Here’s the most recent installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, the place South Florida Sun Sentinel writers David Furones and Chris Perkins reply questions from readers.
Q: When does the dominant D start? I just like the gamers and perceive that Fields had an all time day, however the third down play [10 of 16 Sunday]!!! Ouch. — Craig on Twitter
A: It’s discouraging that this protection, which has been this staff’s energy in current seasons, all of the sudden seems to be a weak point.
It’s additionally encouraging that the Dolphins are nonetheless successful regardless of giving up 27 factors to the Detroit Lions and 32 to the Chicago Bears.
The massive query getting into the season was if defensive coordinator Josh Boyer might run his unit with out Brian Flores to lean on. The final two weeks haven’t precisely made a case for him. That stated, Miami has additionally been capable of win leaning on its protection. The six wins, to me, are cut up with protection keying the victories over the Patriots, Bills and Steelers and offense successful shootouts in opposition to the Ravens, Lions and Bears.
In the video games the place the protection has struggled, Boyer appears to come back in with a sport plan that opponents exploit, however he has been capable of make late changes: the second-half shutout of the Lions, second-half stops in Baltimore and two late stops on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Injuries, particularly within the secondary, have performed a component. I’d’ve appreciated to see the Dolphins make a transfer for an outdoor cornerback and even security with Nik Needham and Brandon Jones out for the season and no return in sight for Byron Jones.
The week main as much as Sunday in Chicago should’ve been a whirlwind for brand spanking new edge acquisition Bradley Chubb, so there may be the chance that his additional incorporation begins to get the cross rush trying constant, which in flip would assist the secondary.
On Sunday, particularly, it was bother stopping a working quarterback. It was additionally a problem in opposition to Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.
This protection has an excessive amount of expertise in any respect ranges to look as unhealthy because it’s been the previous two weeks. I nonetheless do consider the unit can return to some semblance of dominance within the second half of the season.
Q: What’s up with [Emmanuel] Ogbah? Why did they cease utilizing [Channing] Tindall as QB spy? Was it purely Fields efficiency or did the fins not adapt correctly in-game? How good is Hill (that one is rhetorical ) — Matthias Rödler on Twitter
A: Ogbah, who did miss the sport in opposition to the Steelers as a consequence of a again damage, has had his defensive snap rely down the previous two weeks since returning — 32 in opposition to the Lions and 25 on the Bears, accounting for 53 and 34 p.c of snaps, a brand new season low every time.
The hope is it’s the unhealthy again that’s nonetheless limiting his effectiveness, however he hasn’t made any influence in a sport since he had a sack of Mac Jones within the opener. His play has been extraordinarily discouraging coming off the four-year, $65 million contract he obtained after nine-sack seasons in 2020 and 2021.
Defensive line coach Austin Clark just lately famous pad leverage in method that Ogbah has gotten away from. His lack of manufacturing should’ve made it clear for the Dolphins they wanted one other edge rusher on the commerce deadline in buying and selling for Chubb.
As for Tindall, he received 5 defensive snaps, a profession excessive for the rookie linebacker after solely registering two twice, in losses to the Jets and Vikings. He truthfully might’ve been extra concerned within the sport plan contemplating Bears quarterback Justin Fields set a quarterback dashing report in going for 178 yards on the bottom. Tindall’s pace might’ve equalized that, however you don’t know if he would’ve additionally taken some poor angles like different Miami defenders did. And Tindall could not have been as efficient in opposition to runs for the working backs, which the Dolphins did cease for essentially the most half.
It was definitely a mixture of what Fields did and what the Dolphins didn’t do in failing to comprise Fields. He is an distinctive athlete, however Miami was not ready and infrequently a step gradual. It’s arduous to simulate him in observe.
Hill, by the way in which, is actually good, like all-time, future Hall of Famer good.
Q: What is occurring with Jason Sanders? He was so dependable, however now one thing is off and it’s not the holder anymore… — @BrDolphins on Twitter
A: Coach Mike McDaniel tried to make the wind excuse for Sanders on his missed 29-yard try on Sunday in Chicago, however I’m not fully shopping for it.
Yes, that performed a task within the pondering all through Sunday’s sport, nevertheless it was a chip-shot try. Twenty-nine yards from foot-to-ball contact to the goalposts shouldn’t be sufficient distance to have wind gusts alter an NFL kick that a lot. It’s shorter than an additional level, and all of these have been made on Sunday. Sanders flat-out hooked it.
It’s his fourth field-goal miss on the season. I gave him the advantage of the doubt on the others from past 50 yards, however he needed to have this one, wind and all.
I used to be additionally pondering, heading into the season, his one-on, one-off year-to-year development would proceed this season, however he’s now stacking up the misses for a second consecutive 12 months.
Q: Does Brandon Shell completely take the appropriate sort out spot from Austin Jackson (when he returns) Dude has been lights out. — Anthony on Twitter
A: He’s making a powerful case, and I could lean towards “yes” with the way in which the offensive line has regarded with Terron Armstead in at left sort out and Shell at proper sort out. Why mess with it?
Now, with Liam Eichenberg harm, possibly a chance for Jackson at left guard too as Robert Jones is vying to carry onto that spot off the bench.
Have a query?
Email David Furones, or tag @ChrisPerk or @DavidFurones_ on Twitter.
Previously answered:
Should Mike Gesicki have been shopped in commerce talks? Why so many penalties?
Is 8-3 with a 5-game win streak in Miami’s future? Does Brandon Shell maintain on to RT job?
Why not use Mike Gesicki as WR?
Why has protection taken a step again? Liam Eichenberg issues? Talk trades with Panthers?
Should we be bought on this O-line; what’s up with Mike Gesicki?
Is Mike McDaniel prepared for the second?
Which rookie might make largest influence?
What must be anticipated of DC Josh Boyer?
Is Christian Wilkins subsequent for multi-year extension?
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Source: www.bostonherald.com