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: whats ur intestine feeling that if the dolphins make the playoffs tua performs within the wild card recreation? – @skynyrd991 on Twitter
A: I doubt Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who stays in concussion protocol as a result of damage he sustained on a sort out towards Green Bay, is offered to play within the subsequent, say, two weeks. But we’ll see what occurs. These issues are on a case-by-case foundation. Tagovailoa has already missed one recreation as a result of Packers concussion, and earlier this yr he missed two and a half video games as a result of concussion he sustained at Cincinnati. And you’ll recall the earlier week, towards Buffalo, he stumbled after a late second-half hit and left the sport briefly solely to return within the third quarter. People suspect he sustained head trauma.
So, Tagovailoa returning is a choice, I’m assuming, that’ll be mentioned in-depth amongst Tagovailoa’s relations/family members, medical doctors and others he trusts. The factor is, you’d quite err on the facet of warning relating to head accidents.
For no matter motive, Tagovailoa is prone to falling in a approach that his head whips backward violently towards the turf. Until they determine an answer or higher strategy to deal with that this season, both by means of a special helmet or no matter, he’ll in all probability be sidelined.
A: Any probability Tua is cleared and performs this week? – @Fan960Wills on Twitter
Q: Probably not. I’d plan on both Teddy Bridgewater or Skylar Thompson beginning this week’s finale towards the New York Jets. Bridgewater, in fact, is coping with a dislocated pinky finger on his proper (throwing) hand. Coach Mike McDaniel stated they gained’t know extra about his standing till the swelling goes down.
To me, the beginning quarterback is comparatively unimportant. You simply want Bridgewater or Thompson to maintain the sport shut within the fourth quarter so the high-profile/extremely paid guys can ship the victory. Bridgewater and Thompson did that final week towards New England, regardless that neither performed particularly properly.
This recreation isn’t in regards to the beginning quarterback. This recreation is in regards to the Dolphins, as coaches and as gamers, can struggle, scrap and claw to discover a strategy to outscore the Jets by one level.
A: @chrisperk do you suppose we carry again Boyer? What’s the most important problem with this group going into subsequent yr? —@seanwhite85 on Twitter
Q: Good questions. I’ll reply the second query first. Quarterback is now the most important problem going through the Dolphins for subsequent season. If and when Tagovailoa is cleared to proceed taking part in, do you place the franchise’s fast future in his palms, realizing a easy sort out might sideline him for weeks?
After we see what occurs within the Jets recreation we are able to speak about basic supervisor Chris Grier returning. I believe at this level he’s undoubtedly again. But let’s see what occurs with the Jets recreation and a few different key conditions. It’s too early to say something definitive in regards to the entrance workplace.
We’ll see about defensive coordinator Josh Boyer. I believe he deserves to return. This protection has been OK contemplating the damage losses and lack of top-notch expertise. The protection has stored the Dolphins aggressive, for probably the most half. But Boyer’s return will largely rely upon whether or not McDaniel has somebody in thoughts to carry aboard, somebody who could be “his guy,” so to talk. For that, I’d initially look to McDaniel’s previous (defensive coaches on the identical teaching employees) and to guys prone to get a advice from somebody McDaniel trusts (he trusts San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan, Green Bay coach Matt LeFleur, and many others…).
Q: Do you suppose this season must be taken with a grain of salt? We had excessive expectations however we’re coping with a rookie hc, a qb that’s lastly being trusted and all of the accidents. We in fact need extra as followers, however we must be sensible — @Carmigross on Twitter
A: Great factors. And I conform to a sure diploma. In basic, the NFL doesn’t like “grains of salt.” It prefers to stay to the black and white. But, sure, you’re appropriate. McDaniel is a rookie coach, Tagovailoa remains to be studying, and the accidents to the secondary (cornerbacks Byron Jones and Nik Needham, and security Brandon Jones) have been crippling. Still, usually talking, if you’re 8-3 you need to make the playoffs. There are few authentic excuses for lacking the playoffs from that time.
Of course, there’s an opportunity the Dolphins have at all times been an eight- or nine-win group, no matter how they arrive at that win whole, and maybe that’s the place everybody misplaced their grip on actuality. Perhaps the 8-3 report was a little bit of a mirage and the results of fortuitous scheduling.
To me, the crushing loss was Green Bay. You had a sub-.500 group coming to your home in a recreation you wanted to win, and also you misplaced.
Q: Why is Chris Grier not fired but? — @tony_di41 on Twitter
A: That’s a typical query proper now. Grier, the overall supervisor, has proprietor Steve Ross’ belief. That’s why he’s not fired but. Beyond that, let’s see how this season performs out earlier than making any selections. When you realize whether or not the Dolphins made the playoffs or missed the playoffs, and also you knew the explanations both occurred, then you possibly can start making personnel selections. At this level issues are nonetheless incomplete, simply as they have been when the Dolphins have been 8-3. Hey, there’s nonetheless an opportunity the Dolphins win a playoff recreation, which might doubtless change individuals’s views on the season.
As for Ross, I like him as an proprietor as a result of he does what you need — permits the soccer individuals to make soccer selections, and Ross simply writes checks. Ross isn’t an ideal proprietor, however for probably the most half, he’s what you’d need as a fan. Yeah, the pursuit of quarterback Tom Brady value the franchise a draft choose, and the alleged plan to tank was ill-conceived and clumsily executed. But the actions of gamers and coaches have held this franchise again far more than Ross’ actions. I’m not a Ross apologist in any approach, form or type. I do know everybody needs a fall man proper now. But let’s be actual: Ross isn’t the explanation the group is on a five-game dropping streak, and he’s not the explanation the Dolphins haven’t made the playoffs since 2016. That’s on gamers and coaches.
Have a query?
Email David Furones, or tag @ChrisPerk or @DavidFurones_ on Twitter.
Previously answered:
Is Bradley Chubb contributing?
Why is the run recreation absent?
How impactful can defensive entrance be?
Are Miami assistants in line for head teaching jobs at season’s finish?
How will protection fare on West Coast journey?
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 issues? Talk trades with Panthers?
Should we be offered on this O-line; what’s up with Mike Gesicki?
Is Christian Wilkins subsequent for multi-year extension?
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Source: www.bostonherald.com