Here’s the newest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, the place South Florida Sun Sentinel writers David Furones and Chris Perkins reply questions from readers.
Q: Perk I do know you’ve been excessive on this protection all season. How do you suppose we did vs the Browns and the way do you suppose we’ll do that west coast journey we’ve got in just a few weeks? – @Prettieflyguy on Twitter
A: You’re proper. I’ve been excessive on the protection and I’m nonetheless using with them. The protection was sturdy towards the Browns. Shutting down operating again Nick Chubb (11 carries, 63 yards) was big, plus that they had three sacks and 14 quarterback hits, and so they created a turnover with the fumble. I feel they’ll do effectively on the West Coast journey in the event that they proceed to strain the quarterback, and newly-acquired edge rusher Bradley Chubb ought to assist in that regard. The pass-rushing trio of Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Melvin Ingram confirmed numerous promise as a gaggle vs. the Browns. The protection can’t begin on the again finish because it did final 12 months with cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Byron Jones as a result of Jones isn’t taking part in. They can nonetheless make performs on the again finish (recall the fourth-quarter interceptions within the Pittsburgh sport by security Jevon Holland and cornerback Noah Igbinoghene) however the entrance finish should provoke a lot of the motion. And bear in mind they’ve the Houston sport after the bye, earlier than going out west.
Q: In your opinion what undrafted free brokers have had the largest impacts to this staff? – @ruvalu26 on Twitter
A: The undrafted rookie free agent who has made the largest influence has been cornerback Kader Kohou. He has 39 tackles (sixth on the staff), 5 passes defended and a pressured fumble. He’s been a nice shock and a much-needed addition contemplating Jones nonetheless hasn’t returned, and nobody is aware of when/if he’ll return. Kohou has been assured and bodily, each essential traits. Beyond Kohou it’s been security Verone McKinley III, who has seen his taking part in time enhance for the reason that damage to security Brandon Jones. McKinley has generally performed free security whereas Holland has been down within the field. As for others, broad receiver Braylon Sanders and defensive deal with Ben Stille have each appeared in video games. And tight finish Tanner Conner has made contributions primarily on particular groups however sometimes from scrimmage. Credit goes to the gamers above all, however give a nod to the Dolphins’ scouts and entrance workplace for locating these gamers, and the coaches for getting them able to play.
Q: Sherfield look fairly good within the Browns sport you suppose he may very well be a third elite receiver for us I don’t know his velocity however he’s a quick Is he quick – @Shoop4Ron on Twitter
A: Wide receiver Trent Sherfield (22 receptions, 247 yards, one landing) has been doing good issues lately, together with blocking, and he’s just about turn out to be the No. 3 receiver. His 14-yard toe-tapping landing reception towards Cleveland, after which he introduced the anticipated Jan. 6 start of his youngster by rocking a child in his arms throughout his landing celebration, ought to have been his second of the season. The Dolphins didn’t problem what ought to have been a landing at Detroit when he was dominated down close to the 1-yard line. But Sherfield, who performed for coach Mike McDaniel in San Francisco, has unofficially overtaken Cedrick Wilson Jr. and rookie Erik Ezukanma for the third broad receiver spot behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. In the previous 4 weeks, all victories Sherfield has had 12 receptions for 159 yards and a landing. But keep watch over his blocking. He is actually achieved in that facet of the sport and it makes a distinction for his fellow broad receivers and the operating backs. Sherfield is a whole participant.
Q: Any thought why the protection performs so a lot better at house than away? – @ JLinz13 on Twitter
A: Part of it’s due to the street opponents — Baltimore (quarterback Lamar Jackson), Cincinnati (on a Thursday night time), Detroit (they led the league in scoring for a quick interval early within the season), New York Jets (operating again Breece Hall was good that day, speeding for 97 yards), and Chicago (quarterback Justin Fields). Part of it’s due to the Dolphins’ defensive accidents. And whereas it’s true each Dolphins street opponent has scored not less than 27 factors, contemplate the Dolphins are 3-2 on the street, so issues aren’t on the disaster stage. Still, you’d just like the protection to tighten up on the street. Clearly there’s an enormous three-game street swing forward towards high quality opponents (49ers, Chargers, Bills) so that you’d like to have the ability to clamp down a bit. Chubb ought to make a distinction, and the Dolphins offense, with its current knack for high-scoring video games, ought to take some strain off the protection. But there hasn’t been a particular sample to the protection’s efficiency on the street resembling chilly climate or something alongside these traces.
Q: Man, Jason Sanders…. I really feel prefer it’ll chunk within the playoffs. Thoughts?? – @chriscarr1981 on Twitter
A: Kicker Jason Sanders should get it collectively. He was an All Pro in 2020, however appears to have misplaced his method. McDaniel is conserving the religion. McDaniel talked about a wind gust in Chicago as a cause for Sanders lacking a 29-yard subject purpose try, which reveals you he’s defending his kicker. It’s the McDaniel method. He’s all the time optimistic. He’s performed it with everybody, together with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and it’s labored. McDaniel doesn’t publicly rip his gamers, he helps them and that’s what he’s performed with Sanders. So far, it’s been a successful components. We’ll see if the supportive angle helps Sanders loosen up and get again to being himself. On a aspect word, McDaniel stated there are not any plans to audition kickers.
Q: How do you’re feeling about your preseason prediction that Miami would go 8-9? – @MaximusGortimus on Twitter
A: Ha! Not good, clearly. I deserted that some time in the past. But thanks for bringing it up once more.
Q: Hey Perk, a few of these daunting video games on the late schedule don’t appear so scary anymore (Packers/Chargers/Patriots) How many wins do you see the Dolphins ending with and can or not it’s sufficient for a house playoff sport? – @Mamboslim on Twitter
A: I’m guessing the Dolphins are good for not less than 10 wins and a playoff berth. I don’t have a closing victory complete. I don’t know in the event that they’ll win the AFC East. But I don’t have any sport on the schedule as a particular loss, together with the sport at Buffalo that concludes a tricky three-game street stretch. This staff has proven it might probably win video games in quite a lot of methods, and I don’t count on that to vary. By the way in which, I don’t suppose a cold-weather playoff sport will considerably restrict the Dolphins offense/passing sport.
Q: Why don’t the dolphins have a much bigger again 230 240, to put on down defenses? – @tscar22 on Twitter
A: It’s not essential, particularly with the current addition of operating again Jeff Wilson Jr., who brings a bodily presence. The larger key to sporting down defenses is with the offensive line and its capacity to open holes. But this staff’s offensive model leans extra towards aggressive than bodily, if that is smart. They put on down defenses with velocity, scheme, play-calling and execution greater than bodily driving them into the dust. It’s an progressive offense and Tagovailoa has been good because the man operating the present.
Have a query?
Email David Furones, or tag @ChrisPerk or @DavidFurones_ on Twitter.
Previously answered:
Can struggling protection be fastened? Plus, Emmanuel Ogbah, Jason Sanders questions
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 considerations? Talk trades with Panthers?
Should we be offered on this O-line; what’s up with Mike Gesicki?
Is Mike McDaniel prepared for the second?
Which rookie might make greatest influence?
What needs to be anticipated of DC Josh Boyer?
Is Christian Wilkins subsequent for multi-year extension?
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Source: www.bostonherald.com