Dolphins: Year Tua

[sodenj5]

4 in a row.

Defense got burnt once early in the game, but then they put the clamps down on Cam and the offense. CMC missing a big chunk of the game helped matters, but Miami seemed to have their number and Cam looked unsettled all game long.

Offense sputtered to start, but got things rolling in the second quarter. This is a game the Panthers defense should have dominated. Credit to the coaches for having a game plan, getting the ball out quickly, and having a good game against one of the best passing defenses in the league.

Phillip Lindsay already looks like he might be the best RB on the roster. I say that on a day when Gaskin had 2 TDs, but Lindsay looks like he moves with more speed, decisiveness, and power than every other back.

Good to see Waddle go over 100 and rip off an explosive play. Jevon Holland and Jaelen Phillips both had big games. 2021 draft class looks excellent thus far.

 

[swiftaw]

Should be 7-5 (at least). Those games against Jacksonville and Atlanta really hurt.

 

[Silverdude2167]

You don't have to squint to hard to see a path to 10-7... probably should be 7-7 heading into the last 3 games.

 

[rymflaherty]

The TD pass to Waddle was fantastic.
those are the type of throws I was waiting (hoping) to see.
Really seems like Tua is gaining confidence and It’s leading to having the upside that we would have hoped for.

The team still has flaws, but the last few weeks they finally look close to the team I expected them to be. Even with the injuries on offense.
Things would be going great, if not for that pesky 7 game losing streak.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Should be 7-5 (at least). Those games against Jacksonville and Atlanta really hurt.

Eehhh. Can play that game for every team. If Harris didn't fumble into the end zone in week 1, they could have been 0-8.

Record is what it is.

 

[johnmd20]

Eehhh. Can play that game for every team. If Harris didn't fumble into the end zone in week 1, they could have been 0-8.

Record is what it is.

I agree. A few ifs, ands, and buts and Detroit has 4 wins. And Minnesota is undefeated.

 

[Mugsy’s Walk-Off Bunt]

Should be 7-5 (at least). Those games against Jacksonville and Atlanta really hurt.

Probably want to think about that week one Damien Harris fumble.

 

[rymflaherty]

If I have to hear about that fucking Harris fumble one more fucking time…

New England lost the game.

Just like they’ll lose the finale in Miami.*
(* reserve the right to change that prediction if Miami suffers more injuries. With the luck NE has had thus far, they’ll probably be facing Jacoby)

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

If I have to hear about that fucking Harris fumble one more fucking time…

New England lost the game.

Just like they’ll lose the finale in Miami.*
(* reserve the right to change that prediction if Miami suffers more injuries. With the luck NE has had thus far, they’ll probably be facing Jacoby)

Go to bed Rym, you're drunk.

 

[Mystic Merlin]

If I have to hear about that fucking Harris fumble one more fucking time…

New England lost the game.

Just like they’ll lose the finale in Miami.*
(* reserve the right to change that prediction if Miami suffers more injuries. With the luck NE has had thus far, they’ll probably be facing Jacoby)

I think you pretty egregiously missed his point.

 

[sodenj5]

Couple more thoughts on the recent run Miami has been on:

The defense is playing up to the standard of last year. I’m not 100% sure why, maybe because Buffalo torches their man coverage so badly whenever they play them, but Miami went away from their cover 0, man coverage looks at the start of the year.
Once they were in a massive hole, they started mashing the blitz button, and suddenly the defense worked again.

Tua is playing with a confidence we haven’t seen, maybe since Alabama. His accuracy has always been his calling card, but he’s been insane the last few weeks and now he’s starting to fit balls into windows with some velocity. That Waddle catch and run was made possible by pinpoint location from Tua, hitting him in stride and leading him into daylight. He also managed to avoid the one boneheaded, head-scratching INT this week, against the best passing D in the league. Progress.

Special teams finally made a big play, but Jason Sanders is having a weird year. Guy was automatic, and now he’s missing PATs and chip shot FGs. Was his chemistry with Matt Haack that critical? He still has plenty of leg. It has bitten Miami a few times and hopefully it won’t haunt us down the stretch.

 

[mauf]

39 rushes for 111 yards. The o-line is still a problem.

Otherwise, though, they looked like the team I thought they’d be when I picked them to win the division — with stout D, and competent game-management from Tua.

Barring a collapse, Flores will be back next season. So will Tua. The offensive coaching staff, however, is auditioning for their jobs, or should be.

 

[sodenj5]

39 rushes for 111 yards. The o-line is still a problem.

Otherwise, though, they looked like the team I thought they’d be when I picked them to win the division — with stout D, and competent game-management from Tua.

Barring a collapse, Flores will be back next season. So will Tua. The offensive coaching staff, however, is auditioning for their jobs, or should be.

And it becomes a game of chicken or egg. I’m leaning in the direction that the line is so bad, they’ve handcuffed the entire offense, coaches and play callers included. However, are the players being out in the position to have success

Since they have scrapped the 3 headed OC experiment and it’s been Godsey calling plays directly to Tua, the playcalling looks more competent to me. They seem to actually have a game plan at times, when at the start of the year, it looked like they were spinning a wheel to determine the plays.

Is it good? It’s still not great, but it might be better in year 2 with the redefined roles of Godsey as the de facto OC and a better O Line.

Also Miami drafts these monster o linemen, and then asks them all to go out and zone block, when it clearly isn’t their strength. They need some better organizational continuity in that regard. Either draft different linemen or use the ones you have more effectively. If you want to run RPOs and options with Tua, and zone runs, draft more mobile, agile lineman, not Solomon Kindley, Robert Hunt, and Liam Eichenberg, who are all big bruisers.

 

[rymflaherty]

The Eichenberg pick is the one that doesn’t make sense. When you’re drafting him, you’re doing so knowing Tua is the QB and you are installing an RPO offense.
The rest are cautionary tales of what happens when you lack organizational continuity. I’d argue a large part of why they’ve had better success squiring defensive players is due to Flores knowing exactly what he’s looking for to fit his established scheme(s), where as the offense is a shifting work in progress, for what seems like forever.

Fun fact - Tua now has basically identical advanced stats to Mac Jones - they are right by each other in the #9-14ish range in most.
specifically - completion percentage above expectation and unadjusted epa/play.

 

[sodenj5]

The Eichenberg pick is the one that doesn’t make sense. When you’re drafting him, you’re doing so knowing Tua is the QB and you are installing an RPO offense.
The rest are cautionary tales of what happens when you lack organizational continuity. I’d argue a large part of why they’ve had better success squiring defensive players is due to Flores knowing exactly what he’s looking for to fit his established scheme(s), where as the offense is a shifting work in progress, for what seems like forever.

Fun fact - Tua now has basically identical advanced stats to Max Jones - they are right by each other in the #9-14ish range in most.
specifically - completion percentage above expectation and unadjusted epa/play.

Eichenberg got picked the same way that Austin Jackson got picked. He was the last man standing at the end of the tackle run and they didn’t want to go into the season with Jesse Davis as a starting tackle. They traded up to get him. That’s what happens when you draft for need.

And here we are. Eichenberg and Davis might be the two worst tackles in the NFL and the worst pair by a mile. Austin Jackson was demoted to guard. Miami might have the three worst tackles in the league, and one was a first rounder, one was a 2nd plus a third round pick, and the other is a career journeyman that they haven’t been able to phase out of the lineup because everyone else is so bad.

I said a while back that Mac Jones and Tua are basically the same guy. I stand by that.

 

[MillarTime]

Interesting read on Tua and the Dolphin's O from The Ringer

 

[rymflaherty]

I saw the Ringer article this morning. It took my Tua high down a little. Not quite a wet blanket, more like a wet hand towel.

I also stumbled upon Mike Tannenbaum’s QB rankings, on ESPN, for the first time since week 1. Apparently he’s finally been forced to give Tua some credit, making the jump from #34 to #15 this week. That’s quite the jump lol

 

[sodenj5]

I saw the Ringer article this morning. It took my Tua high down a little. Not quite a wet blanket, more like a wet hand towel.

I also stumbled upon Mike Tannenbaum’s QB rankings, on ESPN, for the first time since week 1. Apparently he’s finally been forced to give Tua some credit, making the jump from #34 to #15 this week. That’s quite the jump lol

Solak makes fair points. Also we still don’t know If this is as good as Tua can be, if there is more to be had because of the protection issues.

Miami is both catering the offense to Tua’s strength and to mask the deficiencies of the line. The intersection happens to be a lot of RPOs.

 

[Silverdude2167]

I saw the Ringer article this morning. It took my Tua high down a little. Not quite a wet blanket, more like a wet hand towel.

I also stumbled upon Mike Tannenbaum’s QB rankings, on ESPN, for the first time since week 1. Apparently he’s finally been forced to give Tua some credit, making the jump from #34 to #15 this week. That’s quite the jump lol

I am not sure I read this article as a negative. Yeah he is not going to beat you as a drip back passer constantly at the moment at least, but why can't him running an RPO being like a team that is very play action heavy.

The different is criticized, till it proves sustainable and is accepted.

 

[pdaj]

I am not sure I read this article as a negative. Yeah he is not going to beat you as a drip back passer constantly at the moment at least, but why can't him running an RPO being like a team that is very play action heavy.

The different is criticized, till it proves sustainable and is accepted.

I think that the writer intended his conclusions to be perceived as negative for Tua (limited ceiling). Though, I'm with you. A number of very respectable analysts have stated that Tua's the "best college RPO QB ever." Then, um, why wouldn't you have him operate a heavy RPO offense in the NFL?

This offense also happens to incorporate many quick passing options, which the Miami offense needs to be functional at this time. I have no question that Tua can make consistently strong, accurate intermediate throws, when not running for his life.

 

[rymflaherty]

The majority of that article is negative.
The thesis is “Dolphins fans can finally see a glimmer of what they were promised with the fifth pick back in 2020: a franchise quarterback. But unfortunately, I think the numbers are juiced”

The entire article then proves why Tua’s numbers are misleading and why Solak (the author) doesn’t see it as a viable offense long term.
I’m not sure I fully agree with some of the rpo criticisms, so for me the negative was highlighting that Tua is at his worst when he has time to throw. It sort of diminishes the, he doesn’t have time and the OL stinks, argument and brings back concerns again that he may be limited.

But enough about negatives that may just be theoretical….
It dawned on me today just how great Waddle has been. I say that because he’s been consistent and impressive despite the lame-o’s lining up opposite him.
For him to be this good as a rookie, when defenses can key on him, is pretty special.
I thought he could be good right away, but that was within the context of Parker and Fuller being on the field as well. To do what he has shows how much of a complete receiver he already is.

 

[sodenj5]

The majority of that article is negative.
The thesis is “Dolphins fans can finally see a glimmer of what they were promised with the fifth pick back in 2020: a franchise quarterback. But unfortunately, I think the numbers are juiced”

The entire article then proves why Tua’s numbers are misleading and why Solak (the author) doesn’t see it as a viable offense long term.
I’m not sure I fully agree with some of the rpo criticisms, so for me the negative was highlighting that Tua is at his worst when he has time to throw. It sort of diminishes the, he doesn’t have time and the OL stinks, argument and brings back concerns again that he may be limited.

But enough about negatives that may just be theoretical….
It dawned on me today just how great Waddle has been. I say that because he’s been consistent and impressive despite the lame-o’s lining up opposite him.
For him to be this good as a rookie, when defenses can key on him, is pretty special.
I thought he could be good right away, but that was within the context of Parker and Fuller being on the field as well. To do what he has shows how much of a complete receiver he already is.

The most impressive thing about Waddle this year is he’s shown he’s a far more complete receiver than people gave him credit for. He’s making tough catches in traffic and over the middle. He’s improved on the few drops he had at the start of the season. He’s showing he still has that big play burst and speed.

Most people pegged him as more of a WR2, a complimentary speed guy, but Waddle looks every bit a WR1 to me. He’s been doing it all for Miami since Parker and Fuller have been gone.

 

[SMU_Sox]

The most impressive thing about Waddle this year is he’s shown he’s a far more complete receiver than people gave him credit for. He’s making tough catches in traffic and over the middle. He’s improved on the few drops he had at the start of the season. He’s showing he still has that big play burst and speed.

Most people pegged him as more of a WR2, a complimentary speed guy, but Waddle looks every bit a WR1 to me. He’s been doing it all for Miami since Parker and Fuller have been gone.

Hey who you calling "most people"? Couldn't be me . Waddle is probably #3 on the list for offensive rookie of the year behind Mac and Chase. He is on pace to break 1,000 yards receiving which is fantastic production from a rookie.

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.

As for RPOs - I am not sure there is a reason that using ~20% RPOs is unsustainable. It works in college. Quick game isn't a problem either. If it isn't clear if longer developing concepts and failure to execute is on Tua or the OL then it is hard to assign blame for that. I would argue though that right now Miami probably has enough to be fine at IOL (maybe C is an issue) but next year they have to invest in OT in both FA and possibly the draft as well.

I take issue with saying something like they traded up for Eich because they needed an OT, he was the only guy who made sense there, and there was a run. If I am unfairly paraphrasing you I am not trying to strawman your position - I am just trying to get at that Eich wasn't the only option and IMO he was a questionable choice. Yes, there was a run but it wasn't clear to me that Eichenberg was actually an OT vs an OG. I thought he was someone who had to kick inside and I didn't think it was that debatable either. He didn't have the length, speed, or hand/punch technique to stay at OT. I had Sam Cosmi higher on my board and Arif Hassan had him higher on his CBB as well. Cosmi has played well for a rookie at RT for the WFT. It looks like they picked the wrong guy if they wanted him as an OT. It happens but it's twice now with two top 50 picks. The good news is that the Dolphins should have at least 77M in cap space next year per OTC. I would hope they use a chunk of that money to address OT.

Once the Fins have addressed their line then we can see how Tua performs with slower developing concepts and taking longer shots and progressing to his 3rd-4th options. My guess is Tua will look a lot more comfortable and perform at a higher level. It all flows together.

 

[sodenj5]

Hey who you calling "most people"? Couldn't be me . Waddle is probably #3 on the list for offensive rookie of the year behind Mac and Chase. He is on pace to break 1,000 yards receiving which is fantastic production from a rookie.



As for RPOs - I am not sure there is a reason that using ~20% RPOs is unsustainable. It works in college. Quick game isn't a problem either. If it isn't clear if longer developing concepts and failure to execute is on Tua or the OL then it is hard to assign blame for that. I would argue though that right now Miami probably has enough to be fine at IOL (maybe C is an issue) but next year they have to invest in OT in both FA and possibly the draft as well.

I take issue with saying something like they traded up for Eich because they needed an OT, he was the only guy who made sense there, and there was a run. If I am unfairly paraphrasing you I am not trying to strawman your position - I am just trying to get at that Eich wasn't the only option and IMO he was a questionable choice. Yes, there was a run but it wasn't clear to me that Eichenberg was actually an OT vs an OG. I thought he was someone who had to kick inside and I didn't think it was that debatable either. He didn't have the length, speed, or hand/punch technique to stay at OT. I had Sam Cosmi higher on my board and Arif Hassan had him higher on his CBB as well. Cosmi has played well for a rookie at RT for the WFT. It looks like they picked the wrong guy if they wanted him as an OT. It happens but it's twice now with two top 50 picks. The good news is that the Dolphins should have at least 77M in cap space next year per OTC. I would hope they use a chunk of that money to address OT.

Once the Fins have addressed their line then we can see how Tua performs with slower developing concepts and taking longer shots and progressing to his 3rd-4th options. My guess is Tua will look a lot more comfortable and perform at a higher level. It all flows together.

This sort of ties back into Miami and their lack of continuity on offensive vision and linemen. Eichenberg fits their “type” that they’ve gravitated towards since Flores has shown up. However their type and the play style that they ask them to execute doesn’t mesh.

I agree that Liam might be better served as a G long term, but that’s two big brutes they selected at “tackle” that will wind up at guard in Hunt and Eichenberg. They keep drafting these maulers and don’t go out and run power running schemes. They’re running zone and these guys don’t move well, they don’t sustain their blocks long enough, and they’re aren’t able to utilize what got them drafted in the first place to its fullest potential.

That’s either bad scouting and drafting, or bad coaching not recognizing the maulers you have at your disposal and not using them as such. Either way, there’s a large disconnect between the vision they’re drafting with and the implementation once they’re here.

I also agree they’re probably ok with Eichenberg, Dieter/Rieter, and Hunt inside, but they need to add two tackles. Miami will be entering year 3 of Tua’s rookie deal, and this is where good teams will push all in to try and win before he needs a new deal. They should be spending on an experienced tackle because they haven’t been able to draft one since Tunsil fell into their laps.

A few weeks ago, it was a fair question to ask if Tunsil and Minkah>all of the other draft capital Miami acquired. I think the 2021 class is going to dig them out of that hole, but it was looking like Miami was on the wrong end of that equation for a while.

 

[sodenj5]

Tua finally has a 16 start sample under his belt and there all kinds of stat comparisons going around on Twitter.

I won’t bother to get into specific stats and where Tua ranks versus other QBs, but I think the main takeaway is Tua has performed at a level comparable to a bunch of NFL QBs that have gone on to have success in their careers, and the numbers are probably better than most non-Dolphin fans assume or expect.

Does this mean Tua is a future Pro Bowler or Hall of Famer. Absolutely not. I think if you layer in the fact that he’s had terrible OLine play, poor production in the running game, and his receivers have missed significant time both last year and this year, it shows Tua is worth investing in.

I think he’s shown he’s capable of being the point guard of the offense. Maybe he isn’t ever Mahomes or Watson, but he can be the offensive compliment to a strong defense, which is what Flores wants. Play smart, play efficient. Win the turnover battle, win the time of possession battle. Take advantage when the defense gives you a short field.

They’ve been doing that. They did that against a Ravens team that has absolutely bullied them the last few years. They did it against the top passing defense in the league last week.

 

[pdaj]

Fans are naturally drawn to athletes who “jump off of the screen.” Since the arrival of the no-look-pass Mahomes and the how-they-heck-did-he-avoid-that-sack Watson and Jackson types, this preference has likely been strengthened. This doesn’t surprise or bother me at all.

I am, however, dumbfounded at the number of analysts who have been similarly affected by this trend. Sure, a lot of these people still love the 6’4” QBs who can “throw the ball out of the stadium,” but if you’re not? You better be one of the electric athletes cited above; otherwise, you’re easily dismissed and considered a low-ceiling, non-franchise QB.

(Also see: Mac Jones. This is still the dominant narrative and why he was drafted as the 5th QB in the ’21 Draft.)

When I hear/read established NFL contributors talk about Tua, their hesitation almost always includes something along the lines of, “He’s yet to wow me.”
Meanwhile, the most successful QB in NFL history – a guy presently chasing his 8th championship ring – was never a “wow guy.” During Brady’s career, he’s had his arm strength questioned, and he’s never made a highlight play involving an unblocked pass rusher coming from the A-gap.

Brady’s one of the – if not best – ever because of his decision-making, precision, and consistency. Yet, for years, his greatness was questioned.

Brady and Brees didn’t “wow” until it was realized that they didn’t have a single incompletion for the ½ or they converted every 3rd-down opportunity in the 4th quarter. If Tua develops into the franchise QB I think he can be, he’ll have to impress in similar fashion.

We’ve seen that with this type of QB, the media’s often late to catch on.

The last time Miami fans went crazy for a QB, it was for Chad freakin' Pennington, ironically enough. Tua's going to be a lot better.

 

[sodenj5]

Fans are naturally drawn to athletes who “jump off of the screen.” Since the arrival of the no-look-pass Mahomes and the how-they-heck-did-he-avoid-that-sack Watson and Jackson types, this preference has likely been strengthened. This doesn’t surprise or bother me at all.

I am, however, dumbfounded at the number of analysts who have been similarly affected by this trend. Sure, a lot of these people still love the 6’4” QBs who can “throw the ball out of the stadium,” but if you’re not? You better be one of the electric athletes cited above; otherwise, you’re easily dismissed and considered a low-ceiling, non-franchise QB.

(Also see: Mac Jones. This is still the dominant narrative and why he was drafted as the 5th QB in the ’21 Draft.)

When I hear/read established NFL contributors talk about Tua, their hesitation almost always includes something along the lines of, “He’s yet to wow me.”
Meanwhile, the most successful QB in NFL history – a guy presently chasing his 8th championship ring – was never a “wow guy.” During Brady’s career, he’s had his arm strength questioned, and he’s never made a highlight play involving an unblocked pass rusher coming from the A-gap.

Brady’s one of the – if not best – ever because of his decision-making, precision, and consistency. Yet, for years, his greatness was questioned.

Brady and Brees didn’t “wow” until it was realized that they didn’t have a single incompletion for the ½ or they converted every 3rd-down opportunity in the 4th quarter. If Tua develops into the franchise QB I think he can be, he’ll have to impress in similar fashion.

We’ve seen that with this type of QB, the media’s often late to catch on.

The last time Miami fans went crazy for a QB, it was for Chad freakin' Pennington, ironically enough. Tua's going to be a lot better.

The sad thing is Tua’s game has a ton of nuance to it, and it should be former players, like Brandon Marshall, Phil Simms, and Julian Edelman on Inside the NFL pointing out how despite being a limited athlete he’s still able to operate an offense at a high level.

Because he has insane accuracy. Because he has Spider-Man level awareness in the pocket.He runs the RPO despite being a lefty at a clip the league has never seen because he has outstanding footwork and excellent snap decision making at the mesh point.

Instead these guys sit around and say “well what’s his super power? I don’t see it.” Marshall said he’ll be a backup in two years. It’s lazy commentary.

Even guys like Solak sort of miss the forest because they’re too close to the trees.

View: https://twitter.com/benjaminsolak/status/1466095973831172100?s=21


He makes the point that Tua is getting above league average protection, but look at who is 6th on the same list. Jacoby Brissett. Tua gets zero credit for making the same line 19 spots better and in fact gets penalized for it and and people call him a checkdown merchant.

 

[sodenj5]

5 in a row and we’re on to the bye.

Bit of a sloppy game. A better team probably makes Miami pay as the Giants had a bunch of drops and near misses from their skill guys and Mike Glennon.

Tua again efficient. Was nice to see him pull out the back shoulder fade to Parker out of the bag and hit him for a few chunk gains, including a wild acrobatic catch to convert a third down in the 4 minute drill.

Couple of miscues from Gesicki. Dropped a TD that Tua dimed straight into his face mask and missed a couple other balls he normally pulls down. Jaelen Phillips continues to surge. 5 sacks in his last 2 games.

Bittersweet timing on the bye as Miami is cooking, but they can use the week off. The Jets await on the other side of the bye. Miami can claw back to .500 with three games left in the season.

 

[rymflaherty]

I’m not as enthused as I should be, but that’s because I had a convoluted 8 pick same game parlay, that came up short because Slayton didn’t get to 20 yards.


Other than that, not much to complain about. As evidenced by almost pulling out my parlay, it played out about as I’d have expected.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

I’m not as enthused as I should be, but that’s because I had a convoluted 8 pick same game parlay, that came up short because Slayton didn’t get to 20 yards.


Other than that, not much to complain about. As evidenced by almost pulling out my parlay, it played out about as I’d have expected.

I had a 4 team parlay that went sideways.

Thanks Vikings.

 

[snowmanny]

I heard Peter King on the radio last week speculating the Dolphins-Pats game Week 18 would be flexed to Saturday due to the playoff implications for both teams...

 

[shawnrbu]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/qbr

Tua is currently 8th in the NFL with a 58.1 QBR. Ranks ahead of the following notable names:

10. Mahomes (56.6)
14. Mac (52.7)
16. Lamar (50.4)
18. Dak (49.5)
19. Burrow (48.8)
20. Hurts (48.1)

 

[sodenj5]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/qbr

Tua is currently 8th in the NFL with a 58.1 QBR. Ranks ahead of the following notable names:

10. Mahomes (56.6)
14. Mac (52.7)
16. Lamar (50.4)
18. Dak (49.5)
19. Burrow (48.8)
20. Hurts (48.1)

What Tua is doing isn’t sexy. It isn’t amazing. It doesn’t wow you. But it’s ruthlessly efficient. It’s predictable (in a good way) and repeatable.

Logan Ryan came out after the game and said that he’s going to play QB because he’s as good as Tua is. (Paraphrasing) This is at least the third time an opponent has come out and trashed Tua’s game after a loss, the other two times being the Jets and the Pats, if I remember correctly.

I do believe opponents see Tua’s game, they see the tape, they know how they should stop it, and yet they don’t. They’re used to getting beaten by laser throws or someone making a throw on the run on a scramble drill. They can live with that. They can’t live with someone standing back there, getting the ball out in two seconds, and doing it over and over and over again.

They don’t think that having decent coverage on a slant and getting beaten by pinpoint precision is actually getting beat. It’s luck. But at a certain point, when he does it 30 times in a game, every game, it isn’t luck. It’s a skill.

We saw the Giants try and crowd the box and get Tua off his first read. It worked to an extent, but we saw Miami pull a few counters out of the bag. They had Gesicki a few times on some intermediate over routes that he uncharacteristically dropped a few times. He hit the back shoulder fade to Parker a few times.

The offense will continue to be limited by the line, but they’re doing exactly what they need to do in order to win games.

 

[BigSoxFan]

What Tua is doing isn’t sexy. It isn’t amazing. It doesn’t wow you. But it’s ruthlessly efficient. It’s predictable (in a good way) and repeatable.

Logan Ryan came out after the game and said that he’s going to play QB because he’s as good as Tua is. (Paraphrasing) This is at least the third time an opponent has come out and trashed Tua’s game after a loss, the other two times being the Jets and the Pats, if I remember correctly.

I do believe opponents see Tua’s game, they see the tape, they know how they should stop it, and yet they don’t. They’re used to getting beaten by laser throws or someone making a throw on the run on a scramble drill. They can live with that. They can’t live with someone standing back there, getting the ball out in two seconds, and doing it over and over and over again.

They don’t think that having decent coverage on a slant and getting beaten by pinpoint precision is actually getting beat. It’s luck. But at a certain point, when he does it 30 times in a game, every game, it isn’t luck. It’s a skill.

We saw the Giants try and crowd the box and get Tua off his first read. It worked to an extent, but we saw Miami pull a few counters out of the bag. They had Gesicki a few times on some intermediate over routes that he uncharacteristically dropped a few times. He hit the back shoulder fade to Parker a few times.

The offense will continue to be limited by the line, but they’re doing exactly what they need to do in order to win games.

I live in NJ so I had the misfortune of being forced to watch the Giants game. Yesterday was a good example of what success under Tua is going to look like. With Parker back (and he is a real difference maker when healthy), you can see the potential of the Dolphins offense. Waddle is an absolute menace in the middle of the field. Gesicki always seems to get open. Yesterday, he missed a couple big catches but he's legit. Parker is great on the sidelines. Those are 3 very good targets and Tua was doing a good job of spreading it around. The reality is that he's not a shoot out type QB. That's not the Dolphins' game and it shouldn't be. But the defense is flying around right now so I don't see the Dolphins trailing big in many games. If they do, then, yes, that'll be a problem with Tua.

What's really missing from this offense is a dynamic RB. Gaskin and Ahmed just aren't that good and are best as depth pieces. Good thing for Miami is that's pretty much the easiest position to fill.

 

[sodenj5]

I live in NJ so I had the misfortune of being forced to watch the Giants game. Yesterday was a good example of what success under Tua is going to look like. With Parker back (and he is a real difference maker when healthy), you can see the potential of the Dolphins offense. Waddle is an absolute menace in the middle of the field. Gesicki always seems to get open. Yesterday, he missed a couple big catches but he's legit. Parker is great on the sidelines. Those are 3 very good targets and Tua was doing a good job of spreading it around. The reality is that he's not a shoot out type QB. That's not the Dolphins' game and it shouldn't be. But the defense is flying around right now so I don't see the Dolphins trailing big in many games. If they do, then, yes, that'll be a problem with Tua.

What's really missing from this offense is a dynamic RB. Gaskin and Ahmed just aren't that good and are best as depth pieces. Good thing for Miami is that's pretty much the easiest position to fill.

They need a legit RB1 and some offensive tackles. I don’t need to see an improved line to know Gaskin and Ahmed aren’t the answer because they go down on first contact and on arm tackles all the time. They never push the pile. They rarely ever make a man miss in open space and get their own yards.

Would still love to see a game with Fuller, Parker, Waddle, and Gesicki on the field at the same time. Not sure if it will happen this year.

 

[rymflaherty]

I’ve probably mentioned it here before, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the past two years teams have traded one spot ahead of Miami in the second round to take backs.
And to take backs that Miami were rumored to be high on.
Those being Dobbins and Williams.

I’ve argued this elsewhere when people give them crap for not addressing the position, because I think they did have a plan they had appropriate value in mind, but things didn’t fall as intended…and they were able to adapt.

Admittedly, seeing Williams last night brings up a bit of, “what could have been”, but then I remember Miami’s pick wound up being Holland, and that thought washes away.

I certainly expect that to be an area they upgrade this off-season and possibly be more aggressive in doing so.

 

[sodenj5]

I’ve probably mentioned it here before, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the past two years teams have traded one spot ahead of Miami in the second round to take backs.
And to take backs that Miami were rumored to be high on.
Those being Dobbins and Williams.

I’ve argued this elsewhere when people give them crap for not addressing the position, because I think they did have a plan they had appropriate value in mind, but things didn’t fall as intended…and they were able to adapt.

Admittedly, seeing Williams last night brings up a bit of, “what could have been”, but then I remember Miami’s pick wound up being Holland, and that thought washes away.

I certainly expect that to be an area they upgrade this off-season and possibly be more aggressive in doing so.

It’s a little crappy because 2020 was chock full of studs at RB and Miami didn’t seem interested at all in moving to get one and they had a ton of draft capital to make any move they wanted.

I suppose in the grand scheme of things, you should look to add a RB at the end of a rebuild because their shelf life is so short, but man I would have loved to have secured Taylor or Dobbins or Williams or Najee Harris somewhere along the way.

Najee would have fit the offense like a glove. Will be interesting to see if next year is the year Miami finally invests in the position.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Investing in a line that could block would be an infinitely better use of resources than a RB.

 

[sodenj5]

Investing in a line that could block would be an infinitely better use of resources than a RB.

Agreed, although they’ve done that up to this point and now they have a crappy line and mediocre RBs.

 

[rymflaherty]

I wonder if the defense will be able to maintain their success the final three weeks of the season?
I’m fairly confident they can continue their run this week against Wilson and the Jets, but after that, it’s three teams that really don’t care if they pass the ball and would be happy to run the ball the entire game.

Have to think that it will be even more important for the offense to build leads in those games, and force those teams to open it up more, so hopefully the defense can cause havoc.

 

[sodenj5]

Miami seems to be going through a bit of an outbreak. Miles Gaskin, Savon Ahmed, Phillip Lindsay, and Jevon Holland all to the Covid/IR.

The running backs, I could barely care. They’re all so mediocre, I think Duke Johnson and Gerrid Doaks can be just as serviceable.

Holland is concerning as he’s been a key part of the defense the last few weeks and they don’t have an immediate 1:1 replacement for him.

 

[pdaj]

Miami seems to be going through a bit of an outbreak. Miles Gaskin, Savon Ahmed, Phillip Lindsay, and Jevon Holland all to the Covid/IR.

The running backs, I could barely care. They’re all so mediocre, I think Duke Johnson and Gerrid Doaks can be just as serviceable.

Holland is concerning as he’s been a key part of the defense the last few weeks and they don’t have an immediate 1:1 replacement for him.

It's been reported that all 3 RB could still be available Sunday; plus, Malcom Brown's a potential option to come off of the IR. It's a bit of a mess and, thus, less than ideal, but we're talking about the Jets (at home). None of this should interfere with taking care of business on Sunday. 7-7 headed into MNF vs. the Saints should be the most exciting juncture of this season for this team. Don't fuck it up!

Duke has a reputation as a solid pass protector and has always been a plus contributor in the passing game. If he ends up at Miami's lead back on Sunday, it's possible that the Dolphins go a little more pass heavy, compared to the last few weeks.

In other notes:

• Check out this '20 scouting report on Tua. It's relatively short, but detailed and dead-on regarding his strengths, overall skill-set, and environmental recommendations for NFL success. It's crazy to me how many analysts/media folk forgot the book on Tua after he was drafted. View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58G7IQFzlQI
  
• I don't think we're going to see Will Fuller this season, and I'm disappointed. The oddness of his preseason availability was red flag. For whatever reason(s), he's not ready ("mentally") to play football right now. Bummer.
• Of course, Holland's availability is huge. Brandon Jones is currently listed as questionable, but expected to play.
• Waddle/Phillips/Holland have been HR additions.
• That said, Chris Grier near needs to hire an OL talent evaluator. He's no longer able to make selections for this position group.
  
  

 

[sodenj5]

It's been reported that all 3 RB could still be available Sunday; plus, Malcom Brown's a potential option to come off of the IR. It's a bit of a mess and, thus, less than ideal, but we're talking about the Jets (at home). None of this should interfere with taking care of business on Sunday. 7-7 headed into MNF vs. the Saints should be the most exciting juncture of this season for this team. Don't fuck it up!

Duke has a reputation as a solid pass protector and has always been a plus contributor in the passing game. If he ends up at Miami's lead back on Sunday, it's possible that the Dolphins go a little more pass heavy, compared to the last few weeks.

In other notes:

• Check out this '20 scouting report on Tua. It's relatively short, but detailed and dead-on regarding his strengths, overall skill-set, and environmental recommendations for NFL success. It's crazy to me how many analysts/media folk forgot the book on Tua after he was drafted. View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58G7IQFzlQI
• I don't think we're going to see Will Fuller this season, and I'm disappointed. The oddness of his preseason availability was red flag. For whatever reason(s), he's not ready ("mentally") to play football right now. Bummer.
• Of course, Holland's availability is huge. Brandon Jones is currently listed as questionable, but expected to play.
• Waddle/Phillips/Holland have been HR additions.
• That said, Chris Grier near needs to hire an OL talent evaluator. He's no longer able to make selections for this position group.
  

Peyton Manning just did a Detail breakdown on Tua vs the Giants on ESPN+. He had a lot of positive praise for Tua, and was emphasizing his ball placement and the usage of his eyes to manipulate the defense and open throwing windows.

When you see “limited” QBs like Tua and Mac Jones winning and see prodigies like Trevor Lawrence struggle, it should tell you two things. 1.) Where you get drafted matters for every QB. 2.) Physical tools are only one variable in the equation.

 

[pdaj]

Peyton Manning just did a Detail breakdown on Tua vs the Giants on ESPN+. He had a lot of positive praise for Tua, and was emphasizing his ball placement and the usage of his eyes to manipulate the defense and open throwing windows.

Really enjoyed this. Thank you!

I especially liked the graphics employed to effectively showcase Tua's use of his eyes/body to manipulate coverages and create open throwing lanes/receivers. (I haven't seen that technology used by any other analysts). This skill, in addition to Tua's movement in the pocket, is impressive for such a young QB. I'm very excited to see his continued development.

Manning clearly loves talking QB play and manages to do so incredibly efficiently in this series. It's one play after another, specific assessment, and zero fluff. I'll likely dive into his other work this weekend.

On the RB front:


Not sure this bodes well for the current COVID trio. We might be looking at a Malcom/Duke combination on Sunday.

Edit: Added to my post so that it's up to par with my typical stellar quality.

 

[tims4wins]

Waddle to Covid list

View: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1471518815636922372

 

[sodenj5]

Waddle to Covid list

View: https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1471518815636922372

Pain.

Welp, better it happens now than in 2 weeks when they have to play Tennessee or NE after that.

The majority (if not all) of these guys are fully vaccinated. Miami now voluntarily in advanced protocol to try and limit the spread in the facility.

Hopefully there isn’t a spread in the WR room, because it will be Tua out there throwing it to Durham Smythe and Duke Johnson on Sunday.

 

[rymflaherty]

Doesn’t seem anyone thinks much of the Jets, not sure the lines moved much, if any, despite the Covid issues, still at -9.5.

The Waddle thing is a huge bummer. He’s already a favorite of mine, and it’s been great to see him consistently improve, along with Tua….figure this week was a chance for another breakout game, so sucks he misses it, especially with the chance to break records this season.

Oh well. Hopefully Waddle is another guy that vaccinated, so he should be fine when able to return, and we likely wound have to worry about long term (lingering) health concerns.
Also, good thing Parker is back. He should be able to have a big game and carry the receiving corps, if needed, for at least this week.

 

[sodenj5]

Gerrid Doaks down with COVID as well.

Miami now down to Duke Johnson, maybe Malcom Brown, and the guy they signed off the street on Monday.

NFL updated its policies yesterday, so hopefully Miami will get some of these guys back before Sunday if they’re asymptomatic.

 

[johnmd20]

Gerrid Doaks down with COVID as well.

Miami now down to Duke Johnson, maybe Malcom Brown, and the guy they signed off the street on Monday.

NFL updated its policies yesterday, so hopefully Miami will get some of these guys back before Sunday if they’re asymptomatic.

Gaskin is back to practice.

 

[johnmd20]

To note, Ahmed is also back in action. So the RB room for the Phins is back.