Tagovailoa “Emotional” Watching Tyreek Hill Body Cam Video, Other Dolphins Notes

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Just hours before the Dolphins’ season opener at Hard Rock Stadium, a tense moment unfolded as Miami star Tyreek Hill found himself at the center of a contentious traffic stop. After being pulled over for speeding, the situation quickly escalated, with Miami-Dade police officers forcibly removing Hill from his vehicle, a scene vividly captured on recently released body cam footage. The incident has sparked widespread debate on police conduct.

 

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa shared his reaction to the footage Tuesday afternoon. “It could have been de-escalated in a different way. I don’t think it was handled the right way,” Tagovailoa said. “Hearing Tyreek’s voice was emotional for me. In my opinion, the whole thing could’ve gone differently.”

 

The Dolphins organization has voiced its concern over the incident, calling the officers’ actions “overly aggressive.” Meanwhile, public sentiment on platforms like X has been mixed, with some rallying behind Hill and others questioning his response during the stop. The event underscores broader issues of police conduct.

 

Jaylen Wright Time?

As the Dolphins gear up for their Thursday night showdown against the Buffalo Bills, attention has shifted to the team’s running back depth. Injuries to Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane have opened the door for rookie Jaylen Wright to potentially make his mark in a significant way. And if there’s one thing Wright brings to the table in spades, it’s speed.

 

In Mike McDaniel’s offense, speed is the currency that fuels big plays, and Wright’s got it in abundance. Speed, speed, speed—it’s the essential trait to be a running back in McDaniel’s system. Wright, who clocked an eye-popping 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, fits seamlessly into this mold. He’s not just fast—he’s blazing fast. His breakaway ability was on full display during his college career at Tennessee, where he led the team in rushing for two seasons.

 

But Wright is more than a one-dimensional burner. His versatility makes him a Swiss Army knife in the backfield. Not only can he slice through defenses as a runner, but he’s also shown he can handle pass protection—an invaluable trait for earning playing time in key situations. It’s this combination of skills that has the Dolphins excited about what Wright can do on the field.

 

The Dolphins clearly saw something special in Wright, trading up in the draft to grab him, giving up a future third-round pick in the process. McDaniel, known for his innovative offensive schemes, likely envisions Wright as a vital piece in a dynamic backfield—a player who can contribute as both a runner and a receiver. Whether it’s stretching the field with his speed or protecting Tua in passing downs, Wright has the tools to be more than just a temporary fill-in.

 

Wright’s story is one of perseverance. He overcame significant personal challenges, including periods of homelessness, sleeping at friends’ houses, when his father struggled to find work. His journey from adversity to the NFL resonates deeply and provides an inspiring backdrop to his potential breakout moment on the field.

 

In the preseason, Wright gave fans a glimpse of what he’s capable of, with his quick cuts and a touchdown. Now, with the Dolphins potentially shorthanded, he’s poised to take on an even larger role. Should Mostert and Achane be sidelined, Wright could be thrust into a prime spot to showcase his talents on Thursday and make an immediate impact.

 

As the Dolphins prepare for their pivotal divisional matchup, all eyes will be on Jaylen Wright, whose speed, vision, and versatility could prove to be exactly what Miami needs to keep their offense rolling against a tough Bills defense.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: James Johnson’s convo about his Heat tenure on The OGs podcast

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Former Miami Heatle James Johnson stopped by for his turn on The OGs podcast. Between him and Udonis Haslem, there hasn’t been so much muscle in a space since Peter Clemenza and Rocco Lampone schemed to take out Pauli Gatto in The Godfather.    

 

JJ’s combination of stature and weight- 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds- plus black belt status was rare and perhaps the perfect archetype for an ancient NBA enforcer. Opponents who got in his face didn’t know how much danger they were in. Remember, he’s undefeated in three mixed martial arts fights and started training at age five.

 

Serge Ibaka once had the temerity to get physical with JJ. He caught a two-piece in the face and instantly realized his heart wasn’t in it. Johnson served a one-game suspension. 

 

He was the teammate you wanted if things got hot on the court with a rival or when you wanted to go out for a good time. 

 

Who can forget when he backed up Goran Dragić after Robert Covington’s shove?

 

And he was the first to defend Hassan Whiteside when Taurean Prince slammed him.

 

Johnson was drafted 16th by the Chicago Bulls in 2009. He didn’t play that many minutes that year but was satisfied because he got to watch Derrick Rose’s ascension.

 

Then, seven years later, he landed in Miami with the Heat after two stops with Toronto, one with Sacramento and Memphis, and with G-League squads Rio Grande Valley and Iowa.

 

Johnson said the Heat’s never-settle mentality was encouraging and required the best version of oneself. He lost “35-to-40 pounds” transitioning with the group and still keeps the same personal chef from that time, whom Haslem recommended.

 

He spoke highly of coach Erik Spoelstra. “[He is] another person that won’t let you settle… meets you halfway. We can be in [the film room], and he’ll be like, ‘Do you guys want me to figure it out, or are you guys going to figure it out?’”

 

On top of that, Spoelstra has some of Heat president Pat Riley’s blunt delivery, based on JJ’s revelations. Spoelstra said once, “I feel weakness in this group.” So practice included teammates discussing their shortcomings and those of their peers. JJ remarked, “Everybody was sitting in that joint tensed up.”

 

In the 2016-17 season, the team’s first after Dwyane Wade left, Johnson was one of the pivotal pieces of the Heat’s 30-11 second-half season spurt. “We [were] the hottest team on the planet… when we [were] done with that year, I dropped tears,” he said. They infamously went 11-30 to start. 

 

He performed so well that the Heat rewarded him with a four-year, $60 million contract.

 

The spiders say Riley was not thrilled with his weight for the training camp before he was moved. The Heat’s president argued with Johnson’s agent about it. The squad then traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in February 2020 as part of a three-team deal that brought back Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill to Miami from the Memphis Grizzlies. The Heat sent Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow to Memphis. 

 

Of note: Johnson was a natural guest in his first-ever podcast appearance.

 

 If the kickboxing world were what it is today years ago, he would’ve stuck with fighting, he said on the show.

 

Haslem asked what he could do if he started training seriously for a fight with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Johnson thinks he’d beat the man. 

 

Johnson is like former Heat assistant coach and 1975 NBA MVP Bob McAdoo in that he quickly develops skills for any hobby. He’s got a decent golf swing and can breakdance. 

 

His introduction to basketball was agreeing to play a three-on-three tournament with his best friend.

 

Haslem was a witness to Johnson’s wedding. 

 

Johnson is now a reserve with the Pacers and a respected locker room voice. He has become his group’s Haslem, unofficially spreading Heat culture. “Same thing I tell all the other guys- [Obi Toppin], [Tyrese Haliburton]- a lot of the things that [Haslem] preached to me, got me through dark days and stuff like that, I definitely share all that with them.”

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Grading Angel Reese’s rookie season

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One of Angel Reese’s top games of the season unexpectedly became her last. She punished the Los Angeles Sparks at close range on rim rolls, putbacks, and face-up moves but hurt her wrist on a fall, prematurely closing a historic rookie year. Her absence will make it harder for the unit to maintain the eighth seed over the Atlanta Dream. There is only one game of separation in the standings.

 

Reese was the third-best Chicago Sky player behind Chennedy Carter and Marina Mabrey. Mabrey was traded to the Connecticut Sun on July 17. Her future is as bright as the reflecting light from Venus.

 

She averaged 13.6 points on 39.1% shooting with 13.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks. Aside from a few stat padding incidents, her biggest issue was scoring. The tally at 0-5 feet was 44.5% accuracy, a hideous mark for the league leader in attempts at that zone. And she made 16 of 55 jumpers between mid and long-range. 

 

Improving her playmaking is necessary, too. She averages more giveaways (2.2) than  dimes (1.9). 

 

Yet, the 2024 SEC Player of the Year and recent WNBA All-Star’s hustle added much to the Sky. She is the league leader in rebounding and second-chance points average/total. Her screening is an effective separator. And she gets to the line fifth-most in the league. Her split at the line is 73.6%, an acceptable mark, but her goal should be cracking at least 80%.

 

The Bayou Barbie was a swinging ball and chain on defense, blowing up the back line as well. It should not surprise anyone if she is voted to either of the two WNBA All-Defensive teams.

 

She must spend the whole offseason (after recovery) working with a former pro she’s comfortable with. Perhaps Shaquille O’Neal, an admirer of her talent, friend and former legendary NBA center, could teach her his deadly drop-step hook. That’s the type of signature move she needs to carve up defenses consistently.

 

Saturday night, she posted, “I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a 3 but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol.”

 

Adding the deep shot is a plus and will help her team. But becoming a stretch four is not the way. Reese should take open looks if the defense disrespects her, but she should be at close range as often as possible to score easier, take more charity shots and keep snagging rebounds at a high clip. 

 

Reese was a game-changer through 34 outings. Her season gets a B+.


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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.

Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Jamal Murray’s contract extension plus other Nuggets notes

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The Denver Nuggets extended Jamal Murray’s contract. It’s a hefty four-year, $208 million deal at age 27. While never receiving All-Star honors, he may be the no.1 veteran player in the NBA without it on his résumé because of his Playoff work.

 

He has been one of the most accurate snipers over the past five seasons. Considering Murray’s status as the team’s second-best player and how key pieces have left in the past two summers (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Bruce Brown, Jeff Green), the group will need his highest attendance since 2018-19 and the top efficiency of his career. 

 

This deal needed to get done, despite Murray not looking like himself while playing for Team Canada in the Olympics and laboring through a calf injury in the postseason. When he is healthy, the Blue Arrow is one of the top guards in the league because of his elusiveness, post-game, ball protection, strength and deep jumper. 

 

Last season, 66.3% of Murray’s two-pointers were logged without the help of a teammate. The other Nuggets assisted on 60% of his trifectas. This is a premium because it takes pressure off the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokić, from creating something through a handoff or absorbing a double team.

 

Additionally, he spent 63.8% of his time checking guards on defense, holding them 41.8% shooting, per the NBA’s matchup data. 

 

His connection with Jokić makes them the best duo in the league, too. Losing half of that down the line would have been devastating. In Nuggets all-time Playoff history, Murray is fifth in rebounding (318), fourth in steals (72), second in minutes (2,522), second in points (1,571), second in assists (401) and first in 3-point makes (172). Don’t forget the countless big-time moments, either. 

 

Another reason the deal was important: Jokić is at his apex and shouldn’t have to carry the group through another season without a no.2 option. He had to in 2021-22, resulting in his second MVP crown. But the Nuggets tasted champagne in June 2023—strong regular seasons won’t cut it anymore as long as the generational center is on board.

 

Furthermore, the Nuggets need elevated accuracy from Murray at the rim. Only 16.6% of his attempts came there last season, but he made 65.2%, which is slightly below average. 

 

And when Jokić sits, he needs to get more out of his teammates. Twenty-and-a-half of his passes went to the Serbian, but next on the list was Aaron Gordon at 5.8 and Michael Porter Jr. at 4.8 feeds per game. Keep in mind, AG converted 52.6% of his two-pointers on Murray’s passes, and MPJ made 43% of his trays. Yet, these dishes aren’t resulting in enough field goal attempts. The Nuggets’ offense- 11th in total feeds and third in assists- could be a factor, but he needs a secondary go-to partner. 

 

Christian Braun needs a third-year leap:

 

Murray said Braun was his project in April because the vet has high expectations for his teammate who is likely the starting shooting guard. The latter is entering his third season, a pivotal one for himself and the Nuggets.

 

At this point, he is a durable release valve. Braun made 37.7% of his catch-and-shoot triples in 2023-24 and over two-thirds of his twos were assisted. 

 

Adding to his offensive arsenal and emerging as the point-of-attack pest is essential. His accuracy drops significantly on attempts with at least two dribbles or more. This needs to improve because the Nuggets need another dribble threat to get to the rim so Murray and Jokić don’t get burnt out.  

 

On defense, he will likely get put on the other team’s best perimeter player since KCP left for the Orlando Magic. This role will require constant communication plus will use lots of his energy. It’s one of the most consequential jobs on the squad.

 

What can Russell Westbrook bring?:

 

The backup point guard role is locked up by a former MVP (2016-17) with plenty of juice left. He’s not as fast as he used to be, but still quicker than most. He’ll be a transition weapon after grabbing a defensive rebound or when catching a pass from Jokić while running a vertical route. 

 

In 2023-24, Westbrook was still creating separation,  generating 6.9 paint points, which was a higher average than All-Stars (Damian Lillard), Tyrese Haliburton (6.5), Stephen Curry (5.9) and Paul George (5.6).  Also 1.7 of his digits came on the break.

 

Presumably, Westbrook and Murray’s minutes will be staggered since the former’s deep and mid-range jumper is not dependable. Opponents can sag off Westbrook and trap the pass. 

 

Westbrook is capable of playing well on defense but has gambling habits. If they persist, he won’t be a consistent option late in matches. 

 

Yet, his experience, work ethic, and leadership qualities make him a positive influence on the Nuggets’ young, developing players, Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther. 


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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 Thursday Injury Report and Updates

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The Miami Dolphins released their second injury report on Thursday, providing key updates ahead of Sunday’s game.

Jalen Ramsey: The star cornerback was again listed as a DNP (Did Not Participate) in Thursday’s practice, putting his availability for Sunday in serious doubt. Ramsey has been sidelined with a persistent hamstring injury and has not participated in on-field activities for the past 16 days. If he is unable to suit up on Sunday, the Dolphins are likely to turn to Ethan Bonner or Storm Duck to fill the gap.

Aaron Brewer: The Dolphins’ center is expected to make his season debut this Sunday after missing nearly the entirety of training camp due to a hand injury. While his absence from camp wasn’t ideal—particularly in terms of building chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa—Brewer’s return still provides Miami with a true center for the opening week. Brewer revealed that he required surgery after injuring his hand during a preseason clash with a Falcons linebacker.

Here is the full list…

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.

5 Key Miami Dolphins for the 2024/2025 Season

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As the Miami Dolphins open Sunday at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars, here are five of the most important players for their upcoming season.

 

5: Terron Armstead

Terron Armstead’s impact on the Dolphins is undeniable, even if injuries have been a recurring issue. When he’s on the field, Armstead is a cornerstone of Miami’s offensive line—its most talented and seasoned veteran, the captain. The line runs through him, and his absence is keenly felt. Despite Tua Tagovailoa’s quicker release last season, the second half saw Miami’s offense struggle against tougher pass rushes, with holding penalties and sacks becoming more frequent. While it’s almost certain that Armstead won’t play all 17 games, the success of Miami’s O-line could hinge on how many games he can stay healthy for.

4: Kendall Fuller

With Xavien Howard no longer with the team, the Dolphins needed a strong presence opposite Jalen Ramsey. Enter Kendall Fuller, tasked with filling the shoes of a beloved, multiple-time Pro Bowler. The Dolphins’ cap situation limited their options, but Fuller’s arrival brings hope. While Ramsey is expected to lock down one side of the field, much attention will be on Fuller and his ability to step up. This secondary could use a strong, reliable Kendall Fuller to maintain its strength.

3: Aaron Brewer

The Dolphins’ center position has been a revolving door of injuries and makeshift solutions, almost cursed like Hogwarts’ Defense Against the Dark Arts position. High snaps, low snaps, and turnovers at critical moments have plagued the team. General Manager Chris Grier has tried to address the issue for years, with little success. Aaron Brewer’s arrival brings new hope, but his ability to stay healthy and perform under pressure will be crucial for Miami’s offensive stability.

 

Tyreek Hill tries to get the ball to his mother after a touchdown against the Giants, but fans intervene.

 

2: Tyreek Hill

Not much needs to be said about Tyreek Hill. He accounted for 37% of the Dolphins’ total offense last season, leading the NFL with 1,799 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Hill came close to breaking the single-season receiving yard record, even while battling injuries late in the season. The Dolphins’ offense runs through Hill, and if he can stay healthy, Miami’s offense will remain one of the league’s most potent.

1: Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins have fully committed to Tua Tagovailoa as their franchise quarterback. He led the league in passing yards last season and was in the MVP conversation at one point. However, his performance in the second half of the season raised concerns, particularly against top-tier defenses and in adverse weather conditions. Despite these issues, Miami chose to invest in Tua this offseason, banking on his potential to lead the team on a deep playoff run. The 2024 season will be yet another defining one for Tua as he looks to prove he can carry the Dolphins when it matters most and take the next step in his career.

 

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