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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Panthers Training Camp Day 1: Roster Predictions

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FORT LAUDERDALE — The summer as champions has come to an end for the Florida Panthers — now they’ll get to work to ensure there’s no Cup hangover. 

 

Training camp began Thursday at the Baptist Health IcePlex, this is how the 2024-24 Panthers roster could shake up on opening night. 

 

Forwards

Florida’s top-nine was one of, if not the best forward groups in the entire league last season and nearly everyone is returning this year. The lone departure from that group is winger Vladimir Tarasenko, who signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings this offseason. 

 

Tarasenko, 32, scored five goals and nine points last postseason, spending most of the time on the third line with Anton Lundell  and Eetu Luostarinen. 

 

The rest of the forward departures were important pieces to the championship team, but inevitably replaceable depth players in a hard capped NHL. 

 

 

The locks: Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk, Evan Rodrigues, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen (all played in top-nine last season). 

 

No surprise, the Panthers’ top-nine won’t be seeing too much change from last season. 

 

Other than Tarasenko, eight of the top-nine that played in last season’s Stanley Cup Final will be back — leaving one spot open for competition come training camp. 

 

Tarasenko’s replacement

The ball is in 21-year-old Mackie Samoskevich’s court to win a job out of camp. 

 

Last season, Samoskevich made the Panthers opening night roster and played three NHL games in October. He was sent down to AHL Charlotte that month and had one more cup of coffee with the Panthers at the end of January before finishing his season with the Checkers, where he led the team in scoring with 54 points. (22 goals, 32 assists)

 

With already a full year of professional hockey under his belt, a good camp and preseason would not only give Samoskevich a roster spot, but it should see him play way more than seven games with the Panthers. 

 

Samoskevich didn’t skate on Thursday’s opening day of training camp. He is dealing with a “minor upper-body injury”, per Paul Maurice. They will IR skate him and hope he’s good for full sessions on Tuesday. 

 

“There’s opportunities and he had a really good first year in pro,” Maurice answered when asked about Samoskevich slotting  into the top-9. “We have a lot of faith in the young man as a player and as you saw today we also got a number of other players that are going to compete for that job. So there is competition there.”

 

Like Samoskevich, 22-year-old Justin Sourdif made the 2023-24 Panthers opening night roster and played three games with the team before spending the rest of the season in the AHL. 

 

Sourdif will be an interesting player come training camp. 

 

He’s already cracked an opening night NHL roster and has two years of AHL experience (62 points  106 games). It also wouldn’t surprise me if Sourdif plays some fourth line minutes this season. 

 

Important to note, both Sourdif and Samoskevich are waiver eligible.

 

A new fourth line 

Florida’s fourth line is where the largest amount of jobs will be won and lost in camp.

 

The team lost Ryan Lomberg, Kevin Stenlund, Steven Lorentz and Nick Cousins to free agency, while Kyle Okposo just announced his retirement from the game on Wednesday.

 

Jonah Gadjovich is the one fourth liner who returned this season from the Cup team and he should once again make the team out of camp.

 

Penciling in Gadjovich, there will be two open spots on the fourth line, plus any scratches for the 23-man opening night roster. 

 

The Panthers retooled over free agency, bringing in depth players like A.J. Greer, Jesper Boqvist, Tomas Nosek and MacKenzie Entwistle. Will Lockwood, who played 26 games with Florida last season, is another player who will be in contention for a spot.

 

Who replaces Ekman-Larsson, Montour 

Florida will miss Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who both left on July 1 after playing every playoff game in 2024.

 

The other four defensemen who played in the Stanley Cup Final — Gustav Forsling, Aaron Ekblad, Niko Mikkola and Dmitry Kulikov — all return and are locks for the opening night lineup. 

 

After splitting the season between the Panthers, and AHL Charlotte and then joining Florida for their Cup run, Uvis Balinskis — who the team highly rates — is too good to not be on the team this season.

 

Like Balinskis, it would be hard to not see 12-year NHL veteran Nate Schmidt make the team. 

 

The 33-year-old has appeared in 661 NHL games and played for Paul Maurice when he was with the Winnipeg Jets in 2021-22.

 

Florida will need to make a decision on whether they take seven or eight defensemen on its final roster, and if they go with the former, there will be some tough cuts to be made. 

 

Tobias Bjornfot, Adam Boqvist, Matt Kiersted and Jaycob Megna will all be fighting for the final spot(s) on the blueline. 

 

Bobrovsky and Knight duo returns?

Sergei Bobrovsky will be the starter next season, that isn’t up for discussion. As for his backup, all signs point to 23-year-old Spencer Knight reclaiming his spot as the NO.2 now that Antony Stolarz is in Toronto. 

 

The Panthers also brought back Chris Driedger, who played for the team from 2019-2021. He spent most of last season with the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate. He is most likely going to be in the AHL next year with Charlotte as the Panthers’ NO. 3.

 

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Takeaways from Panthers Media Day

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FORT LAUDERDALE — The bell rang for the first day of classes in South Florida on Wednesday as the Florida Panthers’ school of hockey welcomed its students for the 2024-25 season. The first day of classes being media day and the students being the Panthers’ players.

 

The defending Stanley Cup champions put on their jerseys for the first time this season as they get prepared for the upcoming season and plenty of familiar faces returned to the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale — 17 being from last season’s Stanley Cup winning team.

 

Training camp starts on Thursday, which means the summer of fun is over. Excitement wouldn’t be the way to describe head coach Paul Maurice’s infamous preseason skates, but the Panthers are ready to get back to work for its title defense. 

 

Here’s three takeaways from media day. 

 

Schmidt excited for fresh start, reunion with Paul Maurice

The Panthers’ defense will have two open spots in the top-six with the offseason departures of Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. 

 

With little money to spare, Panthers GM Bill Zito went to work as he searched for viable replacements on his Stanley Cup winning blueline. His specialty since arriving in South Florida four years ago has been taking fliers on low-cost, under the radar players and turning them into important roster pieces. 

 

The Panthers hope 12-year NHL veteran Nate Schmidt will be its next success story.

 

Schmidt, 33, has provided his services to four organizations — most recently for the Winnipeg Jets — where he had Paul Maurice as his head coach for part of the 2021-22 season. When the opportunity came to reunite with Maurice in Florida, Schmidt couldn’t pass it up. 

 

“It was a pretty quick decision on my part. I was going through the free agency process and had this place highlighted as somewhere that I really wanted to go and hopefully it would work out,” Schmidt said. “I’m pretty blessed to be here and given how things have gone with Paul and myself — it felt so reenergized when I had him my first year in Winnipeg — just  his style and how he treats players. Understanding what you need to do for him to get the most out of you and the most out of your group.

 

As for his excitement to join the Panthers d-corps, Schmidt had high-praise for Forsling, one of Bill Zito’s greatest acquisitions. 

 

“Don’t tell goose but he’s one of my favorite defensemen to watch,” Schmidt said of the Panthers’ star defenseman. “I ran a camp this summer and I was teaching kids how to serve up and use their sticks, and about thirty of the hundred clips were him.”

 

Reinhart enjoys day with cup, talks extension

Sam Reinhart shouldn’t have to buy a drink in South Florida for the rest of his life — that’s perk you get if you score the game winning goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. 

 

Just a few days after burying the biggest goal of his life and biggest in Panthers’ history, the 28-year-old signed a max term extension — keeping him in Sunrise for the next eight years.

 

“As a player there’s a lot of boxes you try and tick off. Florida for me just happened to be at the top of each category,” Reinhart said when asked about re-signing with the Panthers. “First and foremost being my life, where I wanted to essentially start a family and live, Florida being at the top of the list. We’ve loved it here, we loved our three years here and really (didn’t) see ourselves wanting to go anywhere else.” 

 

Having your name on the greatest trophy in sports is something that all hockey players dream of, but only so many can actually say they did it.

 

A cool ‘tradition’ the NHL started in 2023 after the Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup was engraving the winning team’s names on the Cup before the players had their day with it. The Panthers’ players were afforded that opportunity this year as well.

 

“To see the name on there was very cool. For my whole family,” Reinhart said,” Being in a hockey family my dad had been there, he had lost it in the finals. Both my brothers have played, haven’t quite reached it, so to be there as a family and see ‘Reinhart’ on there was pretty cool to experience that with them all.”

 

Barkov reflects on summer in Finland

In June, Panthers’ star Aleksander Barkov became the first captain from Finland to win the Stanley Cup and he had quite the summer after. Being named to team Finland for the 2025 NHL 4 Nations’ Face-Off, selling out an arena in his hometown for his day with the Cup and then taking the trophy with him into a sauna was just part of his entertaining but short offseason.  

 

Hailing from Tampere, a city of just under 350,000 that sits two hours north of the Finnish capital Helsinki, Barkov was and still is a star when he returned home as a champion. He spent some of his media availability on Wednesday reflecting on everything that transpired this summer.   

 

“It was a special and amazing moment for me. Forever thankful, grateful for that city, the city of Tampere, to be that kind and letting me celebrate that big moment of my life,” Barkov said. “Having the chance to take the Stanley Cup from place to other place and obviously the big celebration at the arena with all my teammates from Finland and the coach [Panthers assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu]. Not enough words to say how special that moment was for me.”

 

The Panthers will head to ‘Barkov city’ in November for the NHL Global series, where they’ll play two games against the Dallas Stars at Nokia Arena in Tampere, Finland. 

 

“It means alot as well to go there in two months and play two games there,” Barkov said.

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Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Big Galactus returns to Miami on The OGs podcast

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Former legendary center and Heat standout Shaquille O’Neal came to The OGs’ studio, imparting his wisdom and nonsense. He unfairly ranted about Rudy Gobert, discussed Heat stories, family importance and more.

 

At his peak, O’Neal was the most dominant force in basketball history, second to Wilt Chamberlain. He had moves at close range and unreal athleticism. And it was a wrap if he played with rage.

 

The direction of his stepfather, sergeant Philip Harrison, who he acknowledges as his real father, and mother, are who he credits for setting him straight. As a teen, Shaq said he was a “high-level juvenile delinquent.” He didn’t mention it on the show, but he was also part of a break-dancing team, the Furious Five, and competed on sight with other groups. His name back then was Shocka D, and his ability to fight and move his hips granted him admission into the group. 

 

He stopped hanging out with them after his friends stole a car in Germany on the army base. As the theft began, O’Neal backed away, wanting no part. He left them behind forever.

 

O’Neal has been contumelious because he could, wasted an offseason before getting surgery to avoid camp, and lied about David Robinson in his 2001 memoir. But make no mistake, he is one of the cool, good guys who passed through the NBA. 

 

He’s also generous and hilarious. Never forget when he had a prosperous night at the line and nicknamed himself The Big Havlicek. He modified his Rolls-Royce by removing the steering wheel and inserting one in chrome modeled after Superman, too.

 

When Dennis Scott’s father died, Shaq was the teammate there for him. He removed the mattress from his hotel room, brought it to Scott’s and became his roommate.

 

He did Shaq’s-giving his first two years in Miami, and during Christmas, while he was Shaq-a-Claus, he gifted his teammates lots of his sponsored gear. For example, he left shoes in lockers and once gave his peers nice watches.

 

Let’s review the important topics of this episode.

 

Penny Hardaway and Kobe Bryant

 

Shaq said Penny had everything and didn’t have to “tell him anything.”  Notably, he left out the part where it pissed him off that Hardaway didn’t stick up for him to management during negotiations as Shaq did with everybody.

 

If you read Jeff Pearlman’s book Three Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty, or coach Phil Jackson’s The Last Season: A Team in Search of its Soul, you’ll understand that it bothered Shaq that Kobe didn’t view him as a big brother.  

 

Also, it wasn’t just that Bryant shot too much. While Kurt Rambis was coaching the Lakers, he reminded O’Neal of a coddled relative who had it easier than him growing up. The big man hated the special treatment Bryant got and once wrote Rambis “was always making excuses for Kobe.” 

 

There was respect between the two for their abilities, but they were not friends. O’Neal despised Bryant’s selfish playstyle. Bryant loathed O’Neal’s helplessness to stay in shape.

 

Departing Orlando 

 

He said he left Orlando over money. It was a small factor, but the relationship was finished when the organization didn’t let him properly grieve his grandmother Odessa Chamblis’ death.

 

On a smaller scale, Shaq hated how general manager John Gabriel carried himself as if he did most of the work to get to the ‘95 Finals.

 

Gobert

 

This time, he unfairly said that because Gobert’s making so much money, his accomplishments aren’t enough. O’Neal knows as well as anyone how much big men rely on their teammates to guard the point of attack. In Utah, Gobert didn’t get much help there. The second line of defense, Gobert’s territory, can only recover so much when the first space is cooked.

 

The biggest concern with Gobert’s game is offense. He scores off putbacks and rim rolls against light pressure. He is not a big who creates for himself, which allows his defender to play as a free safety.

 

Big men shooting 

 

O’Neal said, “If I’m the biggest guy out there, I’m not shooting fucking jumpers.“ he also questioned why Joel Embiid takes long shots. In this case, they were only 16.5% of the Philadelphia center’s shot diet. O’Neal recently criticized Victor Wembanyama for the same stuff. 

 

He sounds like an old man screaming to get off his lawn to most people. Yet, O’Neil is right on this topic.

 

Elite size and skills are the great equalizers in basketball. As pretty as it looks for Embiid and Wemby to rise from the perimeter for jumpers, they are bailing out the defense by taking harder shots and not trying to put the opponent in foul trouble. Consider this: Embiid has been first and second the last two seasons in free throw attempts average (11.6), but it could be higher. Embiid averages 9.7 free throws per game in the Playoffs. His speed, strength and close-range arsenal could generate three-to-four more trips. 

 

Wemby’s outside shooting is more problematic. He takes a high volume of outside shots, and he is not good at making them. Even if he does improve, the perimeter is not the area where he will be double-teamed. As long as he stays out there, he is not pressuring the defense as much as he can by going inside.

 

Time with the Heat

 

O’Neal said Heat president Pat Riley challenged him, expecting another ring when he got to Miami. The candid convo inspired him to lose about 40 pounds, and he was second in MVP voting in his first year with the club. 

 

Riley also said that he could give Shaq the money he wanted, but the team would have no one , or he could take less and he would be able to bring back the other pieces. Shaq said, “I gotta win one before ol’ boy gets one,” referring to Bryant.

 

After winning in 2006, Riley still sent letters to his players about his expectations for the upcoming seasons. 

 

Other notable revelations:

 

Udonis Haslem was Shaq’s body fat inspector general. Still, the Big Cactus was apparently using baby oil to look ripped and dupe the evaluation.

 

When asked about his thoughts on the current club, he said the Heat need another big-time scorer.

 

O’Neal claims to be the first to get Riley to change his ways by temporarily pushing back the practice start time. The story goes Riley threatened a $1,000 fine for violating curfew. O’Neil was ready to write a $41,000 check. Riley worried about the other guys and said if it move was made “you better fucking show me something” according to Shaq.  

 

Haslem said Phil Jackson smokes left-handed cigarettes, and Riley smokes right-handed ones. Shaq approved.

 

O’Neil did his dissertation on the different styles of leadership- humorous and serious. Jackson was the former with 30% “seriousness, Riley the latter with 10% humor. O’Neal said more can get done under Jackson’s style. He also used to refer to Jacskon as his “white father.”

 

When discussing NBA contracts and how Luka Dončić could potentially be the first 100 million annual player, Haslem said the three “came out the sack too early.”

 

For more info on the Miami Heat, subscribe to Off The Floor.

 

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.

Tua Tagovailoa consoles rival QB Josh Allen after the Dolphins' win against the Bills.

5 Keys to the Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills TNF Showdown

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Tonight, the Miami Dolphins host their division rival Buffalo Bills under the bright lights of Primetime. Here are five critical factors that could tilt the game in Miami’s favor:

1. Disrupting Josh Allen’s Comfort Zone

Buffalo fans aren’t wrong when they say Josh Allen has owned the Dolphins—because historically, he has. Allen has consistently torn Miami apart, and even defensive mastermind Vic Fangio struggled to contain him last season. While Allen had a few rough outings in 2023, his meetings with Miami have often been clinics in domination. If the Dolphins want any chance of flipping the script, they must find a way to make Allen uncomfortable, even if it’s just enough to slow him down. Without his top target, Stefon Diggs, Allen still finds a way, often with his legs, converting key third downs and scrambling in the red zone when the Dolphins think they have him cornered. Miami must stay disciplined and find a way to contain him.

2. Establish the Ground Game

Miami’s running game will be tested without Raheem Mostert and potentially De’Von Achane, who is questionable. This could put the spotlight on rookie Jaylen Wright and veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. While Buffalo’s defense remains tough, the loss of linebacker Matt Milano (torn bicep) leaves them a little thinner. If Miami can establish a solid running attack, it will make their lethal passing game even more dangerous. Opening up the ground game will give Tua the space he needs to do what Miami does best—light up defenses.

3. Exploit Buffalo’s Weakened Secondary

Buffalo’s secondary is far from what it once was. Gone are stalwarts like Tre’Davious White and Jordan Poyer, now with the Dolphins, while cornerback Taron Johnson is also out. The opportunity is there for Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to feast on mismatches. The Dolphins need to attack early and often, and not shy away from taking deep shots. If Miami’s wideouts can break free, this could be a long night for Buffalo’s defense.

 

 

Tua Tagovailoa says he doesn't feel pressure going into next season on the final year of his contract.

4. Tua Time

There’s no denying it—Tua Tagovailoa has struggled to keep up with Josh Allen in head-to-head matchups. While a lot of that has come in frigid Buffalo, his performances at home against the Bills haven’t been stellar either. This game represents yet another prime opportunity for Tua to flip the narrative. With Buffalo’s secondary looking vulnerable, Tua will need to take full advantage of the mismatches.

5. Winning the Battle in the Trenches

Leading to the last key: The offensive line. Buffalo’s defensive front is no joke, with Gregory Rousseau leading the charge. Rousseau is fresh off a dominant three-sack performance and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week. The Dolphins’ O-line will need to hold strong against a fierce pass rush to give Tua the time he needs to connect with his speedsters downfield. If Miami’s protection falters, it could be a long night in the pocket for Tua.

 

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