touchdown that broke the game open.

With so much gone wrong, it is going to be a tough climb just to become competitive.

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.

How Will Dolphins Respond? 5 Keys for Miami in Seattle

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As the Miami Dolphins prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks, they do so in the wake of a brutal home loss to Buffalo—a game where nearly everything that could go wrong, did. With starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa now on injured reserve, the Dolphins find themselves at a crossroads. Here are five ways Miami can mitigate Tua’s absence and gain an edge against Seattle.

 

  1. Skylar Thompson’s Command

The Dolphins’ offense boasts star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but it will be Skylar Thompson throwing them the ball. While Thompson has shown promise, Sunday’s matchup against Seattle will be a true test of his mettle. He must lean on Hill, Waddle, and speedster  De’Von Achane to exploit Miami’s offensive strengths and keep the momentum alive. A lackluster performance from Thompson simply won’t cut it for a team that enters the game as underdogs.

 

  1. Jalen Ramsey vs. DK Metcalf

Last week, DK Metcalf showcased his explosive talent, torching the Patriots’ secondary. This week, he poses yet another formidable challenge for Jalen Ramsey, who will need to bring his A-game. Fortunately for Miami, Ramsey has a solid track record against Metcalf. With the Dolphins’ secondary still searching for its first interception of the season, forcing a turnover against Geno Smith could be pivotal.

 

  1. Pressuring the Quarterback

Last week’s keys to victory emphasized the importance of making Josh Allen uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the Dolphins failed to do so, allowing him too much time in the pocket to escape and do what he does best. With a backup quarterback at the helm and dwindling confidence in the offense, the spotlight now shifts to Miami’s defense, particularly the pass rush. Against Seattle, getting to the quarterback is essential for regaining control of the game.

 

Coach Mike McDaniel gets the game ball after winning his first game as Dolphins coach.

 

  1. Mike McDaniel’s Playcalling

Is Mike McDaniel the offensive genius his peers claim him to be? This week will certainly test that theory as he navigates the challenges of having Thompson under center. McDaniel must be creative and strategic, tailoring his game plan to exploit Miami’s strengths while compensating for the loss of Tua. His ability to adapt will be a telling reflection of his growth as a head coach and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

 

  1. Limiting Turnovers

Last week, Tua’s three turnovers—including a pick-six—proved costly. While some of those mistakes were beyond his control, this week, Miami must prioritize ball security. The Dolphins can’t afford to give away possession, especially in a matchup where every point counts.

As the Dolphins travel to Seattle, they face a number of challenges. However, with the right adjustments, there remains an opportunity to make a statement. It will be important to see how they respond.

 

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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.