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: 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 in just a few weeks? – @Prettieflyguy on Twitter
A: You’re proper. I’ve been excessive on the protection and I’m nonetheless driving with them. The protection was robust in opposition to the Browns. Shutting down operating again Nick Chubb (11 carries, 63 yards) was large, plus they’d three sacks and 14 quarterback hits, they usually created a turnover with the fumble. I believe they’ll do effectively on the West Coast journey in the event that they proceed to stress the quarterback, and newly-acquired edge rusher Bradley Chubb ought to assist in that regard. The pass-rushing trio of Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Melvin Ingram confirmed plenty of promise as a gaggle final week. The protection can’t begin on the again finish because it did final yr with cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Byron Jones as a result of Jones isn’t enjoying. They can nonetheless make performs on the again finish (recall the fourth-quarter interceptions within the Pittsburgh recreation by security Jevon Holland and cornerback Noah Igbinoghene) however the entrance finish should provoke a lot of the motion. And keep in mind they’ve the Houston recreation after the bye, earlier than going out west.
Q: In your opinion what undrafted free brokers have had the largest impacts to this crew? – @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 crew), 5 passes defended and a compelled 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 vital traits. Beyond Kohou it’s been security Verone McKinley III, who has seen his enjoying time enhance for the reason that damage to security Brandon Jones. McKinley has typically performed free security whereas Holland has been down within the field. As for others, large 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 recreation you suppose he could possibly be a third elite receiver for us I don’t know his pace 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 just lately, together with blocking, and he’s just about develop into the third large receiver. His 14-yard toe-tapping landing reception in opposition to Cleveland, after which he introduced the anticipated Jan. 6 delivery of his little one 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 large receiver spot behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. In the final 4 weeks, all victories Sherfield has had 12 receptions for 159 yards and a landing. But regulate his blocking. He is de facto completed in that facet of the sport and it makes a distinction for his fellow large receivers and the operating backs. Sherfield is a whole participant.
Q: Any thought why the protection performs so significantly 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 evening), Detroit (they led the league in scoring for a short interval early within the season), New York Jets (operating again Breece Hall was good that day, dashing 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 no less than 27 factors, think about 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 a giant three-game street swing forward in opposition to high quality opponents (49ers, Chargers, Bills) so that you’d like to have the ability to clamp down a bit. Bradley Chubb ought to make a distinction, and the Dolphins’ offense, with its latest knack for high-scoring video games, ought to take some stress 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 strains.
Q: Man, Jason Sanders…. I really feel prefer it’ll chew 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 means. McDaniel is preserving the religion. McDaniel talked about a wind gust in Chicago as a cause for Sanders lacking a 29-yard area aim try, which exhibits you he’s defending his kicker. It’s the McDaniel means. He’s at all times constructive. He’s completed 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 completed with Sanders. So far, it’s been a profitable components. We’ll see if the supportive perspective helps Sanders loosen up and get again to being himself. On a facet be aware, McDaniel stated there are not any plans to audition kickers.
Q: How do you are 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 recreation? – @Mamboslim on Twitter
A: I’m guessing the Dolphins are good for no less than 10 wins and a playoff berth. I don’t have a ultimate victory whole. I don’t know in the event that they’ll win the AFC East. But I don’t have any recreation on the schedule as a particular loss, together with the sport at Buffalo that concludes a troublesome three-game street stretch. This crew has proven it will possibly win video games in a wide range of methods, and I don’t anticipate that to vary. By the best way, I don’t suppose a cold-weather playoff recreation will considerably restrict the Dolphins’ offense/passing recreation.
Q: Why don’t the dolphins have an even bigger again 230 240, to put on down defenses? – @tscar22 on Twitter
A: It’s not vital, particularly with the latest addition of operating again Jeff Wilson Jr., who brings a bodily presence. The larger key to carrying down defenses is with the offensive line and its skill to open holes. But this crew’s offensive type leans extra towards aggressive than bodily, if that is smart. They put on down defenses with pace, scheme, play-calling and execution greater than bodily driving them into the grime. It’s an modern 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:
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 may 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