Dolphins: Year Tua

Should Miami Trade for Deshaun Watson

  • Yes. Deshaun is a star. Take the known entity.

    Votes: 68 70.8%
  • No. Build around Tua and forge a stronger overall team.

    Votes: 28 29.2%

  • Total voters
    96
  • Poll closed .

pdaj

Fantasy Maven
SoSH Member
Dec 15, 2002
3,385
From Springfield to Providence
Hunter Long carted off at practice today. Ugh.
That's terrible news. I was low key rooting for him as a local (NH/Boston) graduate. Hope it's just for this season, at worst.
Some possible good news:


I spoke with one source who said Dolphins TE Hunter Long’s injury is not believed to be season-ending. So it does sound as if it may not be as bad as appeared when Long was carted off with a lower-body injury Sunday. - Joe Schad
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Some possible good news:

Some good news on Long. Hate to say it, but a fracture or a break is better both short and long term than an ACL. Obviously we have no idea what is actually wrong, but he can come back from a break, whereas he is out for the year with an ACL.

I haven’t been able to discern if Eichenberg at LG is because Kindley has been bad or if Eichenberg looked worse at RT.

I suppose a net starter in Eichenberg is a positive, but has to be a little disappointing that Jesse Davis is once again in the starting rotation regardless. Davis is a nice, flexible depth guy, but playoff teams should be phasing guys like Davis out of their starting rotation.

If it comes down to Davis at RT>Kindley at LG, Kindley must have looked pretty bad.
 

BigSoxFan

Member
SoSH Member
May 31, 2007
47,083
Some good news on Long. Hate to say it, but a fracture or a break is better both short and long term than an ACL. Obviously we have no idea what is actually wrong, but he can come back from a break, whereas he is out for the year with an ACL.

I haven’t been able to discern if Eichenberg at LG is because Kindley has been bad or if Eichenberg looked worse at RT.

I suppose a net starter in Eichenberg is a positive, but has to be a little disappointing that Jesse Davis is once again in the starting rotation regardless. Davis is a nice, flexible depth guy, but playoff teams should be phasing guys like Davis out of their starting rotation.

If it comes down to Davis at RT>Kindley at LG, Kindley must have looked pretty bad.
Yup. Great news. BC guy here so I got to watch him a lot and he’s just so solid and seemingly a really good kid too. Rooting for him.
 

rymflaherty

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2010
3,420
Norfolk
I haven’t been able to discern if Eichenberg at LG is because Kindley has been bad or if Eichenberg looked worse at RT.
It was unanimous amongst the voices that I listened to heading into the draft that Eichenberg was an interior lineman.
Most pointed to how short his arms are. I know the importance of such measurables Is debatable, but certain benchmarks do exist for a reason. Under 33” and being a starting tackle would have really made him an exception.

Because of that I’m not really surprised if he winds up at Guard. I did question trading up for him if he was likely to play inside, but I figured they drafted him expecting him to be a solid starting Guard with positional flexibility being a bonus.
Plus with time he still could develop into a tackle. With the whole shorter arm thing, it provides less margin for error. Technique needs to be near perfect, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that he’s not up to that challenge as a rookie.

Edit* - Might be worth noting that having smaller arms was a trait across the board for most of the tackles in this past draft, so not sure if it was merely an oddity or a paradigm shift of sorts. See if the exceptions close in on the norm, or we see quite a few guys wind up inside.
 
Last edited:

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
It was unanimous amongst the voices that I listened to heading into the draft that Eichenberg was an interior lineman.
Most pointed to how short his arms are. I know the importance of such measurables Is debatable, but certain benchmarks do exist for a reason. Under 33” and being a starting tackle would have really made him an exception.

Because of that I’m not really surprised if he winds up at Guard. I did question trading up for him if he was likely to play inside, but I figured they drafted him expecting him to be a solid starting Guard with positional flexibility being a bonus.
Plus with time he still could develop into a tackle. With the whole shorter arm thing, it provides less margin for error. Technique needs to be near perfect, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that he’s not up to that challenge as a rookie.

Edit* - Might be worth noting that having smaller arms was a trait across the board for most of the tackles in this past draft, so not sure if it was merely an oddity or a paradigm shift of sorts. See if the exceptions close in on the norm, or we see quite a few guys wind up inside.
Interesting. I certainly can buy him being a better fit at guard, however it’s surprising that Miami would trade up for him in round 2 and then abandon the RT experiment when they gave Robert Hunt nearly a full year there.

I think bottom line is they’re more focused on putting the best 5 out there, and if they feel Eichenberg at LG is his best fit, so be it. I would rather they do that than try and force the issue at RT and he struggles.
 

SeoulSoxFan

I Want to Hit the World with Rocket Punch
Moderator
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2006
22,089
A Scud Away from Hell

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
8,878
Dallas
Eich had sub 32.5 inch arms (32.38) and lacked reactive quickness. Both showed up on his tape and made many think he needed to kick inside. I would imagine he’s a better guard than an OT but YMMV.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Eich had sub 32.5 inch arms (32.38) and lacked reactive quickness. Both showed up on his tape and made many think he needed to kick inside. I would imagine he’s a better guard than an OT but YMMV.
Not sure if the question is whether or not he’s a better long term guard. He likely is. The question is he a better tackle than Jesse Davis in 2021/is Davis a better RT than Kindley is a LG.

I know OL decisions aren’t made in a vacuum and it’s more about having your best 5 out there. But having Davis penciled in as the 1st team blindside protector for Tua makes me a little queasy.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
8,878
Dallas
Not sure if the question is whether or not he’s a better long term guard. He likely is. The question is he a better tackle than Jesse Davis in 2021/is Davis a better RT than Kindley is a LG.

I know OL decisions aren’t made in a vacuum and it’s more about having your best 5 out there. But having Davis penciled in as the 1st team blindside protector for Tua makes me a little queasy.
Honestly I’m a skeptic when it comes to the Fins OL (I also am not super high on the Fins this year in general - even though I was a huge Waddle and Phillips guy draft wise). I think the problem is 4/5 guys are relatively unproven and need to step up their play and the other guy, Davis, is a proven commodity but he has been proven to be a bottom third of the league OT.

LT: Jackson. I was never a fan but I won't discount his athleticism. His issues were he never played that well in college and some of that was because his final year he was recovering from surgery (he did an amazing thing as a human being). Last year he struggled as a rookie. PFF had him 71st out of 75 OTs. I use PFF as a directional tool for OL. Unlike secondary it is easier to grade OL play. He needs to step up.
Interior OL is probably going to be a combination of: Eichenberg (who could in theory play RT), Robert Hunt (he has 33.5 inch arms and played OT in college - could play there in NFL), Deiter (C or OG), and Kindley (OG only). I wasn't particularly high on Kindley or Deiter coming out and I was also lower on Eich than consensus especially at OT. You see maybe 1-2 starting OT per year with sub 33 inch arms and usually they struggle. Kindley had issues at OG last year ranking 70th out of 80 according to PFF. I liked Hunt a lot coming out but he got no snaps last year. Deiter only had 23 snaps. If the starting IOL is Eich at LG, Deiter at C, and Hunt at RG your entire IOL will have only 23 NFL snaps. That could be an issue.
RT: Davis is a below average starter but he has a floor at that. He's consistently mediocre. Eich or Hunt could challenge him.

Aside from Davis who is what he is at this point you are looking at counting on rookies or 2nd year guys to step up and that's not a great proposition. It could work out ok. If Tua handles pressure better than he did last year that would help mitigate a leaky line. Worst case scenario though is that the OL is a major issue and impedes the offense in both the run and pass game.

Edit: Forgot about Skura. He could be their OC. He isn't exactly inspiring either.
 
Last edited:

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Preseason game was a bit of mixed results for the first team offense. O Line didn’t look amazing. They also got stuffed on 3 straight runs from the 2 yard line.

Tua looked good. He struggled mightily last year against cover 2 looks, and he hit the honey hole on corner routes several times and seemed much more comfortable with what he was seeing.

The pick he threw was a late read across the middle. Bit of a bummer to end his night on that note, but I would rather see him err on the side of risky, especially in the preseason.

Defense looked decent, considering they didn’t have X or Byron out there. Fields got hot vs the backups and they had a badly blown coverage that lead to a wide open walk in TD.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
8,878
Dallas
Who played what position on the OL? Did Robert Hunt get any time and did he look good? How did Eich fare? I love OL play and it is by far my favorite positional group. Fins are one of the teams I’d like to follow because I have a lot of skepticism about their line and reliance on younger players to make a difference.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Who played what position on the OL? Did Robert Hunt get any time and did he look good? How did Eich fare? I love OL play and it is by far my favorite positional group. Fins are one of the teams I’d like to follow because I have a lot of skepticism about their line and reliance on younger players to make a difference.
Jackson-Kindley-Dieter-Hunt-Davis

Eichenberg got dinged up in the joint practice with the Bears and didn’t play. Hunt and Davis looked solid.

This week will be telling. If Eichenberg comes back and stays at LG, it feels like he’s going to be there this year. These are critical snaps and coming off the joint practices and a preseason game, if he stays there, it feels like that’s going to be his spot.
 

mauf

Anderson Cooper × Mr. Rogers
Moderator
SoSH Member
Honestly I’m a skeptic when it comes to the Fins OL (I also am not super high on the Fins this year in general - even though I was a huge Waddle and Phillips guy draft wise). I think the problem is 4/5 guys are relatively unproven and need to step up their play and the other guy, Davis, is a proven commodity but he has been proven to be a bottom third of the league OT.

LT: Jackson. I was never a fan but I won't discount his athleticism. His issues were he never played that well in college and some of that was because his final year he was recovering from surgery (he did an amazing thing as a human being). Last year he struggled as a rookie. PFF had him 71st out of 75 OTs. I use PFF as a directional tool for OL. Unlike secondary it is easier to grade OL play. He needs to step up.
Interior OL is probably going to be a combination of: Eichenberg (who could in theory play RT), Robert Hunt (he has 33.5 inch arms and played OT in college - could play there in NFL), Deiter (C or OG), and Kindley (OG only). I wasn't particularly high on Kindley or Deiter coming out and I was also lower on Eich than consensus especially at OT. You see maybe 1-2 starting OT per year with sub 33 inch arms and usually they struggle. Kindley had issues at OG last year ranking 70th out of 80 according to PFF. I liked Hunt a lot coming out but he got no snaps last year. Deiter only had 23 snaps. If the starting IOL is Eich at LG, Deiter at C, and Hunt at RG your entire IOL will have only 23 NFL snaps. That could be an issue.
RT: Davis is a below average starter but he has a floor at that. He's consistently mediocre. Eich or Hunt could challenge him.

Aside from Davis who is what he is at this point you are looking at counting on rookies or 2nd year guys to step up and that's not a great proposition. It could work out ok. If Tua handles pressure better than he did last year that would help mitigate a leaky line. Worst case scenario though is that the OL is a major issue and impedes the offense in both the run and pass game.

Edit: Forgot about Skura. He could be their OC. He isn't exactly inspiring either.
Still can’t believe the Dolphins took Waddle over Sewell. And I’m a Bama fan.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Still can’t believe the Dolphins took Waddle over Sewell. And I’m a Bama fan.
Not that crazy. They had Tunsil and won nothing of consequence. They had Jake Long and won nothing of consequence.

I would rather take the chance on the electrifying WR unlocking Tua than the tackle keeping him clean while no one gets open again.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
8,878
Dallas
Fins had issues at WR long term too so I have no problem with the pick. I had Waddle and Sewell in the same group of talent at the top. Waddle 7th, Sewell 9th. I had more of an issue with them taking Eichenberg who I didn’t think could handle OT and was lower on than consensus. There were guys like Walker Little, Sam Cosmi, and Dillon Radunz available who I thought might be better picks and who should play OT. I suppose though that they figured we would take the best OL on our board and figure out where to go from there. I think if you have a choice between a game changing WR and a similar caliber kind of potential player at OT that you should take the WR in most cases. You don’t need 5 super stars to have a decent enough OL. You just need 5 capable or average starters. If you have 2-3 passable starters and 2-3 scrubs you’re in trouble. That’s the only reason I would have had some thought on taking Sewell over Waddle. It has merit but I figured they could take an OL later which they did.

Phillips over Darrisaw is another discussion. Darrisaw can play guard too. I get that Phillips had some electrifying traits but his health is such a gamble. I would have taken Darrisaw over him.

But discussing this stuff is a moot point - picks have long been made. Like you said let’s see how Eichenberg holds up at LG. If I knew he was going to play OG coming out I might have had him a little higher. Kicking him inside helps with his length and issues with faster guys going around him and not being able to recover. I could see that working out. Eichenberg and Hunt might be two quality guards and while that’s not two quality OTs it’s better than nothing.

Quick edit: Phillips was 10th on my board but that’s just a talent/film evaluation. I don’t have access to medicals or interviews which are crucial. Because of that I may have some guys high like Tua and Phillips but wouldn’t have taken them because I’m injury-averse. But I’m not going to bake that into my grade because that’s not my bag - that would be really arrogant of me too and I know my limitations and what I absolutely do not know.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Dolphins trade a 2022 7th round pick to the Panthers to acquire OT Greg Little, a 2019 2nd round pick.

To me, this feels like a move for depth because they see Eichenberg as a LG for at least this year.

Little also seems very much like Austin Jackson. Big bodied, athletic, toolsy tackle that’s pretty raw and needs a lot of refinement. There are worse guys to take a flier on as your backup tackle.
 

rymflaherty

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2010
3,420
Norfolk
If the run blocking leaves something to be desired, my hope is that Fuller and Waddle can remain healthy, and between the two OC’s there’s enough creativity between them to create a scheme that uses them to replace some of the running game, which then should help put the e defenses on their toes and help open up the actual run game.

To me the biggest difference this year is you have those guys (hopefully) on the field, and you can run jet packages, a short passing game, screen game (with Gaskin) that a defense actually has to fear and respect.
Maybe I’m simply being naive, but it’s not a stretch for me to envision such things and hold the belief that it can take some of the pressure off of a developing offensive line.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
If the run blocking leaves something to be desired, my hope is that Fuller and Waddle can remain healthy, and between the two OC’s there’s enough creativity between them to create a scheme that uses them to replace some of the running game, which then should help put the e defenses on their toes and help open up the actual run game.

To me the biggest difference this year is you have those guys (hopefully) on the field, and you can run jet packages, a short passing game, screen game (with Gaskin) that a defense actually has to fear and respect.
Maybe I’m simply being naive, but it’s not a stretch for me to envision such things and hold the belief that it can take some of the pressure off of a developing offensive line.
I think Waddle was brought here, not only to stretch the field, but to be the guy that can shake his man and uncover quickly in pressure situations.

Being able to stretch the field both vertically with Fuller and horizontally with Waddle makes defense have to cover the whole field and should open things up for guys like Gesicki and Parker to eat up some of those yards in the intermediate areas of the field.

That being said, I’m having 2020 PTSD with Fuller, Parker, Williams, and Wilson all sitting out right now. I’m assuming these guys are just slightly dinged and they’re being extra conservative with them so they’ll be ready for Week 1, but guys with shaky track records missing large chunks of training camp doesn’t give me a warm and fuzzy feeling.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
8,878
Dallas
It’s hard for me not to get excited about the Patriots rivals when every team has guys on it I like. Also I am a huge fan of Flores and want him to succeed. My guys on the Fins: Waddle, Holland, and Hunt are my top 3.

Waddle would have been the Heisman trophy winner had he not gotten hurt. He was the featured receiver and not only did they scheme him touches but he regularly shook whatever coverage he was up against. He roasted one of the Georgia corners this year (I think it was Campbell) for a ~90 yard TD. That hit he took against Missouri to make a catch over the middle in double coverage was incredible. He could be just as dominant as Tyreek Hill without being (as far as we know) an awful human being. Patriots fans and I think anyone who plays against the Fins will learn to respect but fear him. I very well could be wrong. He has some risk to his profile but his best case outcome and what he could be is nothing short of a top 5 receiver in the NFL. Best RAC this year or last. The way he sees the field is extraordinary.

If you don’t mind me asking - has he gotten outside reps or mostly slot? I think he can play both. Obviously I’ll be rooting for the Pats when these teams play but I’ll still be excited to watch this young man develop.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
It’s hard for me not to get excited about the Patriots rivals when every team has guys on it I like. Also I am a huge fan of Flores and want him to succeed. My guys on the Fins: Waddle, Holland, and Hunt are my top 3.

Waddle would have been the Heisman trophy winner had he not gotten hurt. He was the featured receiver and not only did they scheme him touches but he regularly shook whatever coverage he was up against. He roasted one of the Georgia corners this year (I think it was Campbell) for a ~90 yard TD. That hit he took against Missouri to make a catch over the middle in double coverage was incredible. He could be just as dominant as Tyreek Hill without being (as far as we know) an awful human being. Patriots fans and I think anyone who plays against the Fins will learn to respect but fear him. I very well could be wrong. He has some risk to his profile but his best case outcome and what he could be is nothing short of a top 5 receiver in the NFL. Best RAC this year or last. The way he sees the field is extraordinary.

If you don’t mind me asking - has he gotten outside reps or mostly slot? I think he can play both. Obviously I’ll be rooting for the Pats when these teams play but I’ll still be excited to watch this young man develop.
From what I gather, he’s played predominantly in the slot so far. In the Twitter clip, you see in a nutshell what makes him special. That angle doesn’t fully do it justice, but he creates a ton of separation out of his break, against physical press coverage, and is able to change direction on a dime and hit full speed in the blink of an eye.

Dude has special, special ability with the ball in his hands and isn’t just a token fast guy like Jakeem Grant. He has legit receiving chops to go along with crazy speed and agility.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Dolphins get Hunter Long, Elandon Roberts, and Preston Williams back at practice today. Lynn Bowden leaves with what appears to be a hamstring injury.

Long practicing with a knee brace, but fully participated today.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Latest article on the Herald sounds pretty optimistic on Parker, Fuller, and Wilson.

https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article253510169.html

Seems they’re being conservative and essentially putting their guys that are fragile on ice during the preseason. Sounds like Parker and Wilson should be full go for Week 1 and Fuller for Week 2 when his suspension is finished.

Would be really nice to see the first team offense move the ball and actually convert in the red zone tonight. I know preseason is more about the process than the result, but they seemed like they stalled out in the red zone vs Chicago.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
I’m trying to keep expectations in check, but man, Tua looks like he’s playing with so much more confidence out there.

The best thing I can say about his preseason so far is last year he struggled with Cover 2 badly. He’s seen a bunch of it so far this preseason, and he’s attacking it without hesitation. He has made the adjustment to what the league saw on tape. That’s a positive step forward and exactly what you want to see in a second year QB.

Scary moment when Waddle went down. He was down for a while, tried to make it back to the sideline and collapsed right at the sideline. Dude went to the locker room and came back in the game for the next series. Looking at the replay, it looked like he took a hard leg whip to the thigh. If that exact same thing happened to DeVante Parker, he would vanish for a month. Waddle is tough as hell and I’m sure Flores loves to see that.
 

pdaj

Fantasy Maven
SoSH Member
Dec 15, 2002
3,385
From Springfield to Providence
I was very pleased watching Tua's performance last night against the Falcons. The quick feet/release, athleticism, strong arm, and quick decisions were on full display. The primary difference from last year? He's healthy.

I can't wait to see this offense with Parker/Fuller/Waddle/Wilson on the field.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
View: https://twitter.com/houtz/status/1429760329651609608?s=21


This film has to be like porn for Brian Flores. Phillips played the run extremely well against Atlanta. He sets the edge on every play he’s involved in. No runs get outside on him.

There’s a split zone playaction where the TE comes across to block him. Phillips recognizes it’s a pass, doesn’t engage with the TE, and immediately drops back into zone coverage. That’s some veteran level play recognition and execution.

If Phillips is playing this well against the run, that will allow Flores to have the trust in him to play him as more than just a pass rushing specialist, which is fantastic because he was a TFL machine for Miami last year.
 

rymflaherty

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2010
3,420
Norfolk
We’ve reached the point where I don’t even want to do a “Miami Dolphins” Google search, as I have a good idea in regards to where everything stands, so now it’s just holding my breath and hoping for no injuries heading into Week 1.

It was nice to see Waddle on the jet sweep and getting him, Grant and the backs involved in a quick passing game, as I had thought that could help open up the running game, it questioned if the OC’s would be creative enough to employ it...so happy that the answer seems to be yes. And I’d have to imagine there will be even more creativity when the games matter and the receiving unit is at full strength.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
We’ve reached the point where I don’t even want to do a “Miami Dolphins” Google search, as I have a good idea in regards to where everything stands, so now it’s just holding my breath and hoping for no injuries heading into Week 1.

It was nice to see Waddle on the jet sweep and getting him, Grant and the backs involved in a quick passing game, as I had thought that could help open up the running game, it questioned if the OC’s would be creative enough to employ it...so happy that the answer seems to be yes. And I’d have to imagine there will be even more creativity when the games matter and the receiving unit is at full strength.
The little of what we’ve seen from the Godsey/Studesville braintrust, I’ve really liked.

I’ve seen plenty of smart rub routes and motion freeing guys up at the line of scrimmage. Waddle on the jet sweep. RPOs. It feels very much like a modern offense catered to giving Tua cleaner, easier reads and getting the ball out in space quickly.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Slow news week…

View: https://twitter.com/charlesrobinson/status/1431685635702726658?s=21


Tua is playing notably better than he had at any point last year. I can see this cutting both ways.

I can sit here and say no way Miami is trading for Watson. Tua has shown growth this preseason and they’ve already spent the draft capital to surround him with talent.

I can also say Tua looks better and the Texans would be willing to take him as a more significant piece of the compensation and it costs Miami less draft capital than it would have pre-draft.

They would also have two weeks to get Watson all the way up to speed on the offense, but I have to assume having Godsey as ½ of the OC team might make it quicker for him to acclimate.

Tired of hearing the Watson trade rumors.
 

pdaj

Fantasy Maven
SoSH Member
Dec 15, 2002
3,385
From Springfield to Providence
Tired of hearing the Watson trade rumors.
Ditto. Posted this in the Watson thread:

Miami grabbed their guy (Tua) with the 5th overall pick in '20, and he's now "looking the part," following adequate time removed from a catastrophic hip injury. His game/style in college was always going to be game/style in the pros, and the offense has been devised with these strengths in consideration. What's changed?

1) Watson becoming available. Okay, I get this … when it was just about Deshaun wanting out of a poor situation. Because, shit, if a top 5-7 25-year-old QB comes available, that should change most teams' plans. But now that it's become apparent that he's a serial masseuse assaulter?

2) Tua was "ownership's pick." Some are reporting this. But, really? Flores and Grier let Ross pick their guy? If that's true, why is Ross is letting them move off "his" guy so quickly?

For me, this would only make sense if the following were true:

1) Flores and Grier are unsure about Tua.

2) Watson can be had at a significant discount.

3) The plan is to sit Watson for the year.

If Tua flourishes this season, you can get "your money back" on Watson in a trade elsewhere next offseason. The legal shit will be settled, and a handful of teams will want him. Conversely, if Tua disappoints, you deal him for the best you can get back, and roll with Watson.

All that said, I could see how Tua's preseason has helped in trade negotiations. He, a player like Parker, and a couple 1sts, is likely very attractive you the Texans at this time. Still seems crazy to me that Miami would add a guy like Watson this close to the regular season, especially considering his unresolved legal issues. Perhaps they think they can get through the first few weeks with Jacoby?

For the record, I don't like it.
 

CouchsideSteve

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 16, 2013
438
Norwalk, CT
Lifelong Dolphins fan here, and I would stop supporting the team if they trade for Watson. Now, I know literally no one would care. And I also make a point not to go around moralizing when it comes to complicated, ambiguous stuff like this. Surely I’ve cheered on other players guilty of assault — and probably worse — over the years. But the pattern of allegations against Watson is staggering, and paints the picture of a serial sexual offender.

I just can’t comprehend how Chris Grier and Brian Flores might endorse this type of move, even if from a pure football standpoint it makes sense. We tend to forgive a lot when it comes to athletes, but is there not a line somewhere?

I’m 36 and still love the NFL. But I’m not loyal enough to laundry and fond memories of Dan Marino for this to be OK.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
8,878
Dallas
I’m not sure Nick C would want Tua. If he follows the Patriots scouting protocols IIRC Lombardi said he wouldn’t be higher than a 6.25 on their scale getting knocks for his injuries and his size.

Quick edit: it might be a three way trade where the Fins trade Tua to someone who would pay more and then flip their picks and what they get for Tua to Houston.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Lifelong Dolphins fan here, and I would stop supporting the team if they trade for Watson. Now, I know literally no one would care. And I also make a point not to go around moralizing when it comes to complicated, ambiguous stuff like this. Surely I’ve cheered on other players guilty of assault — and probably worse — over the years. But the pattern of allegations against Watson is staggering, and paints the picture of a serial sexual offender.

I just can’t comprehend how Chris Grier and Brian Flores might endorse this type of move, even if from a pure football standpoint it makes sense. We tend to forgive a lot when it comes to athletes, but is there not a line somewhere?

I’m 36 and still love the NFL. But I’m not loyal enough to laundry and fond memories of Dan Marino for this to be OK.
I’m truly hoping this is essentially leaking from Watson’s agent or Houston to try and drum up a trade market. Flores and Grier have built a ton of good faith in a short amount of time, but they risk destabilizing not only the team, but a large chunk of the fan base if they trade for Watson.

Before the sexual assault allegations, a lot of people, myself included, wanted to build around Tua and at least give him another year. Hard to stomach trading for him now while Tua looks to be trending up and Watson’s status is still a complete unknown.
 

rymflaherty

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2010
3,420
Norfolk
Trading for Watson, right now, and giving up a ton to do so, is one of the stupidest fucking things I’ve ever heard.
Nothing about this current regime indicates that they are stupid, so I refuse to believe that’s the case until I actually see it.
 

Kenny F'ing Powers

posts way less than 18% useful shit
SoSH Member
Nov 17, 2010
14,425
Lifelong Dolphins fan here, and I would stop supporting the team if they trade for Watson. Now, I know literally no one would care. And I also make a point not to go around moralizing when it comes to complicated, ambiguous stuff like this. Surely I’ve cheered on other players guilty of assault — and probably worse — over the years. But the pattern of allegations against Watson is staggering, and paints the picture of a serial sexual offender.

I just can’t comprehend how Chris Grier and Brian Flores might endorse this type of move, even if from a pure football standpoint it makes sense. We tend to forgive a lot when it comes to athletes, but is there not a line somewhere?

I’m 36 and still love the NFL. But I’m not loyal enough to laundry and fond memories of Dan Marino for this to be OK.
Plenty of room on the Patriots bandwagon after the last few seasons!
 

pdaj

Fantasy Maven
SoSH Member
Dec 15, 2002
3,385
From Springfield to Providence

https://sportstalk790.iheart.com/content/2021-08-28-sources-no-trade-imminent-for-texans-quarterback-deshaun-watson/

The Texans haven't agreed to trade Watson to the Miami Dolphins, the primary suitor for the former Clemson star, and no deal is regarded as imminent despite a lot of conversations and speculation surrounding the three-time Pro Bowl selection, according to multiple league sources not authorized to speak publicly.

"Untrue," one source stated.

"Denied," another source stated.

While the Dolphins have talked with the Texans, there hasn't been an offer commensurate with what the AFC South franchise wants in exchange for one of the most dynamic players in the game. The Texans want at least three first-round draft picks, two second-round draft picks and players to consider parting ways with a player as talented as Watson.
Watson would waive his no-trade clause for the Dolphins, according to multiple sources, just as he would have for the Carolina Panthers. However, the Panthers, per sources, are sticking with quarterback Sam Darnold at this time after acquiring him in a trade from the New York Jets. The Denver Broncos are sticking with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

And the Philadelphia Eagles, whose general manager Howie Roseman has conducted extensive due diligence into Watson's complicated off-field situation, as have other NFL teams, aren't one of the teams Watson would waive his no-trade clause for, according to league sources.
The Dolphins haven't closed the door on potentially acquiring Watson, nor have they made a final decision on second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has made strides during the preseason. With the Dolphins not inclined to bid against themselves, any trade discussion has reached an impasse.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/08/30/mmqb-deshaun-watson-trade-rumors-cutdown-day-sirianni-saleh

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/08/29/baltimore-ravens-jk-dobbins-injury-nfl-fmia-peter-king/?cid=fmiatw


MMQB and Peter King essentially saying the same thing this morning. The Watson rumors bubbling up now are likely more a function of the impending roster cut downs than actual renewed interest in Watson.

Breer brings up a good point that they should essentially keep Watson on the roster and eat the 10 million in salary in hopes that his legal issues are resolved before next year and they can then get full value for him.
 

sodenj5

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 14, 2005
6,619
CT
Two cuts of note yesterday: Matt Skura and Benardrick McKinney.

Skura not super surprising. Dieter has essentially been the first team center all of training camp and has apparently played himself back into the starting lineup this year. Good for him.

McKinney a bit more surprising at first blush as many had him penciled in as a starter next to Baker at MLB this year.

I think two things happened to McKinney’s detriment. Sam Eguavoen played out of his mind this preseason and Elandon Roberts came back off the PUP list and started blowing up every running back on the roster in practices.

Miami needs to trim some significant salary to get under the cap before the start of the year, and the combination of Eguavoen and Roberts made McKinney expendable.

I would say this might bode well for Jakeem Grant. Everyone looked at him as the roster cut that could have saved Miami some significant money, but McKinney’s cut might signal he is safe.