Maybe I would like my head examined, too.
I feel this could work out fantastic.
The Dolphins ought to get via the “Punt, Pass and Concussed” a part of their schedule with out their season sinking, not less than if they’re who they are saying they’re, beginning with Sunday’s recreation towards the 4-1 Minnesota Vikings.
Yes, that’s proper. The Vikings are 4-1 and atop the NFC North. Holders of the very best receiver (Justin Jefferson) and working again (Dalvin Cook) tandem within the NFL.
And coach Mike McDaniel determined to begin seventh-round rookie Skylar Thompson as a result of eight-year veteran Teddy Bridgewater was in concussion protocol all week regardless of not having a concussion — let’s not go down that wormhole once more — and barely practiced.
It’s a daring resolution by McDaniel. It’s unorthodox, too, contemplating Bridgewater ranked twelfth final yr in quarterback scores. Is it the suitable resolution?
Left deal with Terron Armstead misses apply each week with a toe damage and performs on Sunday – properly, till this Sunday. Both tackles are out behind the third-string quarterback. You need causes they lose? There you go.
Still, McDaniel appears to be saying the expertise disparity isn’t so nice at quarterback because the expertise suggests. A prepped Thompson is best than an un-prepped Bridgewater, he determined. It’s the roster upset of the yr, if it performs out that means.
Good groups win within the quick time period with restricted quarterbacks. Dallas is 3-0 with backup Cooper Rush as a result of he didn’t make errors and let the protection win it. New England rookie, third-stringer Bailey Zappe, game-managed a straightforward win towards Detroit final week. His offense scored only one landing. See the way it’s completed?
The query is that if the Dolphins can do it this fashion Sunday. Their protection has taken a step again this yr — not the progressive step ahead it anticipated. They’re twenty eighth in factors allowed, twenty third in yards allowed and thirtieth with a measly 4 takeaways.
“The way to stop Minnesota is to pressure (quarterback) Kirk Cousins,” a veteran NFL scout mentioned this week. “You don’t even have to hit him. Just get close enough to make him feel you. He gets rattled.”
The Dolphins rank tied for seventeenth in sacks this yr. But, once more, that’s a disappointment after the way they harried quarterbacks throughout a seven-game win streak to shut final season. Defensive ends Emmanuel Ogbah and Jaelan Phillips have only one sack every.
Now come Jefferson, who leads the league in receiving, and Cook, a Miami native taking part in his first NFL recreation at house.
“It’s just a matter of us doing our job and doing our thing,” defensive deal with Zach Sieler mentioned.
Can particular groups begin doing their job and their factor, too? They rank within the bottom-third of all classes. That’s typically the primary indicator of a group’s depth — or lack thereof on this case.
Finally, there’s the speeding recreation to assist Thompson, the third-stringer making his first NFL begin. It confirmed life for the primary time final week. Raheem Mostert ran for 113 yards on 18 carries. That’s about all you need to journey him, as he sat out apply with a knee subject this week.
“The team believes in Skylar,” McDaniel mentioned this week.
But can it assist him? That’s Sunday’s story. It’s a brand new world for Thompson, working with the primary group, addressing the media, coping with 14 members of the family coming to city. He’s a good distance from Kansas State.
Starting three quarterbacks in three weeks isn’t what anybody scripted. But right here’s the out card for Sunday: Even with a third-consecutive loss to fall to 3-3, the harm needs to be minimal within the large image.
Their subsequent three video games are the dregs of the league in Pittsburgh, Detroit and Chicago. They begin getting quarterbacks again and may reclaim their season then. Minnesota, too, beefed up its file with shut wins towards Detroit and Chicago.
All eyes are on Thompson on Sunday, however veteran Dolphins followers know to have a look at the bigger group right here. Don Shula received numerous video games with Hall of Famers John Unitas, Bob Griese and Dan Marino. He additionally went to the Super Bowl with David Woodley and broke the all-time wins file with third-string Doug Pederson.
Good groups win with restricted quarterbacks.
Are the Dolphins a very good group?
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Source: www.bostonherald.com